Difference between revisions of "Vokar A"
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The '''Vokar A''' was the first camera model produced by the firm, [[Vokar|Electronic Products Mfg. Co.]]. (The company was later and better known for their metal rangefinder [[Vokar I]] of 1946.) | The '''Vokar A''' was the first camera model produced by the firm, [[Vokar|Electronic Products Mfg. Co.]]. (The company was later and better known for their metal rangefinder [[Vokar I]] of 1946.) | ||
| − | This simple Bakelite folder was introduced in late 1939 or early 1940. The camera is notable for two unusual features: The bottom-mounted wind knobs, and the "Variocoupled" exposure control. The latter linked shutter and aperture settings into a primitive manual version of programmed exposure, and was set along the bottom of the lens according to a scale "dull" to "bright" . Despite the advertisement's mis-statement that the camera made 8 exposures on 120 film, the 6x6 format would imply 12. Popular Photography's 1940 equipment directory listed its specs as, 75mm f/6.3 triplet lens; 1/25 to 1/100 sec. shutter speeds; 3.5 feet to infinity focus range <ref>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/5511438231/in/pool-camerawiki Vokar] in ''Popular Photography 1940 Directory of Photographic Equipment'' pg. 134 (supplement to May, 1940 ''Popular Photography'' magazine)</ref>. | + | This simple Bakelite folder was introduced in late 1939<ref>"The new 'Vokar' is to be put on the market in early November… " ''Minicam'' magazine, November 1939, pg. 144.</ref> or early 1940. The camera is notable for two unusual features: The bottom-mounted wind knobs, and the "Variocoupled" exposure control. The latter linked shutter and aperture settings into a primitive manual version of programmed exposure, and was set along the bottom of the lens according to a scale "dull" to "bright" . Despite the advertisement's mis-statement that the camera made 8 exposures on 120 film, the 6x6 format would imply 12. Popular Photography's 1940 equipment directory listed its specs as, 75mm f/6.3 triplet lens; 1/25 to 1/100 sec. shutter speeds; 3.5 feet to infinity focus range <ref>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/5511438231/in/pool-camerawiki Vokar] in ''Popular Photography 1940 Directory of Photographic Equipment'' pg. 134 (supplement to May, 1940 ''Popular Photography'' magazine)</ref>. |
| − | This camera was not originally identified as "Vokar A"; but | + | This camera was not originally identified as "Vokar A"; but distinguishes this model from the later [[Vokar B]] which had metal top & bottom plates, and a top-mounted wind knob. In 1941 the Montogomery Ward catalog offered a version of the Vokar A under their own branding. |
Revision as of 21:17, 25 March 2011
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The Vokar A was the first camera model produced by the firm, Electronic Products Mfg. Co.. (The company was later and better known for their metal rangefinder Vokar I of 1946.)
This simple Bakelite folder was introduced in late 1939[1] or early 1940. The camera is notable for two unusual features: The bottom-mounted wind knobs, and the "Variocoupled" exposure control. The latter linked shutter and aperture settings into a primitive manual version of programmed exposure, and was set along the bottom of the lens according to a scale "dull" to "bright" . Despite the advertisement's mis-statement that the camera made 8 exposures on 120 film, the 6x6 format would imply 12. Popular Photography's 1940 equipment directory listed its specs as, 75mm f/6.3 triplet lens; 1/25 to 1/100 sec. shutter speeds; 3.5 feet to infinity focus range [2].
This camera was not originally identified as "Vokar A"; but distinguishes this model from the later Vokar B which had metal top & bottom plates, and a top-mounted wind knob. In 1941 the Montogomery Ward catalog offered a version of the Vokar A under their own branding.
Notes & References
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| Vokar folder advertised in April, 1940 Popular Photography magazine pg. 96 image by scan courtesy Voxphoto (Image rights) |
