Coronet Crown
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Coronet |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1935 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Cardboard/Metal/Wood/ |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus + Portrait lens |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 105mm |
| Focus Range | : | 8ft to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/14 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | I*(1/40 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 105 x 125 mm |
| Weight | : | 373g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Limited: Minor and insubstantial
- Produced during the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric black and chrome pattern on front plate;
- Chromed viewfinders and highlights
- Chromed S-shaped chromed winder;
- Leatherette embossed with double lined rectangles on top, sides and back;
- Leather strap.
Description
This Chrome camera was made by Coronet. The camera is simply covered in leatherette cloth. The leatherette is embossed with double lined rectangles on the top, side and back. It is basically a cardboard box with the shutter mechanism mounted on a block of wood in the centre of the camera. It has two very small waist level viewfinders, one for portrait and one for landscape images. It has a genuine leather handle. There are no tripod sockets.
It has a simple meniscus lens with an aperture of f/14. It has a built-in portrait lens which is deployed by pulling a tab on the side. The shutter is a toggle type. Press down for first photo and pull up for next. The speed of the shutter on this camera was measured as 1/40 sec. It has a Chromed S-shaped winder to wind on the film. A red window is provided on the rear of the camera to view the frame numbers. It does not have a red widow cover. It takes 8 photos on 120 film.
There are three versions of this camera distiguishable by the viewfinders. The early ones have black painted viewfinders. The next version has chromed viewfinders. The later version has smaller chromed viewfinders.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.
As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, it is advisable to use a tripod with a flat top 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 1/40s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/14 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/14 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/14 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |