Difference between revisions of "Reflex-Korelle"

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(reworked: replaced the specs section by a textual description and summary of the evolution)
(minor details, sources are somewhat conflicting)
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The camera takes 6×6cm exposures on [[120 film]]. It has a [[focal plane shutter]] with horizontally running cloth curtains. There is a fixed waist-level viewfinder on top, with a matte screen and a [[loupe|magnifier]]. The viewing hood has an additional folding frame finder at the top. The camera is focused by turning the lens helicoid.
 
The camera takes 6×6cm exposures on [[120 film]]. It has a [[focal plane shutter]] with horizontally running cloth curtains. There is a fixed waist-level viewfinder on top, with a matte screen and a [[loupe|magnifier]]. The viewing hood has an additional folding frame finder at the top. The camera is focused by turning the lens helicoid.
  
== Evolution<REF> This section is mostly based on {{MK}}, pp.471–2 and 983. </REF> ==
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== Evolution ==
The original '''Reflex-Korelle''' was introduced in 1935, with B, 1/25 – 1/500 speeds. Prototypes or preseries cameras were made with 1/1000 top speed, but this was abandoned before the commercial release.
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The original '''Reflex-Korelle''' was introduced in 1935. Very early cameras were made with B, 1/10 – 1/1000 speeds, but this was quickly abandoned and that model normally has B, 1/25 – 1/500.<REF> {{MK}}, p.471. The version with 1/25 – 1/500 is called "IA" in Matanle, p.215. </REF> The lens mount is a simple screw thread with 40.5mm diameter.<REF> Matanle, p.215. </REF>
  
The '''Reflex-Korelle II''', launched in 1936, differs by the addition of slow speeds (to 2s) and a self-timer. After the introduction of model II, the original model without slow speeds was renamed '''Reflex-Korelle I'''.
+
The '''Reflex-Korelle II''', launched in 1936, differs by the addition of slow speeds (to 2s) and a self-timer.<REF> {{MK}}, p.471. It is called "IIA" in Matanle, p.215. </REF> After the introduction of model II, the original model without slow speeds was renamed '''Reflex-Korelle I'''.<REF> {{MK}}, p.472. </REF>
  
In 1937, the two models were modified with auto-stop film advance, and renamed '''Ia''' and '''IIa'''. A simplified '''Reflex-Korelle B''', with separate shutter winding and film advance, was sold at the same period.
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Some sources say that the two models were modified in 1937 with auto-stop film advance, and renamed '''Ia''' and '''IIa'''.<REF> {{MK}}, p.472. </REF> A simplified '''Reflex-Korelle B''' was sold at the same period, with separate shutter winding and film advance, and with no eye-level finder.<REF> {{MK}}, p.472, Matanle, pp.215–6. </REF>
  
The Reflex-Korelle II was modified in 1939 with a chrome finished top plate. The '''Reflex-Korelle III''', released the same year, has chrome plating on the front plate and viewing hood, redesigned controls and speeds from 2s to 1/1000. It also introduced a large-diameter bayonet mount.
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A new edition of the '''Reflex-Korelle II''' appeared in 1939 with a chrome finished top plate, replacing the IIa.<REF> {{MK}}, p.472. </REF> The '''Reflex-Korelle III''', released the same year, has chrome plating on the front plate and viewing hood, redesigned controls and speeds from 2s to 1/1000. It introduced a large-diameter bayonet mount, which was also fitted on some examples of the model II.<REF> {{MK}}, p.472. </REF>
  
After World War II, production of the camera was resumed in 1947 by Korelle-Werk, nationalized as VEB WEFO in 1948.<REF> [http://www.retrography.com/kochmann.htm Reflex-Korelle] at retrography.com. </REF> The '''Meister-Korelle''' is a redesigned model, sold in the USA as the '''Master Reflex'''. It has yet another lens mount, with a large diameter screw thread. WEFO was merged into [[Welta]] in 1951, and the production of the camera lasted until 1952.
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After World War II, production of the camera was resumed in 1947 by Korelle-Werk, nationalized as VEB WEFO in 1948.<REF> [http://www.retrography.com/kochmann.htm Reflex-Korelle] at retrography.com. </REF> The '''Meister-Korelle''' is a redesigned model, sold in the USA as the '''Master Reflex'''. It has yet another lens mount, with a large diameter screw thread. WEFO was merged into [[Welta]] in 1951, and the production of the camera lasted until 1952.<REF> {{MK}}, p.983. </REF>
  
