Gnoflex

The Gnoflex is a mysterious camera from the 1950s, and known largely through images of models that occasionally crop-up on auction sites. It appears most likely that the manufacturer was TOC (Tokyo Optical Company), better known as Tōkyō Kōgaku which found later success with their Topcon brand. Examples of cameras can often be found with TOC branded cases. In addition, Gnoflex models bear a striking similarity to Tōkyō Kōgaku's Primoflex (which was also sold as the Laurelflex and Topcoflex) and Sunflex IV cameras.
 

There were at least four different models.

• One has an Elnor 75mm f3.5 lens and NKS-FB 1 to 1/300 shutter, and is often seen with a case which is clearly branded
• Another has a Horinor 75mm f3.5 lens and NKS-SC 1 to 1/200 shutter.
• The Gnoflex II has a Hitar 80mm f3.5 lens and Synchro-Super or NKS-FB 1 to 1/300 shutter. It very closely resembles the Fodorflex II/Beautyflex D (differentiated by their Rollei bayonet-style filter mounts) which were made by Taiyōdō Kōki, who were know to largely favour 80mm. However, it seems more likely that this model was also made by TOC.
• Another II-type has a Horinor 75mm f3.5 lens and a Synchro-Super (of unknown speeds), and again this model has been seen with a TOC branded case.

The 6×6 TLR Gnoflex II with 8cm Hitar Anastigmat lens and Synchro-Super shutter. image by Mike Novak (Image rights)

Links

• Gnoflex on historiccamera.com [1]
• Gnoflex TLR video review by YouTuber KimGarza Photography & Art (in Spanish, with English subtitling]