Minoriflex

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Japanese 6×6 TLR
Postwar models (M–Z)
6×6cm
M–Z
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The Minoriflex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR, sold and perhaps made by Rokuwa Shōji in 1950 and 1951.

Versions

A number of versions are listed in a March 1950 advertisement by Japan Photo Service Co., Ltd.[1]

The Minoriflex I has no auto-stop advance, a "Torionsu" (トリオンス) f/3.5 viewing lens and a Super-Rapid shutter (T, B, 1–500). It was available with the following lenses:

The Minoriflex II has auto-stop advance and a Lausar S f/3.5 viewing lens; it was available with the following lens and shutter combinations:

The use of German lenses and shutters at that time is surprising. These were possibly coming from old stocks of parts.

The Minoriflex was advertised again by Hakkōdō in April 1951, and it is said that a version with a Hexar f/3.8 lens was added in this advertisement.[2]

No surviving example of the Minoriflex has been observed so far.

Notes

  1. Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 193.
  2. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 368.

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. Item 915.
  • Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 71 (brief mention only, wrongly spelt "Minorflex").