 
== Available lenses ==
 
== Available lenses ==
*F2.8 [[Carl Zeiss]] Tessar lens (80mm)
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=== Small thread mount ===
*F2.8 [[Schneider]] Xenar lens
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Incomplete list:
*F2.9 [[Schneider]] Radionar lens (75mm)
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* [[Carl Zeiss]] Tessar 7.5cm f/2.8
*F3.5 [[Steinheil]] Cassar lens (80mm)
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* [[Carl Zeiss]] Tessar 8cm f/2.8
 +
* [[Schneider]] Xenar 7.5cm f/2.8
 +
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 7.5cm f/2.9
 +
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 7.5cm f/3.5
 +
* [[Steinheil]] Cassar 8cm f/3.5
 +
 
 +
=== Bayonet mount ===
 +
For the Reflex-Korelle III.
 +
 
 +
=== Large thread mount ===
 +
For the Meister-Korelle and Master Reflex:
 +
* [[Meyer]] Primotar 85mm f/3.5
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 28: Line 39:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 +
* {{Matanle SLR}} Pp.215–6.
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.471–2 and 983.
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.471–2 and 983.
  

Revision as of 16:01, 1 June 2009

The Reflex-Korelle was a reflex camera made by Franz Kochmann, later Korelle-Werk, Dresden. It was one of the earliest 6×6cm SLRs. Several camera makers copied it, for example the British company Agilux. Postwar models were named Meister-Korelle or Master Reflex.

General description

The camera takes 6×6cm exposures on 120 film. It has a focal plane shutter with horizontally running cloth curtains. There is a fixed waist-level viewfinder on top, with a matte screen and a magnifier. The viewing hood has an additional folding frame finder at the top. The camera is focused by turning the lens helicoid.

Evolution

The original Reflex-Korelle was introduced in 1935. Very early cameras were made with B, 1/10 – 1/1000 speeds, but this was quickly abandoned and that model normally has B, 1/25 – 1/500.[1] The lens mount is a simple screw thread with 40.5mm diameter.[2]

The Reflex-Korelle II, launched in 1936, differs by the addition of slow speeds (to 2s) and a self-timer.[3] After the introduction of model II, the original model without slow speeds was renamed Reflex-Korelle I.[4]

Some sources say that the two models were modified in 1937 with auto-stop film advance, and renamed Ia and IIa.[5] A simplified Reflex-Korelle B was sold at the same period, with separate shutter winding and film advance, and with no eye-level finder.[6]

A new edition of the Reflex-Korelle II appeared in 1939 with a chrome finished top plate, replacing the IIa.[7] The Reflex-Korelle III, released the same year, has chrome plating on the front plate and viewing hood, redesigned controls and speeds from 2s to 1/1000. It introduced a large-diameter bayonet mount, which was also fitted on some examples of the model II.[8]

After World War II, production of the camera was resumed in 1947 by Korelle-Werk, nationalized as VEB WEFO in 1948.[9] The Meister-Korelle is a redesigned model, sold in the USA as the Master Reflex. It has yet another lens mount, with a large diameter screw thread. WEFO was merged into Welta in 1951, and the production of the camera lasted until 1952.[10]

Available lenses

Small thread mount

Incomplete list:

Bayonet mount

For the Reflex-Korelle III.

Large thread mount

For the Meister-Korelle and Master Reflex:

  • Meyer Primotar 85mm f/3.5

Notes

  1. McKeown, p.471. The version with 1/25 – 1/500 is called "IA" in Matanle, p.215.
  2. Matanle, p.215.
  3. McKeown, p.471. It is called "IIA" in Matanle, p.215.
  4. McKeown, p.472.
  5. McKeown, p.472.
  6. McKeown, p.472, Matanle, pp.215–6.
  7. McKeown, p.472.
  8. McKeown, p.472.
  9. Reflex-Korelle at retrography.com.
  10. McKeown, p.983.

Bibliography

  • Matanle, Ivor. Collecting and Using Classic SLRs. London: Thames & Hudson, 1996. ISBN 0-500-01726-3. Pp.215–6.
  • 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). Pp.471–2 and 983.

Links

In English:

In French:

In Italian: