Difference between revisions of "Mikono Flex"
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Revision as of 12:32, 2 October 2007
The Mikono Flex (ミコノフレックス) are Japanese 6×6cm TLRs, made in 1952–3 by Kojima Kōgaku Seiki. Three models exist: the Mikono Flex S and P are true TLRs with externally geared lenses whereas the Mikono Flex C is a fixed-focus pseudo TLR.
Contents
Description
Common features
All the Mikono Flex models share the same side-loading bakelite body. The right-hand sideplate is removable together with the exposure chamber for film loading. It is locked by a key on the photographer's left. There are simple strap lugs on both sides, and a characteristic row of five parallel depressions running on the body sides and back. The name MikonoFlex is written in front of the viewing hood.
The Mikono Flex C
The Mikono Flex C is the cheapest model. It has a fixed-focus f/16 taking lens, whose rim is engraved MODEL–C and COATED B–1. The shutter reportedly gives B, 25, 50 speeds. The viewing hood consists of a simple flap and the advance knob is a small bakelite part.
The Mikono Flex P and S
The Mikono Flex P is a more advanced model. It has externally geared lenses attached to the front standard; these are three-element Mikono Anastigmat 80/3.5.[1] The shutter is reportedly called Mikono-Rapid and gives B, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds.[2] There is a flash synch post buried at the bottom of the front plate. The advance knob is a heavier metal part containing a film reminder. The red window in the middle of the back has a vertically sliding cover, and there is an accessory shoe on the photographer's left.
The Mikono Flex S is the same as the P with the addition of a self-timer.
Commercial life
The three Mikono Flex models were announced in Japanese photographic magazines from October 1952.[3] Only the Mikono Flex P and C were advertised in the April and June 1953 issues of Shashin Salon.[4] The latter advertisement gives the price of ¥8,300 for the P and ¥3,200 for the C, case included.[5] The Mikono-6 and Mikono-35 were announced in the same advertisement.
Surviving examples and name variants
Various examples of the Mikono Flex P are known, and the Mikono Flex S would be hard to distinguish from the P. The only surviving example of the Mikono Flex C observed so far is pictured in Sugiyama.[6]
At least some examples of the focusing Mikono Flex were sold under the name Flex-O-Cord, probably for export only. One of these is pictured in McKeown.[7]
Notes
- ↑ Three elements: advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.190. Mikono Anastigmat name: Sugiyama, item 2180.
- ↑ Mikono-Rapid name: Sugiyama, item 2180.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.367.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.367.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.190.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4163.
- ↑ McKeown, p.536.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Items 889–90.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 80 (brief mention only).
- 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. 536.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Items 2180 and 4163.
Links
In Japanese:
- Mikono Flex in the AJCC website
- Mikono Flex specs at Japan Family Camera; for some reason, the features and price of the model C are probably wrong