Cometflex
The Cometflex is a Japanese 6×6 pseudo TLR, probably made in the 1950s. It is attributed to a company called Kondo Optical Works.[1]
Contents
Description
The Cometflex is extremely similar to the Spartus Full-Vue made by Spartus Corp. and to the Carlton-Reflex made by Utility Mfg. Co. and distributed by Allied Camera Supply Co.
It is a box-shaped camera. The advance knob, the release lever and the Time and Instant speed selector are placed on the right-hand side. The viewing hood has a striated pattern. The lens is a fixed-focus f/8 meniscus achromat. Two types of lens engravings are known: comet achromat and sakura achromat. The front plate has art-deco style patterns, the camera name Cometflex or Comet flex is inscribed at the top and the words KONDOX MADE IN JAPAN are written at the bottom.
Variations
The camera is known in two minor variations. One has the name Cometflex in one word, and the lens marking comet achromat F:8.[2] The other has the name Comet flex in two words, and the lens marking sakura achromat F:8.[3]
Notes
Bibliography
- Takasaki Akio (高崎晶夫). "Kokusan 6×6cm-han nigan-refu A to Z" (国産6×6cm判二眼レフA to Z, Japanese 6×6cm TLR A to Z). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.49, December 1998. ISBN 4-257-13022-9. Amerika-sei 35mm renzu-shattā kamera (アメリカ製35mmレンズシャッターカメラ, issue about American 35mm lens-shutter cameras). Pp.64–73.
- 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 4118–9.
This camera is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
