Sears Roebuck Tower One Twenty
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Cameras with the last traces of Deco styling
Limited: Minor and largely incidental Deco elements
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric pattern to front panel;
- Symmetrical pattern on face.
- Image of the Sears Tower on the face.
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Bilora |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1952 - 1955 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 110mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focus Range | : | 6ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/14 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/50 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 89 x 103 x 115mm |
| Weight | : | 525g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Description
The Sears Roebuck Tower One Twenty was manufactured by Bilora, Germany. This camera is capable of capturing 6 X 9 cm exposures on no. 120 roll film.
It has a fixed focus lens ranging from 6ft to infinity. There is a single aperture setting of about f/14. It has a simple time and instantaneous shutter. Framing is accomplished using a reverse telescopic viewfinder. Film advance is by an uncovered red window. There are no tripod mounts.
Get a camera like this from Ebay - Sears Roebuck Tower One Twenty
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets. Modern film is sensitive to red light. There is no cover on the red window so it is advisable to stick black tape over the window. Only uncover when winding on in subdued light.
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 face.
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 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +1 Stop 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 |
Get Film for this camera from Ebay - 120 film