APM Vest Pocket
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Amalgamated Photographic Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1924 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Folding Strut |
| Construction | : | Aluminium/steel |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| Image Size | : | 1⅝ x 2⅜ inch |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Kershaw-Anastigmat |
| Focus Type | : | variable |
| Focal Length | : | 89mm |
| Focal Range | : | 3ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/6.3 - f/32 |
| Shutter Type | : | Variable |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, B, I(1/25, 1/50, 1/100) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 70 x 127 x 97 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 70 x 127 x 33 mm |
| Weight | : | 342g |
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Distinctive design of front face.
- Chrome used on struts.
- Heavily embossed leather body covering;
- Chrome used on viewfinder bezel.
Description
The APM Vest Pocket camera is a compact folding strut camera capable of capturing eight 1⅝ x 2⅜ inch exposures on roll film. The camera is constructed of aluminum covered in morocco-grained leather and finished in nickel and black enamel.
It is a basic camera with meniscus lens and an everset shutter. Instant, time and bulb modes are available. It has shutter speeds of 1/100s, 1/50s and 1/25s
The aperture is of iris type and has a continuous range from f/6.3 to f/32
Film advance is by a key. A red window on the back is used as a frame counter.
It has a reflecting type viewfinder mounted above the lens opening behind a hole in the lens standard. For horizontal exposures, the viewfinder can be swung out so that the finder is positioned over the standard. The shutter release lever stands above the lens standard.
The face plate is extended down to act as a stand. There is no tripod mount.
How to Use
This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.
Don't forget to cover the window with black tape except when advancing the film in low light.
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown, using shutter speeds are 1/25s, 1/50s and 1/100s only. 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.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day (May-August) in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | - | f/32 | f/22 |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/32 | f/22 | f/16 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/22 | f/16 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | f/8 | f/6.3 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | f/6.3 | - |