Cordlef
The Cordlef is a Japanese TLR camera taking 4×4cm exposures on 127 film, made around 1940 and attributed to a company called Kondo Seikō (近藤精工).[1] It was certainly the first Japanese 4×4 TLR.
Description
The Cordlef is said to be based on the body of the Seica and Andes Four. A twin-lens reflex box is attached to the front of the body, replacing the telescopic tube. There are strap lugs at the top, on each side of the mirror cage. A small plate inscribed FOUR is screwed to the side of the reflex box, near the bottom. The viewing good has an X-shaped pattern, written KSK at the center. The main nameplate is written CORDLEF.
The two lenses, reported to be Helios Anastigmat 50/4.5,[2] are geared together by two gears, one on each side, protected by a cover plate. The right-hand gear slightly protrudes from this cover and is used as a focusing wheel. The shutter is said to give T, B, 5–200 speeds.[3]
The only surviving example observed so far is pictured in Sugiyama.[4]
Notes
Bibliography
- 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. 537.
- 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 2005.
The Cordlef is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
