Metropolitan Rival
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Metropolitan Chicago USA |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1930s |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| 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 | : | Variable |
| Apertures | : | f/16, f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T/I*(1/40s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 105 x 118 mm |
| Weight | : | 444g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Checkered design on front plate.
- Large film advance knob
Description
One of the many box cameras from Metropolitan Industries of Chicago, Illinois. It is similar to Metropolitan's Clix, Capitol, Crest, and Pal Jr. "120" models.
This model has a T/I shutter. The time mode is selected by lever on the side. The shutter is a toggle type. Press down for first photo and pull up for next. The speed of the shutter on this camera was measured as 1/30 sec in one direction and 1/50s in the other. It has two aperture settings, f/16 & f/22, actuated by another tab 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. There are some 'Elite' models of these cameras that have bright viewfinders rather than the matte screen type on this camera. Film advance is by turn-knob 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 f/16 (annotated 'Cloudy') and f/22 (annotated 'Sunny'). The speed is about 1/40s.
With a shutter speed of only 1/40 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 1/40s.
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.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/40s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/22 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/22 | Good |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |