Spartus Folding

Specification

Art Deco Credentials

Significant: Pronounced and self evident

I consider this camera to warrant 4 stars for the following attributes:

• produced during the main Art Deco period
• Art Deco Streamline Moderne design
• Bakelite body
• linear raised striped pattern on Bakelite front
• linear raised striped and circular pattern on Bakelite rear
• chrome struts, table stand and latches for the back
• aluminium winder
• linear striped pattern on metal faceplate
• curved body enhancing the streamline effect
• camera name has Art Deco lettering.

Description

The Spartus Folding Camera was manufactured by the Spartus Camera Corp. of Chicago from 1940. It was designed to be an inexpensive and simple to operate camera. It is capable of capturing eight 1 5/8 x 2 1/2 inch (4.5 x 6cm) exposures on standard No. 127 roll film in colour or black-and-white. It is constructed of Bakelite with a metal folding view finder. The metal lens plate folds out on struts when the release button is pressed.

It has a simple T/I shutter for both snapshots and time exposure. It has a fold out table stand for time exposures. The f/16 doublet lens can be stopped down to f/22 by shifting a lever behind the faceplate.

How to Use

Find the User Manual for the Spartus Folding Camera here.

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'.