Nuro Box
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Nuro |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1935 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 100mm |
| Focus Range | : | 8ft to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/14 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/40 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 80 x 115 x 127 mm |
| Weight | : | 400g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced during the main Art Deco period;
- Sunburst pattern on front plate;
- Each side and back embossed with rectangular pattern;
- Front embossed with 'Nuro' in Art Deco font;
- Back embossed with 'Nuro' in Art Deco font;
- Chrome border around the lens(rusted);
- Chrome circles around lens and viewfinders(rusted).
- Bright metal winder(rusted).
- Bright metal door latch(rusted).
Description
This camera is in 'neglected' condition. Manufacturing details are a mystery to me and there is very little information on the web about this camera. It seems to be a rebadged version of the Balda Rollbox. There are other Nuro cameras that also appear to be rebadged versions of Balda Cameras. Another example I have seen is a Nuro Juwella which is almost identical to the Balda Juwella.
Nuro were based in Biggleswade in the UK. Their main business was to manufacture roll films which had previously been imported from Germany. This was to satisfy the growing public interest in photography. At that time, it was the only film that was made 'from start to finish' in Britain. Although all the directors were British, they had a German technical advisor, Dr Ruedel. There were rumours at the time (unsubstantiated) that the Germans were taking aerial photographs of England for later use. This was possibly the reason behind the company slogan of 'NURO films - as British as the flag.' Dr Ruedel was recalled to Germany in 1937. I wonder whether this German technical advisor was from Balda. Was there a relationship between Nuro and Balda? - I don't know.
The covering on the front of this camera is embossed with a 'sunburst' pattern. Each side of the box has a rectangular pattern embossed into the leatherette. Both the front and back of the camera has the name 'NURO' embossed in the leatherette. The box is made of pressed metal which is lined and lacquered in black. Two tripod sockets are provided. The chrome finishing touches to the front of the camera would have made this a very handsome piece.
It has two bright viewfinders, one for portrait and one for landscape images. The lens is a simple meniscus with an aperture of f/14. The shutter is a double acting rotary, so the shutter button returns to its resting position (upwards) once released, without causing double exposure. It has a connection socket for cable release. A lever above the shutter release enables you to select Instantaneous or Timed(bulb) mode. The speed of the shutter on this camera was measured as 1/40 sec. It has an s-shaped knob to wind the film and the film is advanced from frame to frame using the red window.
A fairly unique feature of this camera and the balda Rollbox is the provision of a special key to aid the loading of the film. The key is held in a slot to avoid losing it. It is used to advance and secure the film onto the spool before inserting the film carrier into the camera. Rather neat I think.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.
As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
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.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day (May - August) 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 1/40s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/14 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/14 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/14 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
Photographs taken with this Camera
Don't be fooled by the external state of of old cameras. If the lens is bright and the shutter works, they will take very nice pictures.
