Whitehouse Beacon Two-Twenty Five
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Whitehouse Products Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1945 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Extending Body |
| Construction | : | Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 620 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 2¼ inches |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Double Coated, Colour-corrected Doublet |
| Focal Length | : | 70mm |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 5½ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Variable |
| Apertures | : | f/12.5(Dull), f/18(Brite) |
| Shutter Type | : | Fixed Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/40s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 138 x 100 x 90 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 138 x 100 x 60 mm |
| Weight | : | 404g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Moulded pebbled Bakelite body.
- Curvilinear shape
- Attractively shaped faceplate
- Quad vertical lines on face plate.
- Art Deco lettering
- Chrome highlights.
Description
The Beacon Camera was manufactured in circa 1946 by Whitehouse Products Inc., of Brooklyn New York. This snap-shot camera was constructed of Bakelite with a built-in optical view finder. The Art Deco contours and the use of chrome and shiney black pebble finish Bakelite make this a very attractive camera. This camera has an extending body which telescopes out for taking pictures. The winding knob is made from alloy.
It is capable of capturing twelve exposures on 620 roll film. It is fitted with double coated, colour-corrected doublet lens. The simple instantaneous shutter provides a single Instant speed of 1/40s or Timed(bulb) setting. It has two aperture settings. One labelled 'Dull' (f/12.5) and 'Brite' (f/18)
It features a safety lock shutter to prevent accidental exposures when the camera is closed. There is a large red window to view exposure count. A tripod socket is provided. There is a sliding lock mechanism for the swing-open back.
The camera gets its name from the image size - 2.25 inches.
How to Use
The manual for this camera can be found here :- Whitehouse Beacon Two-Twenty Five manual
This camera takes 620 film which is still available from selected photographic outlets. Although the actual film is the same as 120 film, the spools are different. The 620 spools are slightly shorter and have a smaller diameter. Do not use 120 film in this camera because it will jam and may snap. It is possible to cut down a spool of 120 film to fit or to re-spool some 120 film onto 620 spools in a darkroom or changing bag.
It is advisable to cover the red window except when winding film in low light.
The camera has two aperture settings - One labelled 'Dull'(f/12.5) and 'Brite'(f/18). The measured speed on this camera is 1/40s.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100/125 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern 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 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 | 'Brite'(f/18) | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | 'Brite'(f/18) | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | 'Brite'(f/18) | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | 'Dull'(f/12.5) | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | 'Dull'(f/12.5) | -1 Stops Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | 'Dull'(f/12.5) | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |