Difference between revisions of "Ansco Titan"

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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/markgurnicz/5388627353/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/stealw0rker/5483300851/in/pool-camerawiki
|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5388627353_0cbbb983ee.jpg
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|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5483300851_b01f3b9c73.jpg
|image_align= right
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|image_text= Ansco Titan, c.1949
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|image_text= Ansco Titan
|image_by= markgurnicz
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|image_by= stealw0rker
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
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[[Ansco]] introduced this nicely-finished 6x6 folder for 120 film in the latter half of 1948<ref name= "wards">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/5518684882/ Ansco Titan catalog description] in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/5518683656/ 1948 Montgomery Ward Photographic Catalog] notes "Do not order before July 15th." </ref>. While generally similar to the  Ansco Standard Speedex & Speedex 6.3, this was decidedly an upmarket model: Advertised alongside other folders costing USD $20 to $50, its $96.86 price was surprisingly high<ref name= "wards"/>. (In 2011 dollars this would equal about $885<ref>[http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm Inflation calculator] from [http://www.bls.gov/home.htm US Bureau of Labor Statistics]</ref>.) The specs offered a 90mm f/4.5 anastigmat lens; a range of shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/400 sec.; and flash sync built into the shutter using an ASA-style bayonet connector. Nonetheless, this is a [[scale focus]] camera; there is no double-exposure prevention; no self-timer, and no accessory shoe.
  
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Perhaps it was the styling that was meant to justify the premium price. The flared wind knobs and satin-finish cast top plate are undeniably handsome. Also, Ansco created a stylized, color-coded depth of field scale, which adds a nice rainbow splash to the face of the shutter.
  
A nicely-finished [[Ansco]] folder similar to the original [[Ansco Speedex|Standard Speedex]]; but with a satin metal top, an f/4.5 lens, and a wider range of shutter speeds.
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Although Ansco had severed its association with Agfa during the WWII years, by 1952 the company was importing German-built 120-film [[Agfa#Folding 3|Agfa Isolette]] and Record folders, for sale under the Speedex and [[Ansco Viking 6.3|Viking]] brands. Thus, the Titan represents a last hurrah for camera designs originating from the venerable Binghamton, New York, company.
  
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/l-dogg/2626371222/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/5518626690/in/pool-camerawiki
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2626371222_e75ac103d6_m.jpg
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|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5518626690_f49db7994c.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= Color-coded depth of field indicator
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|image_by= Voxphoto
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|image_rights= non-commercial
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/5518626996/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5518626996_6522e6f47c.jpg
 
|image_align= left
 
|image_align= left
|image_text= Ansco Titan with ASA flash sync post;<br>this example missing a top knob
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|image_text= Detail of polished metal top
|image_by= PhotographerCreditHere
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|image_by= Voxphoto
|image_rights= with permission
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|image_rights= non-commercial
 
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[[Category:Ansco]] [[Category:USA]] [[Category:6x6]] [[Category:A]]
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==Notes & References==
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<references/>
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[[Category:Ansco]] [[Category:USA]] [[Category:6x6]] [[Category:6x6 viewfinder folding]] [[Category:A]]
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[[Category:1948]]

Revision as of 14:40, 18 March 2018


Ansco introduced this nicely-finished 6x6 folder for 120 film in the latter half of 1948[1]. While generally similar to the Ansco Standard Speedex & Speedex 6.3, this was decidedly an upmarket model: Advertised alongside other folders costing USD $20 to $50, its $96.86 price was surprisingly high[1]. (In 2011 dollars this would equal about $885[2].) The specs offered a 90mm f/4.5 anastigmat lens; a range of shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/400 sec.; and flash sync built into the shutter using an ASA-style bayonet connector. Nonetheless, this is a scale focus camera; there is no double-exposure prevention; no self-timer, and no accessory shoe.

Perhaps it was the styling that was meant to justify the premium price. The flared wind knobs and satin-finish cast top plate are undeniably handsome. Also, Ansco created a stylized, color-coded depth of field scale, which adds a nice rainbow splash to the face of the shutter.

Although Ansco had severed its association with Agfa during the WWII years, by 1952 the company was importing German-built 120-film Agfa Isolette and Record folders, for sale under the Speedex and Viking brands. Thus, the Titan represents a last hurrah for camera designs originating from the venerable Binghamton, New York, company.


Notes & References