Bilora Box
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Bilora |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1946 |
| 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 | : | 90mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Aperture | : | f/11 and f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/50 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 83 x 115 x 125mm |
| Weight | : | 500g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Front panel in black & chrome;
- Diamond pattern to front panel;
- Bright metal winder.
Description
The Bilora Box camera was manufactured by the Kurbi & Niggeloh Company of Radevormwald/RHLD, Germany from 1935. This 1946 post-war version of the camera is capable of capturing 6 X 9 cm exposures on 120 roll film. It is made of metal with imitation leather coverings. It has a fixed focus lens with two aperture settings. It has a simple time and instantaneous shutter.
There are two brilliant finders, one for portrait and one for landscape. A cable release socket can be found under the shutter release lever. Film advance is by red window which has a sliding metal cover. The red window has a cross cut-out but I have no idea why. It has two tripod sockets. The camera is opened by pressing on two small chrome buttons on either side.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, 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 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 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 |