Falcon Minette

Specification

Art Deco Credentials

Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention

• Designed in the main Art Deco period.
• Polished and patterned Bakelite
• Complex geometric designs on body
• Decorative metal faceplate
• Alloy film advance knob

Description

The Falcon Minette camera was sold by the Utility Manufacturing Company of New York from about 1940. The Falcon Minette was an inexpensive candid type camera constructed of heavily molded Bakelite with a decorative metal faceplate indicating the model name. The Art Deco style is shown by the stepped, curvilinear shape of the Bakelite body.

It is a viewfinder camera and is fitted with a Graf meniscus 50mm lens and instantaneous & time shutter. The time function operates as 'Bulb'. This camera is capable of capturing sixteen half frame exposures (3 x 4 cm) on 127 film. A nice feature of this camera is the separate compartment for storing another film.

Similar cameras were sold as the Carlton(Utility Co.), Falcon Miniature(Utility Co.), Monarch Photo Master, Beauta Miniature and others. A surprising number of simple plastic cameras seem to have originated from Chicago and New York. When compared closely, a number of these models (ostensibly coming from different manufacturers) have body styles which look practically identical. It seems quite clear that many of the Chicago/New York camera models emerged from exactly the same set of moulds, casting doubt on the supposed separate identities of their makers. Shown here is the almost identical Monarch Photomaster from Chicago.

How to Use

Find the manual for the similar Falcon Miniature here. Falcon Miniature Manual

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 two red windows are used to get 16 exposures from 127 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. Don't forget to cover the windows with black tape except when advancing the film in low light. Modern film is sensitive to red light.