Dorimaflex
The Dorimaflex (ドリマフレックス) is a Japanese 6×6 TLR made in 1952–3 by Tōkyō Kōki. This company also announced the Dorima Six 6×6 folder in 1954.
General description
The Dorimaflex is a copy of the Ricohflex VI. It has externally geared lenses for focusing, and the distance scale and depth-of-field indications are engraved on the upper lens. The viewing hood contains a large magnifying lens. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right. The advance is controlled by a red window in the back, protected by a vertically sliding cover.
The lenses are Dorima Special 8.0cm f/3.5, and the marking has a red C indicating lens coating. The shutter is of the setting type and the release lever is attached to the shutter casing itself.
Body variations
Commercial life
The Dorimaflex was advertised in Japanese magazines dated August 1952 to May 1953, and was featured in the February 1953 issue of Photo Art.[1] The January 1953 advertisement in Asahi Camera, placed by the distributor Sanwa Shōkai, lists a number of versions:
- Dorimaflex AII AL: B, 1–200 speeds, self-timer, Albada finder, ¥13,000 (case included);
- Dorimaflex AII: B, 1–200, self-timer, no Albada, ¥12,500;
- Dorimaflex A: B, 1–200, no self-timer, no Albada, ¥11,500;
- Dorimaflex B AL: B, 25–200, no self-timer, Albada finder, ¥10,500;
- Dorimaflex B: B, 25–200, no self-timer, no Albada, ¥10,000.
Notes
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Item 640.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). Pp.80 and 88 (brief mentions only).
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.927.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Items 2086–8.
Links
In English:
- Dorimaflex among other Japanese TLRs in Barry Toogood's tlr-cameras.com
In Japanese: