farlymac
PF McFarland
Found this in an antique store for $8.
Bertram Chrolon Cased by br1078phot, on Flickr
Manufactured by Ernst & Wilhem Bertram in Munich, Germany (makers of the BEWI line of meters) during the early 1950's. Some references say '54-'56, but I've seen a Willoughbys advert from '53, priced at $19.95.
Bertram Chrolon Case Open by br1078phot, on Flickr
The case is in good shape, but the hinge has broken, and the only thing holding the two halves together is the zipper pull. The zipper is also separating from the lower half.
Bertram Chrolon Mount by br1078phot, on Flickr
The meter is retained in the case by a post and pin arrangement. The model number is on the back (355).
Bertram Chrolon Cell Doors by br1078phot, on Flickr
The selenium cell is covered by flip-out doors that open automatically when you hit the cover release button.
Bertram Chrolon Open by br1078phot, on Flickr
Just above the clasp you can see the release button for the meter cover. On the clasp, there is a button-hole tab so you can wear this on you shirt or jacket. As with most meters back then, there are also scales for cine application. At either end of the EV needle scale are the actuating pins that open and close the cell doors.
Bertram Chrolon Profile by br1078phot, on Flickr
Showing how the cell doors open. You can also see the actuating pins better.
Bertram Chrolon Dial Detail by br1078phot, on Flickr
This is Model 355 for the US market, so it has the DIN, Scheiner, and ASA scales for film speed setting. The European f stops are also represented above the modern stop scale. The serrated dial below the film speed dial controls the EV number displayed, and moves the shutter speed scale to align with the proper aperture. There are two nub pins on the film speed dial to change that setting with your fingernails.
PF
Bertram Chrolon Cased by br1078phot, on Flickr
Manufactured by Ernst & Wilhem Bertram in Munich, Germany (makers of the BEWI line of meters) during the early 1950's. Some references say '54-'56, but I've seen a Willoughbys advert from '53, priced at $19.95.
Bertram Chrolon Case Open by br1078phot, on Flickr
The case is in good shape, but the hinge has broken, and the only thing holding the two halves together is the zipper pull. The zipper is also separating from the lower half.
Bertram Chrolon Mount by br1078phot, on Flickr
The meter is retained in the case by a post and pin arrangement. The model number is on the back (355).
Bertram Chrolon Cell Doors by br1078phot, on Flickr
The selenium cell is covered by flip-out doors that open automatically when you hit the cover release button.
Bertram Chrolon Open by br1078phot, on Flickr
Just above the clasp you can see the release button for the meter cover. On the clasp, there is a button-hole tab so you can wear this on you shirt or jacket. As with most meters back then, there are also scales for cine application. At either end of the EV needle scale are the actuating pins that open and close the cell doors.
Bertram Chrolon Profile by br1078phot, on Flickr
Showing how the cell doors open. You can also see the actuating pins better.
Bertram Chrolon Dial Detail by br1078phot, on Flickr
This is Model 355 for the US market, so it has the DIN, Scheiner, and ASA scales for film speed setting. The European f stops are also represented above the modern stop scale. The serrated dial below the film speed dial controls the EV number displayed, and moves the shutter speed scale to align with the proper aperture. There are two nub pins on the film speed dial to change that setting with your fingernails.
PF
alienmeatsack
Well-known
That is a really cool looking meter. Also looks immaculate!
Ranchu
Veteran
Really cool! Reminds me of a Bugatti. Do you have pics showing the door mechanism and the cell?
farlymac
PF McFarland
I'm not about to open a working meter. Too many things can go wrong.
My best guess is the pins ride on a sloped piece that is attached to the doors by a lever, and is spring loaded. As the pins are driven down by the meter cap, they push the sloped piece back towards the spring, and the levers pull the doors closed. Release the pins when the meter cap snaps open, and the spring drives the sloped piece back towards the cell doors, swinging them open again.
Not much to see of the cell but a flat surface with a baffle in the middle of the opening.
One of the techs I showed it to at the photo lab said it looked like a tiny land mine.
PF
Ranchu
Veteran
Oh, no, I wouldn't ask you to do that! I just meant a pic like the one from the front, but with the doors open. No big deal though!
farlymac
PF McFarland
I have one, but I didn't think it would be of interest to anyone. You've proved me wrong.
PF
PF
Ranchu
Veteran
It's also cool the way the meter is keyed into the case.
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