Collex
The Collex (コレックス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed by Eikōdō in 1937[1]. The markings on some cameras might indicate that it was made by a company called Collex Works.
Description of a body
The camera has a vertical folding bed and the lens and shutter assembly is mounted on scissor struts; this design is reminiscent of the Zeh Goldi 3×4 folder. The Collex has a tubular optical finder on one side of the body and the advance knob on the other. There is no body release. The back is hinged to the left and has two red windows to control film advance, each with a sliding cover. The front leather is embossed COLLEX.
The Adler A and Adler B cameras sold by Riken are very similar and are probably rebadged versions.
Lens and shutter equipment
In an advertisement by Eikōdō dated April 1937[2], the Collex is offered for ¥39 with a Collex Anastigmat f:4.5 lens and a Collex shutter giving 25, 50, 100, T, B speeds. Such an example has been observed for sale. The shutter plate is marked COLLEX WORKS TOKYO on the top, with a logo on the right (maybe an intricate "B" and "I" or "B" and "T").[3]
Another example has been observed with a Lucomar Anastigmat 75mm f/4.5 lens (certainly supplied by Kigawa) and an unknown shutter giving T, B, 1–200 and marked PATENTS–PENDING at the top of the shutter plate.[4] The Collex is also reported with a Trionar Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens and a Rulex shutter (T, B, 1–200).[5]
Notes
- ↑ Date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 72.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 261.
Printed 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 109.
- 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. 261.