Difference between revisions of "Crown Flex and Veri Flex"
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The Crown Flex has a protruding front standard shaped as on the [[Rolleicord]] but has 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 flex''. There is an accessory shoe on the photographer's left. | The Crown Flex has a protruding front standard shaped as on the [[Rolleicord]] but has 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 flex''. There is an accessory shoe on the photographer's left. | ||
| − | The lenses 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 shutter reportedly gives B, 1–200 speeds and has a self-timer and flash synchronization.<REF> Shutter features: {{Kokusan}}, p.351. </REF> | + | The lenses 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> The release lever is attached to the front standard at the bottom and is actuated by the photographer's right fingers. |
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| + | The brown leather case is embossed ''Crown flex'' at the front. The original box has a plain yellowish colour and the word ''Crown flex''. | ||
== Commercial life == | == Commercial life == | ||
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== Surviving example == | == Surviving example == | ||
| − | + | Three surviving examples 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 shutter name is reported as "HKS" on the example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, perhaps a typo for [[NKS]].<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 2079. </REF> The lens numbers known so far have four digits and are in the 17xx or 20xx range. | |
== Later Crownflex == | == Later Crownflex == | ||
Revision as of 23:40, 17 December 2007
The Crown Flex (クラウンフレックス) is a Japanese 6×6 TLR, distributed by Kōyō Shōji in 1953.[1] It is attributed to a company called Kobayashi Seiko Co. by some sources, for an unknown reason.[2] It is not known if it is related to the Crown 6×6 folder.
Contents
Description
The Crown Flex has a protruding front standard shaped as on the Rolleicord but has 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 flex. There is an accessory shoe on the photographer's left.
The lenses are Kōyō Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5, reportedly made by Tomioka, probably rebadged versions of the Tri-Lausar.[3] 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.[4] The release lever is attached to the front standard at the bottom and is actuated by the photographer's right fingers.
The brown leather case is embossed Crown flex at the front. The original box has a plain yellowish colour and the word Crown flex.
Commercial life
The Crown Flex was featured in the September 1953 issue of Ars Camera and in the October 1953 issue of Photo Art. The shutter is certainly mentioned as an NKS in these articles. No other detail is known about its commercial life, which was probably very short.
Surviving example
Three surviving examples have been observed or reported so far.[5] The shutter name is reported as "HKS" on the example pictured in Sugiyama, perhaps a typo for NKS.[6] The lens numbers known so far have four digits and are in the 17xx or 20xx range.
Later Crownflex
The name Crownflex was used again a few years later for a name variant of the Toyocaflex (see this page).
Notes
- ↑ Kōyō Shōji, date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.351.
- ↑ Kobayashi: Sugiyama, item 2079, 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.468.
- ↑ Lenses made by Tomioka: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.351.
- ↑ Shutter features: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.351.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 2079, example observed for sale at a dealer and example reported here in the Yahoo Japan classic camera forum.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 2079.
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 492.
- 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.468.
- 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 2079.
Links
In Japanese
- Crown Flex specs at Japan Family Camera
- Crown Flex reported in a post at the Yahoo Japan classic camera forum
