Lumière Lutac
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Lumière |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1957 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Extending Box |
| Construction | : | Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 620 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 90mm |
| Focal Range | : | 3m - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Aperture | : | f/11; f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B, I(1/25s,1/100s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 163 x 87 x 100 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 163 x 87 x 75 mm |
| Weight | : | 343g |
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Moulded Bakelite body.
- Design shows stepped features.
- Curvilinear shape
- Square chrome extension tube.
- Double-line geometric pattern on face plate.
- Concentric circles on red window shutter.
Description
The camera is similar to a range of cameras having similar design - e.g. Fex-Indo Ultra Himalaya.
This is a 6x9 format camera, 8 images per film, using 620 film. The advance knob of the film is aluminum. There is a second aluminium knob to the right of the box which is secured to a threaded rod which serves as an axel to the supply reel. The objective lens is simply labelled 'LUMIERE' and is a meniscus lens. It has 2 openings on a sliding aperture plate labelled "1" and "2". These were measured as f/11 and f/22.
The shutter has 3 positions: 100, 25 and B (Bulb). The shutter release with a metal head is located on the lens plate. The shutter will not operate unless the lens plate is pulled out.
There is no adjustment of the focus with the objective lens set on the hyperfocal distance to give a clear image between 3 meters and infinity. There is a thread for a tripod.
How to Use
This camera takes 620 film which is still available from selected photographic outlets. Although the actual film is the same as 120 film, the spools are different. The 620 spools are slightly shorter and have a smaller diameter. Do not use 120 film in this camera because it will jam and may snap. It is possible to re-spooling 120 on to 620 spools in a darkroom or changing bag.
Another issue is that the 620 spool must be an old metal type that has a hole right through to take the feed side spindle. Modern plastic spools will not work. So buying 620 is probably not an option you will need to re-spool it yourself. Make sure you use the old type metal spindles.
Don't forget to fully deploy the extension tube.
This camera has two aperture settings labelled '1' (f/11) and '2' (f/22). The available speeds are 1/25s and 1/100s
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.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125
Key: Green - Good exposure; Amber - acceptable exposure; Red - unacceptable exposure. Number of stops over or under shown.
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/22 +2 over | f/22 |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/22 +1 over | f/11 +1 over |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/22 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 +1 over | f/11 -1 under |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | f/11 -2 under |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 -1 under | f/11 -3 under |