The Atomflex (アトムフレックス) is a Japanese 4×4 SLR, briefly advertised by Atom Kōki Seisakusho in late 1953.[1]
Description[]
The Atomflex has a near cubic shape modified by the film spool compartments on both sides and the viewing hood at the top. The name ATOMFLEX is inscribed on a nameplate in front of the hood. The film runs from right to left and the advance knob is at the top left. The back is hinged to the right and the film advance is probably controlled by red window.
The lens is an Atomar Anastigmat 75/3.5. It is coated and has three elements. The focusing ring only rotates the front element. It is not known if the lens is fixed or interchangeable.
The shutter gives B, 25, 50, 100 speeds, selected by a disc at the bottom of the front plate, on the photographer's left. The shutter blades are certainly placed behind the lens. The range of speeds and position of the speed selector remind the Super Flex Baby and the Karma Flex. Flash synchronization is reported in the advertisements but the synch post is not visbile in the only picture observed so far.
There is a long rod to the top, on the left of the viewfinder: when pushed, it lowers the mirror and opens the shutter blades for viewing. The button placed on the opposite side is the body release: it raises the mirror, closes the shutter blades and trips the shutter at the selected speed.[2]
Advertisements[]
The Atomflex was advertised in Asahi Camera from October to December 1953.[3] The price was ¥8,500, case included. The above description is based on the October 1953 advertisement.[4] No surviving example has been found so far, and it is not known if the camera was actually sold.
Notes[]
- ↑ Date: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 345.
- ↑ Use of the two buttons: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 345.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 345.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 116.
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 365.
The Atomflex is not listed in Sugiyama.