Difference between revisions of "Foth-Flex"
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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 very few | + | 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 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 == | == 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 | + | 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 == | ||
| − | The earlier models (I) | + | 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> |
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Export == | ||
| + | The Foth-Flex was exported to Asia, where it was distributed by [[Nichizui]]. The advertisement reproduced below was placed in the November and December 1936 issues of {{ACA}}.<REF> Advertisements in {{ACA}} November 1936, p.A22, and December 1936, p.A21. </REF> Two versions of the camera are listed, 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 can be added as an option. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {| class="plainlinks" align="center" width=360px style="text-align: center;" | ||
| + | || [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4993192467/in/pool-camerapedia http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4993192467_ac81e25c6a.jpg] | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | || ''Advertisement by Nichizui in {{ACA}} November and December 1936. {{public domain Japan old}} | ||
| + | |} | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Bibliography == | ||
| + | * {{ACA}}. Advertisements by Nichizui Bōeki: | ||
| + | ** November 1936, p.A22; | ||
| + | ** December 1936, p.A21. | ||
| + | * {{McKeown12}} P.301. | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
In English: | In English: | ||
* [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 [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/index.html www.tlr-cameras.com] | * [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 [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/German/index.html www.tlr-cameras.com] | ||
| + | * [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] | ||
[[Category: German 6x6 TLR]] | [[Category: German 6x6 TLR]] | ||
Revision as of 18:21, 15 September 2010
| German TLR () | |
|---|---|
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| 6×9 | Superfekta |
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 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.
Export
The Foth-Flex was exported to Asia, where it was distributed by Nichizui. The advertisement reproduced below was placed in the November and December 1936 issues of Asahi Camera.[4] Two versions of the camera are listed, 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 can be added as an option.
|
| Advertisement by Nichizui in Asahi Camera November and December 1936. (Image rights) |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 McKeown 12th edition, p.301.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 McKeown 12th edition, p.301, and 10th edition, p.200.
- ↑ Lever on the right pictured in McKeown 12th edition, p.301. Camera with lever on the left pictured in this page at olegvolk.net.
- ↑ Advertisements in Asahi Camera November 1936, p.A22, and December 1936, p.A21.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera. Advertisements by Nichizui Bōeki:
- November 1936, p.A22;
- December 1936, p.A21.
- 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.301.
Links
In English:
