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Art Deco Cameras

Gnome Pixie II

Specification


Gnome Pixie
Gnome Pixie II
Manufacturer: Gnome
Produced: 1951
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Metal
Film Type:620
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:2 x 2 in
No. of Images:12
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focal Length:80 mm
Focus Type:Fixed
Focus Range:10ft to inf
Aperture Type :Fixed
Aperture :f/20
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:B,I*(1/40 sec)
Size (w x h x d):88 x 95 x 96 mm
Size - hood up (w x h x d):88 x 185 x 96 mm
Weight:488g
* Measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

star
Limited: Minor and insubstantial

Description

The Gnome Pixie Flex was made in Wales, UK. It takes twelve 5.3x5.5cm images on 620 film. It has a leatherette covering to the metal body. It has a pop up sports viewfinder. The original Pixie was all black but for this model II, there is an abundance of chrome highlights on the camera.

It is a simple camera with a fixed focus objective lens. The shutter has both Instant and Bulb mode. The shutter function is changed by a small lever on the front of the camera. The chromed shutter release is on the side panel at the front. The shutter makes a reassuring loud 'clunk' when it is activated.

A chromed knob on the side is turned to release the body to load the film. The red window on the rear does not have a cover. There is no tripod mount.

How to Use

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.

Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.

The table assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day (May-August) in the UK.

This camera has an aperture of f/20 and a shutter speed is 1/40s.

As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, it is advisable to try to hold the camera against a wall or other solid object. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/40s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/20+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/20Good
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/20-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
OvercastBarely visiblef/20-2 Stops
Underexposed
Unacceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/20-3 Stops
Underexposed
Unacceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/20-4 Stops
Underexposed
Unacceptable