Vredeborch Photopia Popular
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Vredeborch |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1952 |
| 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 | : | 90mm |
| Focus Range | : | 3m to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | I*(1/60 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 102 x 125 mm |
| Weight | : | 485g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Patterned leatherette on body;
- Geometric Art Deco front plate;
- Chrome film advance knob.
Description
The Photopia Popular was manufactured by Vredeborch GmbH, Nordenham, Germany. It is part of a series of medium format film box cameras made by this company.
The Photopia Popular has simple controls. The shutter can be operated in Instant(I) mode only. The aperture is set at f/16.
Film is advanced using a knob and the frame number is viewed through a red window on the back. The red window does not have a cover. It has two brilliant viewfinders for both landscape and portrait mode. There are no tripod mounts.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.
As the shutter speed is only 1/60s, it is advisable to use a tripod stand 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 1/60s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -3 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |