Echoflex
The Echoflex are Japanese 6×6 TLR cameras.
Common features
The Echoflex are regular copies of the Rolleicord. The front plate moves back and forth for focusing. The focusing and film advance knobs are on the photographer's right.
Manual model
The first Echoflex model is known from Sugiyama.[1] The body is shaped the same as various models produced by Tōyō Seiki Kōgaku, such as the Elbowflex, Easternflex and Elegaflex IS. It has manual film advance via a red window, no sportsfinder, and an ECHOFLEX nameplate. The focus knob is surrounded by a depth-of-field scale. The lenses are Echo 75/3.5 the shutter is an Echo (B, 1–200), synchronized via a pin at the bottom.[2] The release lever directly protrudes from the bottom of the shutter casing.
Semi-automatic model
The second Echoflex model is similar to the semi-automatic Elegaflex and to some semi-automatic models of the Lustreflex; it was probably made by the Lustre company. It has semi-automatic advance, with a round exposure counter window at the top right and a button behind the focus knob, certainly used to engage the advance mechanism after the film is set to a start mark. The back has no red window. There is an accessory shoe on the photographer's left, and a sportsfinder in the viewfing hood. The nameplate has an oval shape and reads ECHOFLEX with a serial number. The release button is at the bottom of the front plate, actuated by the photographer's right fingers, and a PC synch post is buried on the opposite side. There are bayonet filter attachments on both lenses.
The taking lens is an Echor Anastigmat and the viewing lens is an Echor Viewer. The shutter is a Synchro-Super (B, 1–300, self-timer), the same as on some Lustreflex.[3]
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.254.
- 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 2091.
The Echoflex is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
Links
In English:
- Other Japanese 120 (6×6) TLRs (with an Echoflex) at tlr-cameras.com
