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Art Deco Cameras

Goldstein Goldy

Specification

Goldstein Goldy
Goldstein Goldy
Manufacturer: Goldstein
Produced: 1947
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Box
Construction:Cardboard, metal, wood
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:2¼" x 3¼"
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focal Length:105mm
Focus Type:Fixed
Focal Range:10ft - Inf.
Aperture Type :fixed
Apertures :f/16, f/22 *
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:T/I*(1/50s)
Size (w x h x d):80 x 105 x 118 mm
Weight:400g
* Educated Guess

Art Deco Credentials

star star
Acceptable: Modest and restricted

Description

The Goldy was made in France after World War II. It was a popular camera and a huge success. The box is made of cardboard but the film transport system is made from pressed steel. It was originality manufactured in several colors and was available in black, red, green, blue, havana, burgundy and white. It took 8 2¼" x 3¼" (6cm x 9cm) pictures on popular 120 film.

There were many variations of this camera, some supporting flash. The covering varied including canvas, small grain and large grain leatherette. The handle varied too with both straight or slant-wise and cardboard or leather.

This model has a T/I shutter. The time mode (POSE) is selected by pulling out a tab on the side. The shutter is operated by a lever (DECLENCHEUR) on the side control panel. Another tab (FILTRE) is used to select a yellow filter. It has two aperture settings, actuated by another tab (DIAPHRAGME) on the side.

It has two waist level viewfinders for portrait and landscape. Each is constructed with a lens, mirror and matte screen for viewing. Film advance is by turn-key and red window.

There are no tripod sockets.

How to Use

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available. It has a two aperture settings of probably f/16 (tab in) and f/22 (tab out). The speed is probably 1/50s. I haven't found documentation to verify the speed and apertures, and the example I have is jammed. I have therefore made an educated guess for these values.

The yellow filter is often used to produce more contrast between clouds and blue sky when B/W film is being used. It will reduce exposure by about 1 stop.

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 ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/22+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/22Good
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/16Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/16-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/16-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/16-3 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable