Altissa Box D
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Eho-Altissa |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1948 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 2¼ |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Altissar Periskop |
| Focal Length | : | 70mm |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 5ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Apertures | : | f/8, f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Fixed Speed |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B, I(1/25s)nominal, *1/42s |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 80 x 120 x 75 mm |
| Weight | : | 315g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Identical to the 1938 Altissa Juwel
- Sunburst decoration around lens
- Chrome red window bezel and winder.
- Art Deco font on name plate
- Triangular housing to viewfinder
- Decorative embossed lines in body leatherette
Description
The predecessor of Altissa Box D was the Altissa Juwel which is almost identical. The Juwel was produced from 1938 to 1948 - with the obligatory pause of World War II - and Altissa Box D was its successor from 1948 to 1953. The front is decorated with a sunburst motif. It gets its Art Deco appearance from the 1938 Juwel and even further back from the Altissa Box 200
The camera itself is very striking with the triangular housing to viewfinder. This large viewer is extraordinarily clear. The German word "Durchsichtsucher" means viewfinder which is where the "D" in the name of the camera comes from.
The lens is of the periscopic type and has two meniscus lenses in a symmetrical position on both sides of the shutter and aperture. A sliding tab allows the selection of an aperture of f/8 or f/11. The red window has a metal blind that can be drawn over it. It has a cable release socket. It has a tripod socket in the base.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is widely available.
The aperture choice is f/8 or f/16. The speed quoted on the front of the camera is 1/25s but the measured speed on this camera was 1/42s. As the shutter speed is slow, 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 assuming the stated speed of 1/25s. 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.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/25s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/8 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | Good |
However, the measured speed of this particular camera was 1/42s. This being the case, the table would have to be adjusted as shown.
It is always better to overexpose rather than underexpose so where you have a choice of apertures, one which gives underexposure and one that give overexposure, it is always best to choose the aperture which gives overexposure. Hence the choice of f/8 over f/16 in some cases on the tables.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/42s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunny Snow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
| Overcast | Barely visible | f/8 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Heavy Overcast | None | f/8 | Good |
| Open Shade /Sunset | None | f/8 | -1 Stops Underexposed Acceptable |
Photographs taken with this Camera
These images were taken in May 2019 using Kodak Portra 120 160 film
