Coronet Cameo
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Coronet |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1947 |
| Classification | : | Subminiature |
| Body Type | : | Spy |
| Construction | : | Plastic |
| Film Type | : | 16mm rollfilm |
| Film Width | : | 16mm |
| Image Size | : | 18mm x 12mm |
| No. of Images | : | 6 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 25mm |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 5ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Apertures | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Fixed Speed |
| Shutter Speeds | : | I*(1/50s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 53 x 44 x 35 mm |
| Weight | : | 50g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Curvilinear body design.
- Curved raised faceplate with Deco script
- Chrome winder, front viewfinder and rear viewfinder slide.
Description
The Coronet Cameo was a post-war attempt to recreate the success of the Coronet Midget. It is a sub-miniature camera made of black plastic with metal alloy fittings and face plate. It was very cheap and only the size of a Yale door key. They are often found warped and cracked. It was produced between 1948 and 1952.
It uses a tiny 16mm film roll and the picture size is 12x18mm. It has a fixed focus f/11 lens and a one speed rotary shutter having a speed of 1/25s.
Focusing is fixed and it has a pull-up eye-level direct viewfinder. The rear sight of the viewfinder slides up revealing the red window.
How to Use
This camera operates in a similar way to the Coronet Midget. Coronet Midget Manual.
The film is only available as expired film or can be cut down from 120. You will probably have to develop the film by yourself. If you use ISO 100 film, it will be about 2 stops overexposed on a sunny day. However, modern film has sufficient latitude to give pretty good images when overexposed.
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object. 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.
Don't forget to cover the red window except when winding on in reduced light.
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 |
Photographs taken with this Camera
Using Kodak Portra 160 film. Developed in Tetenal.
