Soho Model B
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Soho Ltd |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1935 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Strut |
| Construction | : | Red Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 100mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 6ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Apertures | : | f/14 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/50s) |
| Size Open(w x h x d) | : | 85 x 180 x 118 mm |
| Size Closed(w x h x d) | : | 85 x 180 x 43 mm |
| Weight | : | 460g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Decorative dark red Bakelite with tortoiseshell hue.
- Curvilinear moulding on shutter plate.
- Decorative mouldings to Bakelite body with leather-look finish.
- Chrome used on decorative struts.
- Brass & chrome winder.
- Decorative latch.
- Matching brown/maroon bellows.
Description
The Soho Model B is a 120 roll film camera sold by Soho Ltd. in London, c.1935. It was a strut folder with a single-speed (+T) shutter. Construction is of dark red/maroon Bakelite, which if you look closely, has tortoiseshell markings in it. The colour was described in advertisements as rosewood and it is engraved with lines and patterns. It has chromed metal struts and fittings. It takes 8 6×9cm pictures on 120 film.
The Model B has a fixed-focus meniscus lens in an everset shutter with 'I' for Instant and 'T' for timed. In instant mode, the shutter is tripped alternately up/down for each frame. In timed mode the shutter fires with the shutter lever tripped in either direction. It has a brilliant view-finder that swivels for portrait or landscape. Film advance is indicated by red window and is not coupled to shutter. The camera has two table stands painted maroon. The stand used for portrait mode is offset and is pretty useless when worn due to age, and allows the camera to tilt and even fall.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is widely available.
The aperture is set at about f/14. The measured speed on this camera was 1/50s. As the shutter speed is only 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.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100/125 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 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 Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/14 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/14 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/14 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |