Lumière Lumibox
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Bold, geometric cameras from Deco’s golden age
Significant: Strong and recognisable Deco features
- Produced during the main Art Deco period;
- Enamelled black front plate with engraved chrome diamond
- Diamond patterning on body leatherette;
- Symmetrical face;
- Chrome viewfinder surrounds
- Chrome winder;
- Chrome red window surround
- Other chrome embellishments
- Lumibox logo embossed in rear covering
- Real leather strap with Lumiere embossed
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Lumière |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1934 |
| 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 | : | Double Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 90mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focus Range | : | 2m to inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Variable |
| Aperture | : | f/11, f/16, f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | P(B),I*(1/40 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 80 x 110 x 113 mm |
| Weight | : | 553g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Description
The Lumière Lumibox is a metal bodied box-type camera manufactured from 1934. It is a rather hansome camera. The front is covered by an enamelled black plate on which is engraved a chrome diamond. The metal body is covered in black leatherette having an embossed diamond pattern. It features a real leather handle embossed with the LUMIERE name. It has two reflecting brilliant viewfinders.
The film is advanced by a chrome winder and uses a red window for the frame count. The focus can be varied between 2m and infinity.
The aperture can have one of three values with 1,2 or 3 marked next to the lever. These positions equate to an aperture of f/11(1), f/16(2) and f/22(3).
It has a P(Pose)/I shutter and a connection for a remote cable release. This model has a timer to delay the shutter. The timer can be seen above as the lever with the red dot. It is controller by a switch on the side labelled 'Retardement'.
It has two tripod mounts. One for portrait mode and one for landscape.
This particular camera was sold by Maison RAPHAËL, 44 Canebière, Marseille, as indicated by a label inside.How to Use
The camera has a label inside that recommends Lumière Lumichrome Ultra Rapide. This is no longer available so use any 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.
As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object to get shake free shots. There are no tripod sockets. 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 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 | f/22(3) | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/22(3) | Good |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16(2) | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/11(1) | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11(1) | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/10(1) | -2 Stops Underexposed Un-acceptable |