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Art Deco Cameras

Lumière Scoutbox

Specification

Lumière Scoutbox (Single Viewfinder)
Lumière Scoutbox (Single Viewfinder)
Manufacturer: Lumière
Produced: 1935
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Metal
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
ImageSize:3¼ x 2½ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:meniscus
Focal Length:90mm
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Range:10ft - inf.
Aperture Type:Fixed
Aperture:f/11
Shutter Type :Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T, I*(1/50sec)
Size[body] (w x h x d):66 x 95 x 93 mm
Weight:444g
* Measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

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Significant: Pronounced and self evident

I consider this camera to warrant 4 stars for the following attributes:

Description

This metal bodied camera opens at the side to load the film. The Lumière box 4x6.5 was the 1st Lumière box camera to have a side opening which was subsequently adapted for the Scoutbox cameras.

It has a simple T(P) & I shutter and a single sized aperture. The shutter control has a locking position (S). There is an aluminium knob to wind the film and framing control is by the use of the red window. It has a swinging waist level viewfinder which fits neatly into a recess for storage. The viewfinder is used in the docked position for portrait images but swings out when landscape view is required. It has no Tripod mount. Being made from metal makes this a very sturdy camera. It benefits from a real leather handle with 'Lumière' embossed in it.

How to Use

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from most outlets.

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 table assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.

This camera has an aperture of f/11 and a measured shutter speed of 1/50s.

As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to try to hold the camera against a wall or other solid object. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body as you look through the viewfinder.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/11+3 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/11+2 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/11+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
OvercastBarely visiblef/11Good
Heavy OvercastNonef/11-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/11-2 Stop
Underexposed
Unacceptable