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 offers eye-level reflex viewing using a system of 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 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 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.
