Amiflex
The Amiflex is a 6×6 TLR camera that was produced around 1953–4 by Kanto Optical Corp. It focuses with the front cells of both lenses, which are geared together. Film advance uses a red window on the back, protected by a vertically sliding cover. There is a decorative metal plate with black vertical stripes around the lenses.
The first models have a pair of Ami 80mm f/3.5 lenses and an NKS shutter (B, 1–200) with self-timer and flash synchronization.
The first Amiflex variant has no sportsfinder. It is advertised in December 1953[1] for ¥9,000 (including case), distributed by Satsuki Shashin Shōkai, together with the similarly priced Daido Six.
The next variant has a sportsfinder in the viewing hood with a round AMI logo. It is advertised by the same distributor in February 1954[2] for ¥9500 (including case). McKeown pictures this variant, together with a later one having a different viewing hood with a hexagonal AMI logo, and also mentions an NKS-TB shutter.
There is an Amiflex II. McKeown mentions two variants. The early one is very similar to the previous model except the RKS shutter, X synchronized via a PC connector. The later one has changes in the nameplate and in the back door latch and a 1/300 top speed. A late Amiflex II is pictured in this page of the tlr-cameras.com website with Amitar Anastigmat lenses and an Ami shutter to 1/300.
During World War II, there was an Ami 4.5×6 folder; it is unknown if this is related.
Notes
- ↑ Advertisement for the Amiflex and Daido Six, published in the December 1953 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 581.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Amiflex, published in the February 1954 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 367.
Sources and further reading
- 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 367 and 581.
- 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. 456.
External links
In English:
In Japanese:
- Amiflex (early variant with no sportsfinder) and specifications at Japan Family Camera (archived)
- Amiflex (variant with round logo) from Aya's TLR collection
