Coronet Midget
Coronet Camera Company
| Name: | Coronet Midget |
| Manufacturer: | Coronet Camera Company |
| Country of Origin: | United Kingdom (Birmingham) |
| Construction: | Bakelite moulding, with hinged rear access to film chamber |
| Plate / Film Size: | 16mm rollfilm |
| Lens: | Taylor Hobson Meniscus f10 |
| Shutter: | Simple single speed (1/30th) |
| Movements: | None |
| Dimensions (w x h x l): | |
| Production Period: |
The camera was available in a variety of colours and there are a number of design variations. It is the most sought after camera that was made by Coronet.
These cameras were also made available through premium schemes.
| Model / Variant: | Black (chrome plate / dome shaped winder) |
| Date of this Example: | c1930 |
| Serial Number: | None |
| Availability: |
|
| Inventory Number: | 72 |
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Description
Standard black model, with round knurled winder and standard front plate. This camera came with a red pouch case and an original box of Coronet film. This contains two films still - one exposed and the other not.
In very good condition with only minor degradation in the front plate finish or the viewfinder. Very clean & bright inside.
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| Model / Variant: | Red (red with black speckle / chrome plate / dome shaped winder) |
| Date of this Example: | c1930 |
| Serial Number: | None |
| Availability: |
|
| Inventory Number: | 366 |
Description
Red model, with dome-shaped winder and standard front plate (chrome finish). This is the less common red / black finish (as opposed to the red / orange).
The plate is in pretty good condition, and the viewfinder window is also in good order. The viewfinder window and safety slide show only very slight signs of tarnish. The chrome plating on the hinge is still bright. No obvious damage to the bakelite itself.
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| Model / Variant: | Red (red with orange speckle / brass plate / dome shaped winder) |
| Date of this Example: | c1930 |
| Serial Number: | None |
| Availability: |
|
| Inventory Number: | 390 |
Description
Red model, with dome-shaped winder and standard front plate (brass finish). This is the more common red / orange finish (as opposed to the red / black). The plate is in good condition, and the viewfinder window is also in good order. No obvious damage to the bakelite itself.
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| Model / Variant: | Green (bright green / chrome plate / D shaped winder / raised viewfinder window) |
| Date of this Example: | c1930 |
| Serial Number: | None |
| Availability: |
|
| Inventory Number: | 447 |
Description
Bright green model, with D-shaped winder and standard front plate (chrome finish) and raised viewfinder window.
This is the relatively common bright green finish (as opposed to the olive). The plate is in good condition and the viewfinder window is also in good order although tarnished / dirty. No obvious damage to the bakelite itself. Came with original box, although this has lost its top flap.
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| Model / Variant: | Brown (brown with black speckle / chrome plate / D-shaped winder) |
| Date of this Example: | c1930 |
| Serial Number: | None |
| Availability: |
|
| Inventory Number: | 228 |
Description
Brown model, with D-shaped winder and standard front plate (chrome finish). The plate is in good condition, but the viewfinder window is a little tarnished. Has one empty spools inside. No obvious damage to the bakelite itself. The film winder seems to be rather loose and a little erratic in its operation.
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| Model / Variant: | Blue (chrome plate / D-shaped winder) |
| Date of this Example: | c1930 |
| Serial Number: | None |
| Availability: |
|
| Inventory Number: | 347 |
Description
Blue model, with D-shaped winder and standard front plate (chrome finish). The plate is in good condition, and the viewfinder window is also in good order. No obvious damage to the bakelite itself.
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Notes
About 1 in 3 examples that turn up with have its original case. About half of those may also have the remains of the original packaging and/or instructions. Note that it is quite common that the colour of the pouch case does not match that of the camera.
The order of rarity of these cameras is a matter of some debate, not least as serious collectors also take into consideration the style of winder, viewfinder, number of tabs etc. However, in my experience the order in terms of colour alone goes (from least to most scarce): black, brown, lime green, red / orange, olive green, red / black, blue.
Look out for damage to the bakelite. Chips are common around the screws on the front face (one or more of which may also be missing) and also on the hinged back.
Most examples that turn up have two tabs at the top of the hinged back. There are examples with only one tab and apparently some with no tabs at all and apparently, some with three tabs (but I have never seen one).