Bilora Boy
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Bilora |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1949 - 1950 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film Width | : | 46mm |
| Image Size | : | 40 x 65 mm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 60mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focus Range | : | 10ft to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,I*(1/100 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 75 x 100 x 78mm |
| Weight | : | 240g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Concentric circles around lens;
- Symmetrical curvilinear shape
- Streamline Moderne design
- Concentric circles on the curvilinear winder;
- Two-tone plastic used.
- Impressed curvilinear design on sides.
Description
The Bilora Boy Box camera was manufactured by the Kurbi & Niggeloh Company of Radevormwald/RHLD, Germany. This camera is capable of capturing 4 X 6.5 cm exposures on no. 127 roll film. It is made of Bakelite and shows a Streamline Moderne design. It has a fixed focus lens with a single aperture of f/16. It has a simple time and instantaneous shutter. It has a single Galilean finder. It has a threaded shutter release to accept a cable release. Film advance is by red window. There is no tripod socket. The camera is opened by rotating a release on the rear of the camera and removing the back section.
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'.
As the shutter speed is only 1/100s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object to get shake free images. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your face.
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 1/100s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | Good |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -4 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
Using ISO 400 film - shutter speed 1/100s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunny Snow/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/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
| Open Shade /Sunset | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |