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{{NeedPhotos}}{{Japanese postwar 6×6 TLR}}
The '''Crown Flex''' (クラウンフレックス) and '''Veri Flex''' (ベリーフレックス) are Japanese 6&times;6 TLRs made in the first half of the 1950s. The Crown Flex was distributed by [[Kōyō|Kōyō Shōji]] in 1953, and the similar Veri Flex was advertised by its manufacturer [[Kobayashi|Kobayashi Seikō]] in 1954.<REF> Kōyō Shōji, date: {{Kokusan}}, p.351. Kobayashi: advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.180. </REF> It is not known if the Crown Flex is related to the [[Crown (6&times;6)|Crown 6&times;6 folder]].

== Crown Flex and Veri Flex I ==
=== Description ===
The Crown Flex and the Veri Flex I have a protruding front standard shaped as on the [[Rolleicord]] but have externally coupled geared lenses driven by a focusing tab. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right, and it is certainly controlled by a red window. The viewing hood has a built-in sportsfinder, and the nameplate reads ''Crown&nbsp;flex''. There is an accessory shoe on the photographer's left. The release lever is attached to the front standard at the bottom and is actuated by the photographer's right fingers.

=== The Crown Flex ===
The '''Crown Flex''' was featured in the September 1953 issue of ''[[Ars Camera]]'' and in the October 1953 issue of ''[[Photo Art]]''.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.351. </REF> No other detail is known about its commercial life, which was probably very short.

The lenses of the Crown Flex are Kōyō Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5, reportedly made by [[Tomioka]], probably rebadged versions of the Tri-Lausar.<REF> Lenses made by Tomioka: {{Kokusan}}, p.351. </REF> The taking lens is engraved ''KŌYŌ Anastigmat 1:3.5 f=80mm. No.xxxx'' and the viewing lens has ''K.S.K. KŌYŌ Anastigmat 1:3.5 f=80mm.'' and no serial number. The meaning of ''K.S.K.'' in this context is unknown.

The shutter reportedly gives B, 1–200 speeds and has a self-timer and flash synchronization.<REF> Shutter features: {{Kokusan}}, p.351. </REF> It was probably mentioned as an [[NKS]] in the 1953 articles, but it is reported as an "HKS" in some sources, perhaps by mistake.<REF> NKS: {{Kokusan}}, p.351. HKS: {{Sugiyama}}, item 2079; {{McKeown}}, p.468. </REF>

The Crown Flex has a brown leather case embossed ''Crown&nbsp;flex'' at the front. Three surviving examples of the camera have been observed or reported so far.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 2079, example observed for sale at a dealer and example reported [http://messages.yahoo.co.jp/bbs?.mm=GN&action=m&board=552018872&tid=bdibf4bcta4najclbcbc&sid=552018872&mid=31&thr=1&cur=1&dir=d here] in the Yahoo Japan classic camera forum. </REF>

=== The Veri Flex I ===
The '''Veri Flex I''' (ベリーフレックスⅠ型) was featured in May 1954 issues of Japanese magazines, and it was advertised in the May and August 1954 issues of ''[[Sankei Camera]]''.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.364. </REF> The August advertisement shows the maker's name [[Kobayashi|Kobayashi Seikō]] and the price of {{yen|12,000|1954}}.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.180. </REF> It also says that the shutter is an [[NKS]] and that the synch socket is placed on the left-hand side plate.

The only surviving example observed so far is pictured in {{Sugiyama}}.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 2274. </REF> The camera is exactly similar to the Crown Flex but for the lens markings ''K.S.K. VERI Anastigmat'' on the viewing lens and ''VERI Anastigmat'' on the taking lens.

== Other Veri Flex model ==
{{Sugiyama}} shows a picture of another '''Veri Flex''' model.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 2275. </REF> The general shape, strap lugs and advance knob are similar to the Veri Flex I. The front standard has a different rectangular shape. The viewing hood has no sportsfinder; the nameplate is rectangular and has ''VERI&nbsp;FLEX'' in capital letters. The back latch is different too. The lenses are reported as Doimer Anastigmat 8cm f/3.5<ref>Doimer lenses are associated with [[Taiyōdō Kōki]], the name apparently being derived from that of the company President - Kunio Doi.</ref> and the shutter is reported as an [[NKS]] (B, 1&ndash;200).<REF> Lenses and shutter: {{Sugiyama}}, item 2275. </REF> The aperture scale is engraved on a thin metal casing surrounding the shutter, and the release lever directly protrudes from the same casing on the other side.

A picture of a similar camera has been observed, showing the buried synch post of the left-hand side plate, a lever on the left of the viewing hood whose function is unknown, a large magnifying lens and perhaps minor differences with the example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}: it seems that the lens rims are black instead of silver and the metal casing surrounding the shutter is not visible.<REF> Example pictured in [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/Odd_Japanese.html this page at tlr-cameras.com]. </REF>

== Later Crownflex ==
The name '''Crownflex''' was used again a few years later for a name variant of the [[Toyocaflex]] (see this page).

== Notes ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
* {{Showa10}} Items 492 and 813.
* {{McKeown12}} P.468.
* {{Zukan}} Items 2079 and 2274&ndash;5.

== Links ==
In English:
* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/Odd_Japanese.html Veri Flex] among other unusual Japanese TLRs at Barry Toogood's [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/ tlr-cameras.com]
In Japanese:
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20040628060905/http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/CROWN_SPEC.htm Crown Flex specs (archive.org)] and [http://web.archive.org/web/20040330062824/http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/VERY_SPEC.htm Veri Flex specs (archive.org)] at [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/ Japan Family Camera]


[[Category: Japanese 6x6 TLR]]
[[Category: C]]
[[Category: V|Veri Flex]]
[[Category: Nobility]]