Collex
The Collex (コレックス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera from 1937[1], and distributed by Eikō-Dō. The markings on the camera could indicate that it was made by a company called Collex Works.
It 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. It has a tubular optical finder on one side of the body and the advance knob on the other. The back opens to the left and has two red windows to control the film advance, each with a sliding cover. The shutter has 25, 50, 100, T, B speeds. There is no body release, only a release lever on the shutter housing. 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"). The body's front leather is embossed COLLEX.[2]
It is advertised in 1937[3] by Eikō-Dō with a Collex Anastigmat f:4.5 lens and a Collex 25-50-100, T, B shutter, for ¥39.
McKeown reports a Trionar Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens and a Rulex shutter (T, B, 1–200).
The Adler A and Adler B cameras sold by Riken are very similar, they are probably rebadged versions.
Notes
- ↑ According to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, it appears in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of Asahi Camera.
- ↑ Description details based on an example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Collex and National, published in the Apr 1937 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 109.
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.
