Mecaoptic Elola Dep_Box
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Cameras with the last traces of Deco styling
Modest: Subtle and restrained Deco influence
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric Art Deco design printed on chrome front panel;
- Real leather strap.
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Mecaoptic for Elola |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1950 |
| 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 |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 105mm |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/60 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 105 x 132 mm |
| Weight | : | 416g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Description
The Mecaoptic Dep_Box is a box-type camera manufactured in 1950 for Elola. Elola distributed them to retailers, but also sold directly in the form of pseudo-competitions that gave a theoretical discount of 50% on the usual selling price. The facade has a strong geometric pattern printed on chrome. The metal body is covered in black leatherette but it has a real leather handle. It has two reflecting translucent finders. It features a nickel winder. It is fixed focus with a B/I shutter. It has a red window on the rear. It has no tripod mounts.
The one I have is printed in a copper colour. They also appear printed in black. Some collectors suggest the the copper ones are simply faded black. I am not so sure.
Get a camera like this from Ebay - Mecaoptic Elola Dep_Box
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.
As the shutter speed is only 1/60s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object to get shake free shots. There are no tripod sockets. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
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 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 film - shutter speed 1/60s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
Get Film for this camera from Ebay - 120 film