The Cometflex is a Japanese 6×6 pseudo TLR, probably made in the 1950s. It is attributed to a company called Kondo Optical Works.[1]
Description[]
The Cometflex is extremely similar to the Spartus Full-Vue made by Spartus Corp. and to the Carlton-Reflex made by Utility Mfg. Co. and distributed by Allied Camera Supply Co.
The camera is shaped as a box. The advance knob, Time and Instant selector and release lever are placed on the right-hand side, as seen by the photographer. There is an accessory shoe and a two-pin female plug on the left, perhaps for flash synchronization. The viewing hood has a striated pattern, and consists of a single door, providing no protection for the light coming from behind. The L-shaped back is hinged to the bottom and is locked in the closed position by a large spring latch. The film advance is controlled via a single uncovered red window, around the middle of the back.
The lens is a fixed-focus f/8 meniscus achromat. The front plate has art-deco style patterns, with the camera name inscribed at the top, and the words KONDOX and MADE IN JAPAN at the bottom.
Variations[]
The camera is known in two minor variations. One has the name Cometflex in one word, and has the lens marking comet achromat F:8.[2] The other has the name Comet flex in two words, and has sakura achromat F:8 on the lens rim.[3]
Notes[]
Bibliography[]
- 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. Items 4118–9.
- Takasaki Akio (高崎晶夫). "Kokusan 6×6cm-han nigan-refu A to Z" (国産6×6cm判二眼レフA to Z, Japanese 6×6cm TLR A to Z). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.49, December 1998. ISBN 4-257-13022-9. Amerika-sei 35mm renzu-shattā kamera (アメリカ製35mmレンズシャッターカメラ, issue about American 35mm lens-shutter cameras). Pp.64–73.
This camera is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.