Lumière Scoutbox
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Lumière |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1935 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 3¼ x 2½ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 90mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 10ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/11 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/50sec) |
| Size[body] (w x h x d) | : | 66 x 95 x 93 mm |
| Weight | : | 444g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Significant: Pronounced and self evident
I consider this camera to warrant 4 stars for the following attributes:
- Designed during the main Art Deco period
- Black and chrome faceplate
- Lined pattern on faceplate
- Striped pattern on body covering
- Concentric circles on aluminium winder.
- Concentric circles on door lock.
- Chromed viewfinder
- Curvilinear shape
Description
This metal bodied camera opens at the side to load the film. The Lumière box 4x6.5 was the 1st Lumière box camera to have a side opening which was subsequently adapted for the Scoutbox cameras.
It has a simple T(P) & I shutter and a single sized aperture. The shutter control has a locking position (S). There is an aluminium knob to wind the film and framing control is by the use of the red window. It has a swinging waist level viewfinder which fits neatly into a recess for storage. The viewfinder is used in the docked position for portrait images but swings out when landscape view is required. It has no Tripod mount. Being made from metal makes this a very sturdy camera. It benefits from a real leather handle with 'Lumière' embossed in it.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from most outlets.
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 in the UK.
This camera has an aperture of f/11 and a measured shutter speed of 1/50s.
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, 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 as you look through the viewfinder.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/11 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/11 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/11 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -2 Stop Underexposed Unacceptable |