Coronet F-20 Coro-Flash
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Coronet |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1950 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Pseudo twin lens reflex box |
| Construction | : | Metal, Plastic |
| Film Type | : | 120/620 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 2¼ |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 75mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Range | : | 7ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | fixed |
| Apertures | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T/I*(1/50s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 95 x 120 x 87 mm |
| Weight | : | 484g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Vertical lines to face in triplets.
- Raised Square design on viewfinder.
- Chrome Highlights
Description
The F-20 Coro-Flash by Coronet is a simple camera made of metal for 6x6 cm exposures. It has a centered viewfinder window and a small folding hood that gives it a pseudo twin lens reflex styling. It was designed to accept either 120 or 620 film sizes. It offers flash sync and is designed to use the Coro-Flash flash unit.
This model has a T/I shutter. The time mode is selected by pulling out a tab on the side. Another tab is used to select the lime green filter to improve nature photography and particularly to darken the sky.
A turn-key on the side releases the other side of the camera to load the film. Film advance is by a knob on the side and exposures are counted using a red window which has a swinging metal cover. The camera has a dual purpose spindle drive and will accept both 120 and 620 formats. It does not have a tripod mount. It normally comes with a poor quality plastic strap.
How to Use
The manual for this camera can be found here: Coronet F20 ManualThis camera takes 120 film which is easily available. It has a single aperture setting at f/16.
The yellow/lime filter is often used to produce more contrast between clouds and blue sky when B/W film is being used. It should not be used for portraits. It can also be useful to reduce exposure by about 1 stop.
A separate 'close-up' lens can be used for subjects between 3ft and 8ft 6in.
With a shutter speed of only 1/50 sec, make sure you brace the camera against your body or something solid and press the shutter smoothly to avoid camera shake.
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 over-exposed by 2 or 3 stops or under-exposed by 1 stop.
The table shown assumes the shutter speed is about 1/50s.
The table also assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day 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 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |