Luckyflex
The Luckyflex is a twin-lens reflex camera for 24x36 mm images on standard 35 mm film. It was made by the Milan company GGS in about 1947.[1][2]
The camera has 50 mm f/3.2 Solar Anastigmat viewing and taking lenses, the same lens as used on the more conventional 35 mm viewfinder Lucky.[3] This has front-element focus, and the viewing and taking lenses are linked by direct, visible gearing (similar to the Lubitel 166B). The shutter has speeds from 1/20 to 1/300 second, plus 'B', and is manually cocked. The shutter release is at the bottom of the right side of the body.
The camera has a rectangular ground-glass screen, in a folding focusing hood, with a loupe, and with a folding front panel forming a 'sports-finder'.[4]
The film runs vertically in the camera (so that vertically-oriented photographs are naturally easier to take than horizontal ones). The film advance is by a knob in the first cameras made, replaced later by a lever on the right hand side.[3] The rewind knob is in the hub of the advance lever, and there is a frame counter below the lever.
The back and left side of the camera are removable for loading. There is a depth-of-field table on the back.
Notes
- ↑ According to Dario Mondonico, cited below, who states that GGS came to be as Italian companies in military production sought civilian activities after the War, and that the Lucky was shown at a Milan trade fair in 1946. McKeown gives the date as about 1948.
- ↑ 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). p344.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Luckyflex and other GGS cameras, together with some company history (text in Italian), at Dario Mondonico's Mistermondo.com.
- ↑ Luckyflex sold at the May 2010 Westlicht Photographica Auction in Vienna; several excellent pictures.
