Mikono Flex

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.

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, with O and L indications for Open and Lock. 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 Mikono Flex 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. The shutter is reportedly called Mikono-Rapid and gives B, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds. The setting lever and release lever are directly placed on the shutter casing, the aperture scale is placed on the front plate, on one side of the lens, and the flash synch post is buried at the bottom of the front standard. 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. Only the Mikono Flex P and C were advertised in the April and June 1953 issues of Shashin Salon. The latter advertisement gives the price of ¥8,300 for the P and ¥3,200 for the C, case included. 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.

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, where the shutter name is reported as MRS. The same source mentions advertisements for a Flex-O-Cord II which does not seem to differ significantly.

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.
• Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten (私の二眼レフカメラ展, Exhibition of twin lens reflex cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.30.

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