Scott's Photographica Collection

Ansco
Light Sources and Exposure Guide

 

Ansco Matchbook Front Cover
Ansco Matchbook Front Cover

Here's a hot marketing concept.  To promote the low-light sensitivity of their new Super Anscochrome Tungsten color film, Ansco created this very original promotional item - an exposure guide and light source for 22 available light exposures.  Ansco suggested using an exposure of 1/5 second at f/2.0 while holding one of their lit matches 6 to 10 inches from the subject's face.  Super Anscochrome Tungsten film, introduced in 1958, had an exposure index of 100 ASA .

Printed on the inside and back of the matchbook are exposure guides for clear flash exposures and household lighting (including candle light).  The matchbook is quite large - measuring 3 1/2 x 4 inches.

The matchbook comes in a foil-lined envelope intended for mailing.  The envelope announces Something HOT from Ansco.  Curiously, patent number 2,189,055 is printed on the envelope.  So I had to see what was patented.   You'll find the patent documents on the Patents page.

 

Ansco Matchbook Opened
Ansco Matchbook Opened

 

Ansco Matchbook Back Cover
Ansco Matchbook Back Cover

 

Mailing Envelope
Matchbook Mailing Envelope

Other Ansco Collectibles

Examples of other Ansco advertising collectibles can be found by following these links:

Links to Ansco cameras on this site:

Various Ansco patents can be found on the Patents page.

 

Home Page
Page created July 4, 2001; updated December 20, 2020