Bilora Blitz Box
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Bilora |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1948 - 1954 |
| 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 |
| Focal Length | : | 110mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Aperture | : | f/11 and f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/25 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 83 x 115 x 125mm |
| Weight | : | 520g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Vertical stripes to front panel;
- Concentric circles around lens;
- Raised linear pattern on the winder;
- Chevron pattern on leatherette
- Symmetrical pattern on face.
Description
The Bilora Blitz Box camera was manufactured by the Kurbi & Niggeloh Company of Radevormwald/RHLD, Germany. This camera is capable of capturing 6 X 9 cm exposures on no. 120 roll film. It is made of metal with imitation leather coverings which are embossed with a fine chevron pattern. It's name, 'Blitz', indicates that it features a synchronized flash. It has a fixed focus lens with two aperture settings. On later models adjustable focusing was provided. It has a simple time and instantaneous shutter. There are two brilliant finders, one for portrait and one for landscape. It has a PC type flash connector. A cable release socket can be found on the front of the shutter release button. Film advance is by red window which has a sliding metal cover. It has two tripod sockets. The camera is opened by pressing on two small chrome buttons on either side.
Please note that the folding frame viewfinder seen on the side of this camera was added by the previous owner and is not a standard feature.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.
As the shutter speed is only 1/25s, 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.
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 (May - August) 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 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | Good |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |