Ansco Readyflash
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Cameras with the last traces of Deco styling
Modest: Subtle and restrained Deco influence
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Body covered in black leatherette;
- Curvilinear body design;
- Fine ribbing on viewfinder plate;
- Stepped feature on the lens housing;
- Silver metalic trim to body;
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Ansco |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1953 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 620 |
| Film width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 85mm |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/14 |
| Shutter Type | : | Leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/30 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 110 x 90 x 98 mm |
| Weight | : | 336g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Description
The Ansco Readyflash is a very simple viewfinder-type camera with a fixed-focus lens. It has a fixed aperture and single-speed instant shutter. It takes 620 film, giving 8 2¼" x 3¼" exposures on a roll. The lens mount has two flash terminals to attach a flash-bulb unit. The flash unit is synched to the shutter.
The body is a basic sheet-metal box with removable lid locked by a latch on the bottom. It has a plastic fitting carrying the lens, shutter and viewfinder. The red window does not have a cover. There is no tripod mount.
Get a camera like this from Ebay - Ansco Readyflash
How to Use
The manual for this camera can be found here:- Ansco Readyflash manual
This camera takes 620 film which is easily available.
As the shutter speed is only 1/30s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your head.
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 1/30s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +2 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/14 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/14 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/14 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
Get Film for this camera from Ebay - 620 film