Dacora Daci
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Dacora |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1948 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 2¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 90mm |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 2m-inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | fixed |
| Apertures | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/40s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 90 x 100 mm |
| Weight | : | 371g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
I consider this camera to warrant 2 stars for the following attributes:
- produced after the main Art Deco period
- Art Deco Streamline Moderne design
- moulded metal body with rounded corners
- ribbing to front face
- symmetrical layout to front
- Art Deco lettering on front
Description
The Dacora daci is a medium format box camera made by Dacora and introduced in 1948. The body is made from metal with slightly curved sides and rounded corners. The rounded nature of this camera reflected the Streamline Moderne era in American Art Deco. The camera uses 120 film taking twelve 6x6cm images per roll.
It has a single speed rotary type shutter supporting instant(M) and time(Z) modes. The lens is a meniscus. The aperture is fixed at f/11. The focus range is 4m to infinity. It has a single reflecting viewfinder for waist level operation. The red window at the back has a sliding cover. It has a single tripod mount.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is widely available.
The aperture is f/11. The measured speed on this camera was 1/40s. As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, it is advisable to use a tripod or hold it against a wall or other solid object to get shake-free images. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
I suggest you use ISO 100/125 film
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100/125 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern 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.
Keep the red window covered at all times except when winding on in subdued light.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/40s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/11 | 2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/11 | 1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/11 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | -2 Stop Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |