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Art Deco Cameras

Montanus DelMonta

Specification

Montanus DelMonta
Montanus DelMonta
 
Manufacturer: Montanus
Produced: 1954 - 1959
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Twin lens reflex
Construction:Metal
Film Type:120
Film Width:62mm
Image Size:6 x 6 cm
No. of Images:12
Lens Type:Pluscanar Anastigmat
Focal Length:75mm
Focus Type:Variable
Focal Range:4ft - inf.
Aperture Type :Iris
Apertures :f/3.5 - f/22
Shutter Type:Velio
Shutter Speeds:T,B, I(1/200s - 1/10s)
Size Open (w x h x d):98  x 202 x 97 mm
Size Closed (w x h x d):98 x 148 x 97 mm
Weight:663g

Description

The Delmonta is a Twin Lens Reflex camera made out of metal and plastic. It takes 12, 6cm square, images on 120 film. The large viewfinder lens (f/3.2) produces a bright image on the ground glass screen. There is a magnifying glass that can be flipped into place to check focussing. The front of the viewfinder also drops down to produce a simple 'sports finder'. It was also sold as the Atlantic Olympia in Sweden.

A large knob on the left hand side of the camera is used for focussing. When this is turned, a plate that supports the main lens and the viewfinder lens moves forward and backward to achieve focus. The focus dial has markings indicating the depth of field for various aperture settings. The aperture range is f/3.5 to f/22. It can focus between 4ft and infinity.

The Velio shutter is capable of shutter speeds varying from 1/200s down to 1/10s. The shutter has to be set before it is released. The shutter release is not coupled to the frame advance, so double exposure is possible. It has a screwed terminal to accept a cable release.

The camera supports flash photos with a pc socket for synchronization.

Under the shutter release button, there is a special housing to store an additional exposed or unexposed film.

Film advance is indicated by a red window which has a sliding cover.

How to Use

The highest speed (1/200s) is probably no longer accurate and may run slow. This would lead to overexposure.

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.

If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.

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 100/125 film

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailShutter Speed (s)
1/251/501/100
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
--f/22
SunnyDistinct-f/22f/16
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/22f/16f/11
OvercastBarely visiblef/16f/11f/8
Heavy OvercastNonef/11f/8f/5.6
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/8f/5.6f/4

Photographs taken with this Camera

Using Ilford FP4+ 120 film. Developed in D76(1+1)

Whitchurch Library Cardiff
Whitchurch Library, Cardiff, Wales
Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, UK
Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, Wales
Big Wheel Cardiff Bay, Wales
Big Wheel, Cardiff Bay, Wales
Cardiff Barrage Sluice, Wales
Cardiff Barrage Sluice, Wales