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The '''Zunowflex''' is a Japanese 35mm [[SLR]] film camera launched by [[Zunow|Zunow Optical Industry]] in 1958, at about the same time most of the established Japanese camera companies introduced their first models of this type. McKeown states that this was the first Japanese 35mm SLR with auto diaphragm.<ref>{{McKeown12}} Page 1064.</ref> Unfortunately, this maker was unable to persevere for more than another three years, and they produced very few cameras.

The Zunow has a remarkably compact and neat design, most basic features are highly developed, possibly inspired by [[Contax S]], [[Praktina]] and [[Miranda]] T, all having the right hand front shutter release, and like the two latter it also has a removable [[pentaprism]], while the lens mount certainly bears resemblance to the Praktina breech lock, as does the entire top plate arrangement, comprising the right-hand shutter-speed dial/wind-on group and the left-hand reminder-dial/rewind group. However, the Zunow has a lever wind, a rare feature prior to this camera’s launch date, not found on many 35mm SLR cameras, except for the [[Kine Exakta|Exakta]], the [[Mecaflex]], and the [[Pentax (original)|Asahi Pentax]] of 1957.

Some technical problems associated with the SLR camera, occupying engineers at the time, are successfully incorporated in this camera, most importantly an internally coupled automatic lens diaphragm and an instant return mirror. However, perhaps the most remarkable feature is the optional fast standard lens, the Zunow 1:1.2 f=58mm, already a speciality Zunow had entertained, making fast rangefinder lenses for [[Nikon S|Nikon]] and [[Leica]] cameras.

==Notes==
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== Links ==
In English:
*[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Zunow-Zunowflex-chrome/AI-41-40841 Zunow serial no. 1959515] with 5cm f/1.8 Zunow lens, offered for sale at the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-41/ 41st Leitz Photographica Auction], in November 2022.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180605065912/http://www.ukcamera.com/collect/zunow/zunow1.htm Zunow SLR] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20191002075926/http://ukcamera.com:80/ UK Camera] (archived).
In Japanese:
* [http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/monthlyphoto/200501/ Zunow SLR] at [http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/index.html Hayata Camera Laboratory] (the page is translated [http://www.novacon.com.br/odditycameras/zumow.htm here] at [http://www.novacon.com.br/ Novacon], with additional pictures)

[[Category: Japanese 35mm SLR]]
[[Category: Zunow]]
[[Category: Z]]