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Art Deco Cameras

MIOM Rex

Specification

MIOM Rex
MIOM Rex
Manufacturer: M.I.O.M.
Produced: 1936
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Solid Body
Construction:Brown Bakelite
Film Type:127
Film Width:46mm
Image Size:4 x 6 cm
No. of Images:8
Lens Type:Paris Reginor Series IIa
Focal Length:60mm
Focus Type:fixed
Focal Range:8ft - Inf.
Aperture Type :Variable stops
Apertures :f/16, f/22
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:P(Bulb), I(1/50s)
Size (w x h x d):135 x 90 x 72 mm
Weight:285g

Art Deco Credentials

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Acceptable: Modest and restricted

Description

Around 1936, MIOM diversified into manufacturing cameras. The first were small simple 4 X 6cm 127 cameras like this Rex but it went on the produce the famous Photax Blindé.

The Rex is made of black or chocolate brown Bakelite. It has a curvilinear design with speckled grain panels. The Paris Reginor Series IIa meniscus lens can be stopped down for f/16 or f/22. The choice of stop is made by moving a small sliding nipple underneath the lens. It has a simple T/I shutter with a rather snazzy lever above the lens marked 'P' (bulb) and 'I'. The film plane is curved. The viewfinder is a reverse Galelean type. It has a red window in the centre of the back. It has a tripod mount on the bottom.

How to Use

This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.

The Rex supports instant(I) mode with a speed of about 1/50 sec. It has two aperture settings of f/16 and f/22. With a shutter speed of only 1/50 sec, make sure you brace the camera against your face or something solid and press the shutter smoothly to avoid camera shake. Don't forget to cover the red window with black tape as modern films are sensitive the red light. Only remove the tape when advancing the film in subdued light.

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 1/50s.

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 with a low ISO value.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/22+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/22Good
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/16Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/16-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/16-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/16-3 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable