Dorisflex
The Dorisflex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR, made by Doris Camera and released in 1954 or 1955.[1]
General description
The Dorisflex is a simple and boxy TLR, copied from the geared lens Ricohflex. The front elements of the taking and viewing lenses are geared together for focusing, with a tab on the taking lens. There is an advance knob at the top right — as seen by the photographer — and no exposure counter. Film advance is controlled by a rectangular red window on the back, protected by a vertically sliding cover. The viewing hood contains a sportsfinder and a loupe. The name DORISFLEX is inscribed in relief on a nameplate with stepped sides.
The taking lens is a Delta C. 80mm f/3.5 with a serial number; the viewing lens is a View Delta C. 80mm f/3.5 and is not numbered. The shutter is of the setting type and the release lever protrudes from the metal ring surrounding the shutter casing.
Commercial life
The original Dorisflex was advertised in Japanese magazines from February to August 1955.[2] The May advertisement in Ars Camera lists the camera at ¥8,900 with a synchronized Prestar[3] shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer).[4] The pictured camera has silver lens rims.
The Dorisflex A was featured in the August 1955 issue of Sankei Camera[5] and advertised in the October 1955 issue of Asahi Camera, with a lesser Helio shutter (B, 10–200, self-timer).[6] The advertisement mentions the price of ¥6,000, but it is unclear if it applies to the Dorisflex A or to the Doris IA folder also listed in the document. The picture shows a camera with black lens bezels.
Actual examples
No example of the original Dorisflex with Prestar shutter and silver lens rims has been observed yet. A few examples are known of the Dorisflex A with Helio shutter.[7] This shutter has a PC synch socket on the side, and the name HELIO engraved on the speed rim. One isolated camera has been observed with an NKS shutter having 1s low speed and a PC socket.[8]
Notes
- ↑ Date: all the advertisements mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356, are dated 1955 but Lewis, p.88, and this page at Japan Family Camera both say that the Dorisflex was released in 1954.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356.
- ↑ This name is inferred from the katakana プレスター.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.153.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 356.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.153.
- ↑ Examples pictured in Sugiyama, item 2089, and observed in online auctions.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction.
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. Items 638–9.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P.88 (brief mention only).
- 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.250.
- 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 2089.
Links
In English:
- Dorisflex within this Japanese miscellanea page at tlr-cameras.com
In Japanese:
- Dorisflex specs (archive.org) at Japan Family Camera (contains mistakes)
