Tiranty/Coronet Bobox
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Tiranty |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1945 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Metal/Wood |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 x 9 and 6 x 4½ cm |
| No. of Images | : | 8/16 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 104mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focus Range | : | 3m to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/13 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B, I*(1/30 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 75 x 103 x 120 mm |
| Weight | : | 535g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Black enamel on brushed nickel on front plate;
- Geometric design on front plate;
- Embossed geometric detailing in leatherette;
- Chrome film winder;
Description
The BOBOX camera was manufactured by the Tiranty Company located in Paris, France. It was also labeled as a Coronet De Luxe. It was produced in partnership with the Coronet Camera Co. of the UK. The partnership circumvented the import restrictions imposed by the French government after WWII.
The camera is designed for taking eight 6 x 9 cm exposures or sixteen 4½ x 6 cm sized exposures on number 120 roll film. For the smaller sized exposures a film plane mask is required. Unlike the Ensign E20 which has a designated place to store the mask inside the camera, the mask was an add-on that is usually lost. It has two red windows which are used to get 16 exposures from 120 film. The film is advanced until a number appears in the first window and an image is taken. Then the film is advanced until the same number appears in the second window. Then it's back to the first window for the next number.The body of the camera is made from leatherette covered metal. Internally, a wooden block is used to mount the shutter mechanism and viewfinders.
It features a Tiranty meniscus lens and instantaneous shutter. The shutter has two settings: instant or time, although the time setting is more like 'bulb'. There is a tab to pull to switch between instant and time exposures. The film advance is not coupled to the shutter release so double exposure is possible.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.
As the shutter speed is only 1/30s, 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 1/30s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/13 | +3½ Stops Overexposed Not Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/13 | +2½ Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/13 | +1½ Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/13 | +½ Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/13 | -½ Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/13 | -1½ Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |