Difference between revisions of "Foth-Flex"

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{{German TLR}}
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|image_text= Foth-Flex II with f/2.5 lenses, showing the focus lever (right<br/>of the picture), and aperture control (left of the taking lens).
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|image_by= pipa pipa
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The '''Foth-Flex''' is a [[TLR]] camera for 6&times;6 cm exposures on [[120 film]], produced by [[Foth]] in Germany in 1935. It has a number of unusual features for a TLR. It is one of the very few TLR to use a [[focal plane shutter]]; the 1936 [[Mentorett]] is another one.
  
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The '''Foth-flex''' is a medium format [[TLR]] camera produced by [[Foth]] in Germany in 1935. It has a number of unusual features for a TLR. It is one of the ver few<ref>1936 [[Mentorett]] is another one;{{McKeown}} 10th ed p 220.</ref> TLR to use a [[focal plane shutter]].
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== General description ==
 +
The Foth-Flex has a focal plane cloth shutter with speeds up to 1/500s. It takes 6×6 pictures on 120 film. It has a curious (shove-under) accessory shoe and no flash synchronization.  
  
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The Foth flex has two Foth anastigmat 75/3.5 lenses. They take only push-on filters. The Foth-flex has a focal plane cloth shutter with speeds from B, 1-1/500s. It takes 6&times;6 pictures on 120 film. It has a curious (shove-under) accessory shoe and no flash synchronization.  
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The Foth-Flex has two Foth Anastigmat lenses, taking only push-on filters.  
  
 
== Operation ==
 
== Operation ==
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The Foth-flex is focused by a wheel on the left side of the camera. Aperture is set by a lever under the taking lens. The shutter is operated on the right side of the camera: a lever to set it and a button to fire it. A separate wheel is used to andvance the film. The last unusual feature of the Foth-flex is the back which is hinged in on two sides. The two parts are held together by a button on the lower back. There's no framecounter, but there's a ruby window in the bottom.
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The Foth-Flex is focused by a wheel on the left side of the camera. Aperture is set by a lever under the taking lens. The shutter is operated on the right side of the camera: a lever to set it and a button to fire it. A separate wheel is used to advance the film. The last unusual feature of the Foth-Flex is the back which is hinged on two sides. The two parts are held together by a button on the lower back. There is no frame counter, but there is a ruby window in the bottom.
  
 
== Variations ==
 
== Variations ==
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The earlier models (I) were marked '''Foth''' on the waist-level finder. Later models (II) had an Albada sports finder integrated in the waist level finder and had a Foth-flex nameplate under the taking lens. The technical difference between the models I and II was the introduction of the slow speeds (up to 2s). From 1938 onwards<ref>{{McKeown}} 10th edition, p 200</ref>, the focusing wheel was replaced by a lever on the other side of the camera. These models have an nameplate on the conventional spot above the viewing lens.  Models with Foth anastigmats 75/2.5 are known<ref>{{McKeown}}10th edition, p 200</ref>
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The earlier models ('''Foth-Flex I''') are marked ''Foth'' on the waist-level finder, and have a ''FOTH–FLEX'' nameplate under the taking lens. The shutter only gives B, 25–500 speeds.<REF name="McK 12"> {{McKeown}} 12th edition, p.301. </REF>
  
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----
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Later models ('''Foth-Flex II''') have slow speeds down to 2s.<REF name="McK 12" /> This version is known to exist with Foth Anastigmat f/3.5 or f/2.5 lenses.<ref name="McK 12 10"> {{McKeown}} 12th edition, p.301, and 10th edition, p.200. </ref> At least some cameras have a sports finder integrated in the waist level finder.
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From 1938 onwards,<ref name="McK 12 10" /> the focusing wheel was replaced by a lever between the two lenses. Variations are known in the position of that lever, which is either on the left or on the right.<REF> Lever on the right pictured in {{MK}} 12th edition, p.301. Camera with lever on the left pictured in [http://olegvolk.net/gallery/technology/oldcameras/fothflex1447.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 this page] at olegvolk.net. </REF> These models have a ''Foth–Flex'' nameplate on the conventional spot above the viewing lens.
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{{German TLR}}
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/8260856438/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8260856438_baa4997cfe.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= Fothflex with right side lever
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|image_by= Geoff Harrisson
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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<br style="clear:both;"/>
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== Export ==
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/31669098237/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/7897/31669098237_e36d7fd3a7.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/32736205038/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/7867/32736205038_744ec4c8e9.jpg]
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|-
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| January and February 1936
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| April 1936
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|-
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| colspan=2 |
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{{Flickr_image_caption
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|image_text= Advertisements by [[Asanuma Shōkai]] in {{ACA}}, for the Foth [[Derby]] and Foth-Flex.<br/>
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|scan_by= rebollo_fr
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|image_rights= public domain Japan old
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}}
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|}
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The Foth-Flex was exported to various countries, including Japan. In early 1936, the Foth-Flex II was advertised by the distributor [[Asanuma Shōkai]], with f/3.5 lenses, at ¥210.<REF> Advertisements in {{ACA}} January 1936, p.A7, February 1936, p.A7, and April 1936, p.A7. </REF>
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47786048191/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47786048191_116dbc9377.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33909046068/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33909046068_84a9191199.jpg]
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|-
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| September 1936
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| November and December 1936
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|-
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| colspan=2 |
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{{Flickr_image_caption
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|image_text= Advertisements by [[Nichizui]] in {{ACA}}.<br/>
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|scan_by= rebollo_fr
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|image_rights= public domain Japan old
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}}
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|}
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From September 1936, it was advertised by [[Nichizui]], at an unchanged price.<REF> Advertisement in {{ACA}} September 1936. </REF> The advertisements placed in the November and December issues of {{ACA}} say that Nichizui was the main distributor for Asia (東洋総代理店).<REF> Advertisements in {{ACA}} November 1936, p.A22, and December 1936, p.A21. </REF> They list two versions of the camera, with f/3.5 or f/2.5 lenses. The f/2.5 model has a sports finder; the f/3.5 normally has none, but it could be added as an option.
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{|class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/5451902487/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5451902487_0855a7c5eb.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/4912661360/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4912661360_915c6325bf.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/8144358488/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8144358488_635c2c0690.jpg]
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|-
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|
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{{Flickr_image_caption
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|image_text= Foth-flex in a leaflet issued in about 1936<br/>by Peeling Van Neck of London (this copy<br/>was sent to New Zealand).<br/>
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|scan_by= Dirk HR Spennemann
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|image_rights= public domain UK
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}}
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|
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{{Flickr_image_caption
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|image_text= Catalogue by Herbert Small (in Australia) about<br/>1937-8. Exports to the British Commonwealth<br/>countries would of course cease in 1939.<br/>
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|scan_by= Dirk HR Spennemann
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|image_rights= public domain Australia
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}}
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|
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{{Flickr_image_caption
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|image_text= American advertisement in 1937<br/>emphasizes the lens speed.<br/>
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|scan_by= Nesster
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|image_rights= commercial
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}}
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|}
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== Notes ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
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 +
== Bibliography ==
 +
* {{ACA}}. Advertisements by [[Asanuma Shōkai]]:
 +
** January 1936, p.A7;
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** February 1936, p.A7;
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** April 1936, p.A7.
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* {{ACA}}. Advertisements by [[Nichizui|Nichizui Bōeki]]:
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** September 1936, p.A33;
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** November 1936, p.A22;
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** December 1936, p.A21.
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* {{McKeown12}} P.301.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
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[http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/index.html WWW.TLR-CAMERAS.COM] shows two images of the Foth-flex:
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* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/slides/Foth%20Foth-Flex%20I.html Foth-Flex I] and [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/slides/Foth%202.5.html Foth-Flex f/2.5] at Barry toogood's [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/index.html www.tlr-cameras.com]
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* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/slides/Foth%20Foth-Flex%20I.html Foth-Flex I]
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* [http://olegvolk.net/gallery/technology/oldcameras/fothflex1447.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Foth-Flex II with focusing lever] in [http://olegvolk.net/gallery/technology/oldcameras/ Oleg Volk's camera gallery]
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* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/slides/Foth%202.5.html Foth-Flex f2.5]
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* [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Foth-Flex/AI-15-18446 Foth-Flex] serial no. 16887 sold at the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-15/ fifteenth Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 23 May 2009.
 +
* [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/foth-flex/foth-flex.htm Foth-Flex PDF manual] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html OrphanCameras.com]
  
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[[Category: 1935]]
 
 
[[Category: German 6x6 TLR]]
 
[[Category: German 6x6 TLR]]
 
[[Category: Foth]]
 
[[Category: Foth]]
 
[[Category: F]]
 
[[Category: F]]
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[[Category: 1935]]
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[[Category:Advertising (historic)]]
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[[Category:120 film]]

Latest revision as of 12:47, 29 January 2024

5543260387_e823177abb.jpg
Foth-Flex II with f/2.5 lenses, showing the focus lever (right
of the picture), and aperture control (left of the taking lens).
image by pipa pipa (Image rights)

The Foth-Flex is a TLR camera for 6×6 cm exposures on 120 film, produced by Foth in Germany in 1935. It has a number of unusual features for a TLR. It is one of the very few TLR to use a focal plane shutter; the 1936 Mentorett is another one.

General description

The Foth-Flex has a focal plane cloth shutter with speeds up to 1/500s. It takes 6×6 pictures on 120 film. It has a curious (shove-under) accessory shoe and no flash synchronization.

The Foth-Flex has two Foth Anastigmat lenses, taking only push-on filters.

Operation

The Foth-Flex is focused by a wheel on the left side of the camera. Aperture is set by a lever under the taking lens. The shutter is operated on the right side of the camera: a lever to set it and a button to fire it. A separate wheel is used to advance the film. The last unusual feature of the Foth-Flex is the back which is hinged on two sides. The two parts are held together by a button on the lower back. There is no frame counter, but there is a ruby window in the bottom.

Variations

The earlier models (Foth-Flex I) are marked Foth on the waist-level finder, and have a FOTH–FLEX nameplate under the taking lens. The shutter only gives B, 25–500 speeds.[1]

Later models (Foth-Flex II) have slow speeds down to 2s.[1] This version is known to exist with Foth Anastigmat f/3.5 or f/2.5 lenses.[2] At least some cameras have a sports finder integrated in the waist level finder.

From 1938 onwards,[2] the focusing wheel was replaced by a lever between the two lenses. Variations are known in the position of that lever, which is either on the left or on the right.[3] These models have a Foth–Flex nameplate on the conventional spot above the viewing lens.

 
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8260856438_baa4997cfe.jpg
Fothflex with right side lever
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)



Export

31669098237_e36d7fd3a7.jpg 32736205038_744ec4c8e9.jpg
January and February 1936 April 1936

Advertisements by Asanuma Shōkai in Asahi Camera, for the Foth Derby and Foth-Flex.
scanned by rebollo_fr  (Image rights)

The Foth-Flex was exported to various countries, including Japan. In early 1936, the Foth-Flex II was advertised by the distributor Asanuma Shōkai, with f/3.5 lenses, at ¥210.[4]

47786048191_116dbc9377.jpg 33909046068_84a9191199.jpg
September 1936 November and December 1936

Advertisements by Nichizui in Asahi Camera.
scanned by rebollo_fr  (Image rights)

From September 1936, it was advertised by Nichizui, at an unchanged price.[5] The advertisements placed in the November and December issues of Asahi Camera say that Nichizui was the main distributor for Asia (東洋総代理店).[6] They list two versions of the camera, with f/3.5 or f/2.5 lenses. The f/2.5 model has a sports finder; the f/3.5 normally has none, but it could be added as an option.

5451902487_0855a7c5eb.jpg 4912661360_915c6325bf.jpg 8144358488_635c2c0690.jpg

Foth-flex in a leaflet issued in about 1936
by Peeling Van Neck of London (this copy
was sent to New Zealand).
scanned by Dirk HR Spennemann  (Image rights)

Catalogue by Herbert Small (in Australia) about
1937-8. Exports to the British Commonwealth
countries would of course cease in 1939.
scanned by Dirk HR Spennemann  (Image rights)

American advertisement in 1937
emphasizes the lens speed.
scanned by Nesster  (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 McKeown 12th edition, p.301.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 McKeown 12th edition, p.301, and 10th edition, p.200.
  3. ↑ Lever on the right pictured in McKeown 12th edition, p.301. Camera with lever on the left pictured in this page at olegvolk.net.
  4. ↑ Advertisements in Asahi Camera January 1936, p.A7, February 1936, p.A7, and April 1936, p.A7.
  5. ↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera September 1936.
  6. ↑ Advertisements in Asahi Camera November 1936, p.A22, and December 1936, p.A21.

Bibliography

Links

Retrieved from "http://camera-wiki.org/index.php?title=Foth-Flex&oldid=228545"