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Art Deco Cameras

Gamma Pajtás

Specification

Gamma Pajtás
Gamma Pajtás
Manufacturer: Gamma
Produced: 1955
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Solid Body
Construction:Bakelite
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:6 x 6 cm
No. of Images:12
Lens Type:Achromat
Focal Length:80mm
Focus Type:fixed
Focal Range:8ft - Inf.
Aperture Type :Fixed
Apertures :f/8, f/11, f/16
Shutter Type:Fixed Speed
Shutter Speeds:I*(1/30s)
Size (w x h x d):125 x 98 x 90 mm
Weight:325g
* Measured on this camera

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Description

The Pajtás (meaning "Companion" in Hungarian) is a Bakelite box camera made in Hungary by Gamma Optikai Müvek between 1955 and 1960. From 1960 it was made by Fövárosi Finommechanikai Vállalat (FFV). It is a simple camera with an integrated direct eye-level viewfinder.

Exposure settings can be instantaneous 1/30 (M) or B (T). It has three apertures (f8, f11, f16). The shutter function and apertures are selected via knobs below the 80mm f/8 achromat lens made by Magyar Optikail Müvek (MOM). It produces 12 images on 120 film.

The shutter release has a two position switch. In one position the shutter operates normally. In the other position the shutter is held open in 'T' mode until manually released. It has a tripod socket on the base.

How to Use

Don't forget to cover the red window except when winding on in subdued light.

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available. With a shutter speed of only 1/30 sec, make sure you brace the camera against your head 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 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.

So, on a nice sunny day, it's simplicity itself. Just load film and snap away.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/30s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/16+3 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/16+2 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/16+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
OvercastBarely visiblef/16Good
Heavy OvercastNonef/11Good
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/8Good