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Art Deco Cameras

Hunter Gilbert

Specification


Hunter Gilbert
R.F. Hunter Gilbert - portrait mode
Hunter Gilbert
R.F. Hunter Gilbert - landscape mode
Manufacturer: R.F. Hunter
Produced: 1953
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Metal
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:2¼ x 3¼ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Length:105mm
Focus Range:8ft to inf.
Aperture Type :Variable stops
Aperture :f/11, f/16
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:B,I(1/30 sec and 1/50s)
Size (w x h x d):90 x 120 x 135 mm
Weight:674g

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Description

The Hunter Gilbert is a British-made box camera with an unusual apperance. It was introduced in 1953 by R. F. Hunter, Ltd., a London distribution company that sold cameras under its own brand as well as those of other companies. The Gilbert is made of stainless steel wrapped in snake skin. The lens and viewfinder are formed in a single piece which can be rotated for changing between portrait and landscape.

The camera has a 105mm f/11 lens. There are two metal tabs located above the lens. The left side tab (when looking into the lens) controls the aperture with two settings: "sunny" (f/16) and "dull" (f/11). The tab on the right switches between the two shutter speeds "fast" (1/50) and "slow" (1/30). Flash sync posts are provided on the front. The film advance knob operates a latching system that prevents double exposure. A catch under the film advance knob holds the two parts of the camera together. A red window can be found on the back of the camera while a tripod socket is located on the bottom.

The gilbert camera is described by the manufacturers as "The family holiday camera as suitable for Junior as for father. Success with simplicity. Has features never before incorporated in such a low-priced camera. Fine quality lens, two-speed shutter, no double exposures, all-metal body, 8 pictures on standard 120 roll film. Crocodile and polished chrome finish. British and best. Price Only £3-11s-11d Tax paid"

How to Use

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.

When using the slow shutter speed(1/30s) and perhaps even at 1/50s, 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.

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 1/50s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/16+1 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/16Good
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/11Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/11-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/11-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/11-3 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/30s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/16+2 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/16+1 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/16Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/11Good
Heavy OvercastNonef/11-1 Stops
Underexposed
Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/11-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable