Hunter Gilbert

Specification

Art Deco Credentials

Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention

• Produced after the main Art Deco period;
• Futuristic design;
• Trapezoidal and circular design elements;
• Stainless steel front and back;
• Snake skin body;

Description

The Hunter Gilbert is a British-made box camera with an unusual apperance. It was introduced in 1953 by R. F. Hunter, Ltd., a London distribution company that sold cameras under its own brand as well as those of other companies. The Gilbert is made of stainless steel wrapped in snake skin. The lens and viewfinder are formed in a single piece which can be rotated for changing between portrait and landscape.

The camera has a 105mm f/11 lens. There are two metal tabs located above the lens. The left side tab (when looking into the lens) controls the aperture with two settings: "sunny" (f/16) and "dull" (f/11). The tab on the right switches between the two shutter speeds "fast" (1/50) and "slow" (1/30). Flash sync posts are provided on the front. The film advance knob operates a latching system that prevents double exposure. A catch under the film advance knob holds the two parts of the camera together. A red window can be found on the back of the camera while a tripod socket is located on the bottom.

The gilbert camera is described by the manufacturers as "The family holiday camera as suitable for Junior as for father. Success with simplicity. Has features never before incorporated in such a low-priced camera. Fine quality lens, two-speed shutter, no double exposures, all-metal body, 8 pictures on standard 120 roll film. Crocodile and polished chrome finish. British and best. Price Only £3-11s-11d Tax paid"

How to Use

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.