Difference between revisions of "Gamma Duflex"
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The '''Duflex''' is a technologically advanced [[35mm]] camera developed by Jenő Dulovits and patented in 1942, and licensed to [[Gamma Optikail Művek]] of Budapest for production. The first samples were produced in 1948, with the bulk of the production occurring in 1949. Then Gamma was nationalized as a state industry, and production of the camera ceased. | The '''Duflex''' is a technologically advanced [[35mm]] camera developed by Jenő Dulovits and patented in 1942, and licensed to [[Gamma Optikail Művek]] of Budapest for production. The first samples were produced in 1948, with the bulk of the production occurring in 1949. Then Gamma was nationalized as a state industry, and production of the camera ceased. | ||
| − | In addition to its separate | + | In addition to its separate Albada viewfinder, the Duflex offers eye-level [[reflex finder|reflex viewing]] using a relay mirror (the original [[pentaprism]] concept proving too costly to produce). This was the first [[SLR]] camera to offer an instant-return mirror; but because Gamma was only able to build ~535 cameras<REF>{{McKeown12}} Page 337. Research attributed to Zoltàn Fejèr.</REF> the 1954 [[Asahiflex|Asahiflex IIb]] is often mistakenly credited as the first camera to offer this feature. Another advanced feature is automatic aperture stopdown using a linkage within the lens barrel. The camera has a focal-plane shutter with metal blinds (also the first camera with this feature according to notes at Westlicht Auction<ref>[https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20140812_1547&inO=445 Duflex] serial no. 149176, with 5cm f/3.5 Gammar, sold at the [https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=20140812_1547 27th Camera Auction] by Westlicht Photographica Auction (now [https://www.leitz-auction.com/auction/en/home Leitz Photographica Auction]), in June 2015: several good pictures.</ref>), giving speeds 1 - 1/1000 second,plus 'B', set with a knob on the right of the top plate, by the release button. |
| − | The streamlined styling incorporates knurled wind knobs in the ends of the body, similar to the [[Vokar I]] introduced in 1946. | + | The streamlined styling incorporates knurled wind knobs in the ends of the body, similar to the [[Vokar I]] introduced in 1946. The frame-counter is in a window by the upper (galilean) viewfinder eyepiece. |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
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*[http://www.novacon.com.br/odditycameras/gammahung.htm Gamma Hungarian Duflex] by Zoltàn Fejèr, at [http://www.novacon.com.br/odditycameras/index.htm Oddity Cameras] | *[http://www.novacon.com.br/odditycameras/gammahung.htm Gamma Hungarian Duflex] by Zoltàn Fejèr, at [http://www.novacon.com.br/odditycameras/index.htm Oddity Cameras] | ||
*[https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.object?inC=WLPA&inA=20211220_1108&inO=296 Duflex] serial no. 149137, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, offered for sale at the [https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.objectlist?inC=WLPA&inA=20211220_1108 41st Leitz Photographica Auction], in November 2022: several good pictures of details of the camera. | *[https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.object?inC=WLPA&inA=20211220_1108&inO=296 Duflex] serial no. 149137, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, offered for sale at the [https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.objectlist?inC=WLPA&inA=20211220_1108 41st Leitz Photographica Auction], in November 2022: several good pictures of details of the camera. | ||
| − | |||
*[https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20141215_1156&inO=402 Duflex] serial no. 149202, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, sold at the [https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=20141215_1156 28th Westlicht Camera Auction]. | *[https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20141215_1156&inO=402 Duflex] serial no. 149202, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, sold at the [https://wlpa.auction2000.online/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=20141215_1156 28th Westlicht Camera Auction]. | ||
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The Duflex is a technologically advanced 35mm camera developed by Jenő Dulovits and patented in 1942, and licensed to Gamma Optikail Művek of Budapest for production. The first samples were produced in 1948, with the bulk of the production occurring in 1949. Then Gamma was nationalized as a state industry, and production of the camera ceased.
In addition to its separate Albada viewfinder, the Duflex offers eye-level reflex viewing using a relay mirror (the original pentaprism concept proving too costly to produce). This was the first SLR camera to offer an instant-return mirror; but because Gamma was only able to build ~535 cameras[1] the 1954 Asahiflex IIb is often mistakenly credited as the first camera to offer this feature. Another advanced feature is automatic aperture stopdown using a linkage within the lens barrel. The camera has a focal-plane shutter with metal blinds (also the first camera with this feature according to notes at Westlicht Auction[2]), giving speeds 1 - 1/1000 second,plus 'B', set with a knob on the right of the top plate, by the release button.
The streamlined styling incorporates knurled wind knobs in the ends of the body, similar to the Vokar I introduced in 1946. The frame-counter is in a window by the upper (galilean) viewfinder eyepiece.
Notes
- ↑ 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). Page 337. Research attributed to Zoltàn Fejèr.
- ↑ Duflex serial no. 149176, with 5cm f/3.5 Gammar, sold at the 27th Camera Auction by Westlicht Photographica Auction (now Leitz Photographica Auction), in June 2015: several good pictures.
Links
- Gamma Hungarian Duflex by Zoltàn Fejèr, at Oddity Cameras
- Duflex serial no. 149137, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, offered for sale at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction, in November 2022: several good pictures of details of the camera.
- Duflex serial no. 149202, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, sold at the 28th Westlicht Camera Auction.
