Rectaflex (TLR)

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Japanese 6×6 TLR
Postwar models (M–Z)
6×6cm
M–Z
(edit)
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The Rectaflex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR camera made by Kigawa Kōgaku, name variant of the Tubasaflex. The camera was not announced or advertised in Japan,[1] and was perhaps made for export only.

Description

The Rectaflex is an ordinary TLR with externally geared lenses, exactly similar to the late version of the Tubasaflex, except for the camera and lens names. The film advance is by a knob on the photographer's right, and is certainly controlled by a red window. The L-shaped back is locked by a latch at the bottom. The front plate is covered by a decorative metal cover, with flowers engraved in the top corners, as on the late Tubasaflex, of which the Rectaflex was certainly a name variant. The plain viewing hood has no sports finder. The name RECTAFLEX is inscribed on a nameplate placed above the front plate; the model name MOD. I appears in small letters under the main name.

The camera has Daguerre 80mm f/3.5 lenses, with a black bezel and white engravings. The shutter, reported as a "KKK",[2] gives B, 10–200 speeds; it is synchronized via an ASA bayonet post, at the front of the camera, and has a thread for a cable release, corresponding to an indent in the camera's front plate. It is tripped by a button running along the camera's right-hand side plate.

Two surviving examples of the Rectaflex Mod. I have been observed so far, one of which has lens numbers in the 16xxx range.[3] It appears that no other model was made.

Notes

  1. The Rectaflex is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
  2. Sugiyama, item 2226, and description of a past auction by Auction Team Breker.
  3. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 2226, and example pictured in a past auction by Auction Team Breker (taking lens no.16143, viewing lens no.16072).

Bibliography

  • Kanno Tsunetoshi (管野経敏). "A kara Z no kokusan niganrefu" (AからZの国産二眼レフ, Japanese TLRs from A to Z). In Miryoku saihakken: Nigan refu: Firumu kamera ha e no messēji (魅力再発見・二眼レフ:フィルムカメラ派へのメッセージ, Fascination rediscovery: TLRs: A message to film cameras). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppansha, 2006. P.116. (The camera is described as a "Rekta" [sic].)
  • 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.464.
  • Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Item 2226.

The Rectaflex is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.