The Collex (コレックス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed by Eikōdō in 1937.[1]
Description of the body[]
The Collex is a vertical folder. It has a folding bed and a rectangular lens standard mounted on scissor struts and supporting the lens and shutter assembly; this design is reminiscent of the Zeh Goldi 3×4 folder. There is a tubular optical finder in the middle of the top plate, and no body release. The advance knob is at the bottom right, as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The back is hinged to the left and there is a leather handle over the back latch. The film advance is controlled by two red windows, each with a vertically sliding cover. The name COLLEX is embossed in the front leather and at the front of the leather case.
The manufacturer of the camera is unknown. The same body is shared by the Adler A (sold by Asahi Kōgaku Kōgyō and Riken) and by some Sintax cameras.
Lens and shutter equipment[]
In an advertisement by Eikōdō in the April 1937 issue of Asahi Camera,[2] the Collex was offered for ¥39 with a Collex Anastigmat 75mm f/4.5 lens and a Collex shutter giving 25, 50, 100, T, B speeds. Such an example has been observed for sale. The shutter plate is marked COLLEX WORKS TOKYO on the top, with a logo on the right (maybe an intricate "B" and "I" or "B" and "T").[3]
Another example has been observed with a Lucomar Anastigmat 75mm f/4.5 lens (certainly supplied by Kigawa) and an unknown shutter giving T, B, 1–200 and marked PATENTS–PENDING at the top of the shutter plate.[4]
A third example is known with a Rulex shutter (1–200, B, T) by Neumann & Heilemann.[5] The lens is reported as a Trionar Anastigmat 75/4.5.
Notes[]
- ↑ Date: advertisemens and articles listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.336.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.72.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1035. The accessory shoe is certainly not original.
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 109.
- 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.261.
- 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 1035.