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Art Deco Cameras

Wirgin Spidex A

Specification


Wirgin Spidex A
Wirgin Spidex A
Manufacturer: Wirgin
Produced: 1935
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Folding Bed
Bellows Deployment:Self Erecting
Construction:Metal
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
ImageSize:2¼ x 3¼ in
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Gewironar Anastigmat
Focal Length:105mm
Focus Type:Variable
Focal Range:7ft - inf.
Aperture Type:Iris
Aperture:f/6.3 - f/22
Shutter Type :2 Leaf
Shutter Speeds:T,B,1/25,1/50,1/100 sec
Size Closed (w x h x d):87 x 160 x 35 mm
Size Open (w x h x d):87 x 160 x 135 mm
Weight:636g

Art Deco Credentials

star star star star
Significant: Pronounced and self evident

Description

The Spidex A is a folding camera made by Wirgin in the 1930s. It takes eight 6 x 9 cm images on 120 roll film. The camera is self-erecting, with a button to release the front next to the frame viewfinder. The lens is a 10.5 cm, f/6.3 Gewironar Anastigmat. Focus is by turning the front lens mount. The focus is adjustable down to 7 feet and slightly below. It has a Stein und Binneweg shutter with speeds 1/25 - 1/100 second, plus 'B' and 'T'.

The main viewfinder is a double frame type. There is also a brilliant finder mounted on the lens standard, which swivels for horizontal and vertical use. There is a sliding button on the back which controls a cover for the red window. The film compartment opens with a small sliding latch, marked with an arrow, under the carrying strap. The camera has two 1/4 inch tripod mounts.

How to Use

Shutter speeds are 1/25s, 1/50s and 1/100s although the accuracy is not guaranteed. The aperture range is f/6.3 to f/22

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.

The results shown in green show perfect exposure. The results shown in amber will give acceptable results. Results in red are unacceptable.

Using ISO 100/125 film

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailShutter Speed (s)
1/251/501/100
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/22f/22f/22
SunnyDistinctf/22f/22f/16
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/22f/16f/11
OvercastBarely visiblef/16f/11f/8
Heavy OvercastNonef/11f/8f/6.3
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/8f/6.3f/6.3