Gamma Duflex
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 offered eye-level reflex viewing using a relay mirrors (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 was an automatic aperture stopdown using a linkage within the lens barrel.
The streamlined styling incorporated wind knobs into the ends of the body, similar to the Vokar I introduced in 1946.
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.
Links
- Gamma Hungarian Duflex by Zoltàn Fejèr, at Oddity Cameras
- 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 of details of the camera.
- Duflex serial no. 149202, with 5cm f/3.5 Artar, sold at the 28th Westlicht Camera Auction.
