Gevaert Gevabox 6x9
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Gevaert |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1951 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 x 9 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 110mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Range | : | 1.5m - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Apertures | : | f/8, f/11, f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/100s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 110 x 126 mm |
| Weight | : | 570g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
I consider this camera to warrant 2 stars for the following attributes:
- produced after the main Art Deco period
- chrome edges to body
- rounded body corners alluding to Streamline Moderne
- chrome lens plate
- chrome embellishments to viewfinders, control knobs and other fittings
- stepped circular surround to lens
- symmetrical face
Description
A rectangular metal box-camera with curved chrome edges. Capable of taking 6x9 images on 120 film. The camera was made from for Gevaert by Hermann Wolf GmbH, Wuppertal, Germany from around 1951.
Single-speed + B shutter actuated by a push button on the side. Film advance is not linked to the shutter so double exposure is possible. The shutter release button is threaded to allow for the use of a cable release. The nominal shutter speed is 1/50s but on this camera it measured 1/100s. The lens has an f8 aperture but can be stopped down to f/11 & f/16, The front focussing gives a range from 5ft to infinity.
The two waist-level brilliant viewfinders allow for landscape and portrait formats. Film advance control is via red window. A sliding knob on the side gives access to the film transport system. The side of the camera is removed to load the film. It has two tripod mounts for landscape and portrait. There are two synchronised flash connection points on the base of the camera. There is another version with flash contacts on the top.
How to Use
The User Manual for this camera is found here:- http://www.cameramanuals.org/pdf_files/gevaert_gevabox.pdf
This camera takes 120 film which is widely available. It is advisable to cover the red window except when winding film in low light.
The aperture choice is f/8, f/11 or f/16. The measured speed on this camera was 1/100s. As the shutter speed is only 1/100s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern 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 1/100s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | Good |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/11 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/8 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/8 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |