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Art Deco Cameras

Zeiss Ikon Baby-Box Tengor

Specification

Zeiss Ikon Baby Box Camera
Zeiss Ikon Baby Box
Manufacturer: Zeiss Ikon
Produced: 1934
Classification:Miniature
Body Type:Box
Construction:Metal
Film Type:127
Film Width:46mm
Image Size:3 x 4 cm
No. of Images:16
Lens Type:Goerz Frontar
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Length:50mm
Focal Range:3m - inf.
Aperture Type :Fixed
Apertures :f/11
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T, I*(1/40s)
Size (w x h x d):70 x 80 x 62 mm
Size incl. viewfinder (w x h x d):70 x 105 x 62 mm
Weight:250g
* Measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

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Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention

I consider this camera to warrant 3 stars for the following attributes:

Description

The Baby-Box is a sweet little camera that you can't help but love. It takes 16 pictures, each 3x4cm, on 127 film. The viewfinder consists of a flip-up rear sight and a wire frame that pulls up out of the front of the camera. On the right-hand side there's a tommy-bar for winding on. There is a tripod mount on the side and the base for portrait and landcape images. It has two red windows. For the first frame you wind until the number 1 appears in the lower window and for the second frame you wind until the number 1 appears in the upper window. You then repeat for 2-8 giving 16 half-frames.

On the side of the camera is the shutter release, a tab for engaging 'B' mode and a tapered cable release socket. Important - The shutter release won't work unless the front frame is pulled up. There is a tripod socket on the base.

How to Use

This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services.

The aperture is f/11. The measured speed on this camera was 1/40s. As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, 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 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.

So, simplicity itself. Just load film and snap away.

Using ISO 100 film - shutter speed 1/40s

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 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable