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Art Deco Cameras

Spartus Full-Vue

Specification

Spartus Full-Vue
Spartus Full-Vue
Manufacturer: Spartus
Produced: 1948
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Pseudo Twin Lens Reflex
Construction:Bakelite
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
ImageSize:2¼ x 2¼ in
No. of Images:12
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Length:95mm
Focal Range:8ft - inf.
Aperture Type:fixed
Aperture:f/18
Shutter Type :Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T, I*(1/40s)
Size Open(w x h x d):92 x 173 x 112 mm
Size Closed(w x h x d):92 x 124 x 112 mm
Weight:481g
* Measured on this camera

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Description

This simple Spartus Full-Vue pseudo TLR was made from 1948 to 1960 by American manufacturer Spartus. This model exposes twelve 6 x 6 cm square images on 120 film. The lens of its viewfinder is larger in diameter than its taking lens, giving a bright finder image on the hooded matte screen. Spartus used various metal face-plate designs and plastic moldings over the production period. Early examples were made of Bakelite, although later models may have been other plastics. This model has a thermoset plastic body (Bakelite) but the viewfinder cover is a softer non-thermoset plastic. The Falcon Magni-Vue is a very similar camera but precedes the Spartus Full-Vue.

The shutter is a simple Instant/Time type and there is no aperture adjustment possible. The twin-lens reflex provides a 4 x 4cm sized image on a ground glass viewer. It is fitted with a fixed focus lens. It is usually held at waist level to compose the image. There is a certain amount of parallax error for close-up subjects. It does not have a tripod socket. In 1949 it was improved with a synchronized flash.

How to Use

Find the manual for the flash version of this camera here:- https://www.cameramanuals.org/pdf_files/spartus_full-vue_reflex.pdf

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

As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object. 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 1/40s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/18+2 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/18+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/18Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/18-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/18-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/18-3 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable