Franka Solida III

Specification

Manufacturer	:	Franka Kamera Werk, Bavaria, Germany
Produced	:	c 1951
Classification	:	Medium Format
Body Type	:	Folding Bed
Bellows Deployment	:	Self Erecting
Construction	:	Metal
Film Type	:	120
Film Width	:	62mm
Image Size	:	2¼ x 3¼ in, (6x6 cm)
No. of Images	:	8
Lens Type	:	Schneider-Kreuznach Radionar
Focal Length	:	80mm
Focus Type	:	Variable
Focal Range	:	3.5ft - inf.
Aperture Type	:	10 blade iris
Aperture	:	f/2.9 - f/22
Shutter Type	:	5 Leaf
Shutter Speeds	:	B, I(1 - 1⁄250 sec)
Size Open (w x h x d)	:	140 x 98 x 112 mm
Size Closed (w x h x d)	:	140 x 98 x 45 mm
Weight	:	593g

Description

The Franka Solida, as the name suggests, is a solid, compact and simply fun folder that takes 6x6 pictures on 120 rollfilm. It was made by Franka Kamera Werk in the Bavaria region of Germany. Franka Solida cameras were kind of middle-of-the road consumer folders, often outfitted with inexpensive 3-element lenses like Enna Ennagon and Schneider Radionar. This is a well made camera having a metal body covered with black leatherette.

The lens is a Schneider-Kreuznach Radionar with a maximum aperture of f/2.9. It can be stopped down to f/22. The lens can be focussed between 3.5 feet and infinity. There is a scale to show what the depth of field will be depending on the aperture stop.

The shutter is a Prontor-S. It has a range of shutter speeds ranging from 1 second down to 1/250th of a second. It also benefits from a delay timer. The shutter release is on the body of the camera but it has to be wound on and primed before it will fire. There is a cable release socket.

It has a cold accessory shoe with a PC connection for synchronous flash photography.

The red window has a sliding cover. There is a settable reminder dial on the winder so you can remember what film is inside.

The handle is on the end of the camera and underneath there is a sliding knob which allows access to the film compartment. It has a table stand and a tripod mount for landscapes.

How to Use

Find the manual for the range of Solida III cameras here:- Basic Solida III Manual. It is not the same camera as the one documented, but the main funcions are the same.

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available. It supports Timed mode and Instant with a range of speeds from 1 second down to 1/250th of a second. It has a aperture settings ranging from f/2.9 to f/22. With slow shutter speeds make sure you brace the camera against your face and press the shutter smoothly to avoid camera shake. Alternatively use a tripod or the table stand. Cover the red window except for winding on in subdued light.