1939 / Falcon Miniature / Vintage Camera

The Falcon Miniature is a compact, vintage 1940s camera made by the Utility Manufacturing Company in New York, characterized by its Bakelite molded body with an Art Deco style featuring a decorative metal faceplate. It uses 127 film to capture sixteen half-frame exposures (3 x 4 cm) with a fixed-focus 50mm Graf meniscus lens, fixed aperture of about f/11, and a simple shutter offering roughly 1/25 to 1/60 second speeds plus bulb mode for time exposure. Designed as a candid viewfinder camera, it has two red windows to help correctly advance the film and even includes a compartment for carrying an extra film roll. The Falcon Miniature’s straightforward functionality and unique design make it a sought-after collectible, although its image quality is best suited for small prints and casual use.