Bencini Koroll
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | C.M.F. Bencini |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1951 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Extending Body |
| Construction | : | Cast Aluminium |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼x2¼ / 2¼x1¾" |
| No. of Images | : | 12/16 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Front focusing |
| Focal Length | : | 90mm |
| Focal Range | : | 6ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Guillotine type |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B & I(1/50s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 132 x 90 x 100 mm |
| Size Closed(w x h x d) | : | 132 x 90 x 70 mm |
| Weight | : | 453g |
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Designed after the main Art Deco period;
- Polished aluminium body;
- Chrome lens barrel;
- Dual straight knurled pattern on lens barrel;
- Angular body top;
- Dual straight knurled alloy film advance knob.
- Dual straight knurled alloy film retaining knob.
- Concentric circles on table stand.
Description
The Bencini Koroll was made by CMF Bencini in Milan, Italy. It is solidly built from polished metal castings with a sheet metal back. It is a larger version of the 127 film Bencini Comet range.
It uses a sliding tube system. The tube need to be extended to use the camera. If the tube is not fully extended and locked by turning, the shutter will not fire.
It is a viewfinder camera and is fitted with a 90mm meniscus lens and instantaneous & time shutter. The time function operates as 'Bulb'. The shutter release, which is on the body, is threaded to allow for the connection of a remote shutter release cable. The shutter function selector is unusual in that it is a tab that is pulled out from the lens barrel.
This camera is capable of capturing 12 square frame exposures (2¼x2¼) or 16 half frame exposures (2¼x1¾") on 120 film. It has a swivelling red window that can select the 12 frame film markings or the 16 frame film markings. When the smaller frame is required, two masks are inserted into the rear of the camera to reduce the size of the frame. These masks have usually been lost. 😞
It is a front focussing camera giving focus down to 6ft. A tripod mount is provided. The viewfinder is very small, the eye piece being only 5mm across. There is a swivelling table stand on the bottom of the camera.
How to Use
Find the manual for the Bencini Koroll camera here :- Bencini Koroll Manual.
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets. Don't forget to cover the red windows with black tape except when advancing the film in low light. Modern film is sensitive to red light.
This camera supports Bulb mode and Instant with a nominal speed of about 1/50 sec. It has a single aperture settings of f/11.
With a shutter speed of only 1/50 sec, make sure you brace the camera against your face or something solid and press the shutter smoothly to avoid camera shake.
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 over-exposed by 2 or 3 stops or under-exposed by 1 stop.
The table assumes 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.
So, on a nice sunny day, it's simplicity itself. Just load film and snap away.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/11 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/11 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/11 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |