Collex
The Collex (コレックス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed by Eikōdō in 1937.[1]
Description of the body
The Collex is a vertical folder. It has a folding bed and a rectangular lens standard mounted on scissor struts and supporting the lens and shutter assembly; this design is reminiscent of the Zeh Goldi 3×4 folder. There is a tubular optical finder in the middle of the top plate, and no body release. The advance knob is at the bottom right, as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The back is hinged to the left and there is a leather handle over the back latch. The film advance is controlled by two red windows, each with a vertically sliding cover. The name COLLEX is embossed in the front leather and at the front of the leather case.
Some Adler cameras sold by Riken and some Sintax cameras share the same body, made by an unknown company.
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: advertisemens and articles listed in 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.
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.
- 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. Item 1035.