Zenobiaflex
The Zenobiaflex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR made by the company Daiichi Kōgaku, later Zenobia Kōgaku, that also made the Zenobia folders.
The original model (sometimes called "Zenobiaflex I") is advertised in April 1953[1] as a new camera, with no price indicated. The shutter is a Daiichi Rapid with B, 1–500 speeds, advertised as "Compur type", and the lens is a Neo-Hesper 75/3.5, advertised as a new four element Tessar type lens. This camera is still advertised in 1954[2], for ¥19,500.
The Zenobiaflex II, advertised in 1955[3], has semi-automatic operation: the advance knob automatically stops and there is an exposure counter and double exposure prevention, but the shutter winding is probably not coupled to the film advance. The lens is still a Neo-Hesper with f:3.5 aperture, but the focal length mentioned is now 77.5mm, while the viewing lens has f:3.2 aperture. The shutter is the same Daiichi-Rapid as mounted on the original model.
The Zenobiaflex F-II, advertised in 1956[4] by Zenobia Kōgaku for ¥14,500, looks quite the same as the previous model. The DOC logo has disappeared from the viewing hood and the shutter is now called Zenobia Rapid, two changes probably related with the company's name change. There is also an accessory shoe that was perhaps absent in the Zenobiaflex II.
The Zenobiaflex Automat, advertised in 1957[5] by Zenobia Kōgaku for ¥19,500, has automatic crank advance coupled with the shutter winding. The focusing knob is now on the left when hold by the photographer, and the shutter speed and aperture are set by two small wheels and readable from the top, like on the Rolleiflex. The lens is the same Neo-Hesper 77.5/3.5 as on the previous models, and the shutter is a Zenobia MFX with B, 1–500 speeds.
Notes
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobiaflex, published in the April 1953 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 576.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobiaflex, Zenobia R I and R II and Zenobia C I, published in the April 1954 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 572.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobiaflex II and Super Zenobia SR-1, published in the May 1955 issue of Camera Mainichi, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 574 and item 577.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobiaflex F-II and Zenobia SR, published in the June 1956 issue of Sankei Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 1324 and item 1325.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobia 35 and Zenobiaflex Automat, published in the September 1957 issue of Sankei Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 1326 and item 1327.
Printed 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 572, 576–7, 1325–6.
Links
In English:
In Japanese:
- Zenobiaflex and sample pictures at Japan Family Camera
- Zenobiaflex at Aya's Camera site
- Zenobiaflex with repair notes at Kan's Room