Ilford Craftsman

Specification

Ilford Craftsman

Manufacturer	:	Ilford
Produced	:	1949
Classification	:	Medium Format
Body Type	:	Pseudo Twin Lens Reflex
Construction	:	Bakelite/Metal
Film Type	:	120 or 620
Film Width	:	62mm
Image Size	:	2¼ x2 ¼ in
No. of Images	:	12
Lens Type	:	Ilford
Focal Length	:	95mm
Focus Type	:	Variable
Focus Range	:	4ft to inf
Aperture Type	:	Multihole
Aperture	:	f/9, f/18
Shutter Type	:	Everset
Shutter Speeds	:	B,I(1/25, 1/75 sec)
Size (w x h x d)	:	88 x 110 x 98 mm
Size - hood up (w x h x d)	:	88 x 167 x 98 mm
Weight	:	620g

Art Deco Credentials

Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention

produced after the main Art Deco period
vertical stripe to front panel
chrome plated and enamel used for front panel.
chrome case latch
bright chrome detailing on viewfinder and knobs
ribbed design on viewfinder cover
raised concentric circles in Bakelite around knobs
symmetrical layout to front

Description

The Craftsman can be described as a pseudo twin lens reflex camera. It isn't a true TLR because the top lens is just part of the viewfinder and does not aid focussing.

It has a leather-grain patterned Bakelite body, with a fixed focus viewing lens and screw-out focussing object lens.

The focus zones are marked 4-5, 5-7, 7-10, 10-20 and 20-infinity feet. There are two knobs on the front giving a choice of f9 and f18 for aperture and for speeds of 1/75s, 1/25s + B. There is flash synchronisation using a two-pin connector on the left side It has a metal viewfinder hood/cover and a chromed vertical-striped front panel. There is a red window with a cover operated by a knob on the lower left of the back. The Craftsman takes twelve 6x6cm images on 120 or 620 film

How to Use

Nominal shutter speeds are 1/25s or 1/75s and aperture choice is f/9 or f/18. These are awkward values for working out exposure.

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 tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.

Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.

For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.

Using ISO 400 film

Weather Conditions	Shadow Detail	Shutter Speed (s)
Weather Conditions	Shadow Detail	1/25	1/75
Sunny Snow/Sand	Dark with sharp edges	-	f/18
Sunny	Distinct	-	f/18
Slight Overcast	Soft around edges	f/18	f/18
Overcast	Barely visible	f/18	f/18
Heavy Overcast	None	f/18	f/9
Open Shade /Sunset	None	f/18	f/9