Filma 127
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Filma |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1936 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| Image Size | : | 40 x 65 mm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Achromat |
| Focal Length | : | 75mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Guillotine |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,I*(1/60 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 65 x 80 x 82mm |
| Weight | : | 240g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced during the main Art Deco period;
- Curvilinear body shape;
- Streamline Moderne design;
- Stacked Cubes Pattern on leatherette;
- Shiny Black front and back.
Description
A small and beautiful Italian box camera. Filma was founded in Turin in 1935. The front and back are rounded with the front having a bulbous curvilinear shape. The fixed focus achromatic f/11 lens is matched with a guillotine shutter. The shutter has both instant and time functions that are selected using small lever. The waist level reflex viewfinder is above the lens and has a matte viewing screen.
There are two buttons on the side that need to be pressed simultaneously to withdraw the film transport system. It used 127 film giving 8 4.5x6cm images. The film is advanced by a winding key on the side and the frame number is viewed through a red window on the back.
How to Use
This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.
As the shutter speed is only 1/60s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object to get shake free images. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day (May - August) in the UK.
Remember that the exposure guide in the manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/60s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/11 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/11 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/11 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |