Imperial Six-Twenty
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1961 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Plastic |
| Film Type | : | 620 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼ x 2¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 80mm |
| Focal Range | : | 5ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | I*(1/100 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 100 x 87 mm |
| Weight | : | 178g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced Post Art Deco period.
- Moulded Plastic Body.
- Ribbed Body.
- Triple line pattern on facia.
- Contrasting red winding knob
- Concentric spepped circles on winder.
Description
Imperial six-twenty is an all plastic box, with only one speed and a meniscus lens. It shares the majority of its components with the Herbert George Official Girl Scout camera. It is descibed on the front as being a 'Snap Shot Camera'. This simply means that there are no controls other than the shutter release. Early models of this camera had the name 'Herco' on them. This was because prior to 1961, the Imperial Company was known as the Herbert George Company. These early cameras did not have the red winder.
How to Use
This camera takes 620 film which is still available from selected photographic outlets. Although the actual film is the same as 120 film, the spools are different. The 620 spools are slightly shorter and have a smaller diameter. Do not use 120 film in this camera because it will jam and may snap. It is possible to cut down a spool of 120 film to fit or to re-spool some 120 film onto 620 spools in a darkroom or changing bag.
Don't forget to ask for your 620 spool back when getting the film developed.
This camera works best with ISO 100/125 film on a sunny day. ISO 160 film like Portra will work well.
This camera supports Instant mode only with a speed of about 1/100 sec. It has a single aperture settings of f/16. With a shutter speed of only 1/100 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 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 1/100s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | Good |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | -1 Stops Underexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -4 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |