Editing Echoflex

{{Japanese postwar 6×6 TLR (A–L)}}
The '''Echoflex''' are Japanese 6×6 TLR cameras. Two models exist: a manual model, perhaps made by [[Tōyō Seiki Kōgaku]], and a semi-automatic model, perhaps made by [[Lustre]]. At least some of the Echoflex were distributed by [[Transvision|Transvision Trading]].<REF> According to [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Echoflex.html this page at tlr-cameras.com], the user manual of the semi-automatic model mentions Transvision Trading Co. of Tokyo as the sole distributor for the camera. </REF>

==Common features==
The Echoflex are regular copies of the [[Rolleicord]]. The front plate moves back and forth for focusing. The focusing and film advance knobs are on the photographer's right.

==Manual model==
The first Echoflex model is known from {{SUG}}.<REF> {{SUG}}, item 2091. </REF> The body is shaped the same as various models produced by [[Tōyō Seiki Kōgaku]], such as the [[Elbowflex]], [[Easternflex]] and [[Elegaflex|Elegaflex IS]]. It has manual film advance via a red window, no sportsfinder, and an ''ECHOFLEX'' nameplate. The focus knob is surrounded by a depth-of-field scale. The lenses are Echo 75/3.5 the shutter is an Echo (B, 1–200), synchronized via a pin at the bottom.<REF> Lens name, speed range: {{SUG}}, item 2091. </REF> The release lever directly protrudes from the bottom of the shutter casing.

==Semi-automatic model==
The second Echoflex model is similar to the [[Elegaflex|semi-automatic Elegaflex]] and to some semi-automatic models of the [[Lustreflex]]; it was probably made by the [[Lustre]] company. It has semi-automatic advance, with a round exposure counter window at the top right. The position of the first exposure is set by aligning the start mark of the leader paper with a red mark inside the camera, so there is no need for a red window. There is a button behind the focus knob, used to start the advance mechanism after the film is loaded, and another button at the centre of the winding knob, used to unlock the advance after each exposure.<REF> Operation explained in the user manual reproduced [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Echoflex.html here at tlr-cameras.com]. </REF>

The camera has an accessory shoe on the photographer's left, engraved ''LKK'' on at least some examples, perhaps standing for <U>L</U>ustre <U>K</U>ō<U>k</U>i.<REF> This is reported by Barry Toogood in [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Echoflex.html this page at tlr-cameras.com]. </REF> There is a sportsfinder in the viewfing hood and a magnifying lens, hinged at the front. The nameplate has an oval shape and reads ''ECHOFLEX'' with a serial number. The release button is at the bottom of the front plate, actuated by the photographer's right fingers, and a PC synch post is buried on the opposite side. There are bayonet filter attachments on both lenses.

The taking lens is an Echor Anastigmat and the viewing lens is an Echor Viewer. The shutter is a Synchro-Super (B, 1–300, self-timer), the same as on some [[Lustreflex]].<REF> Example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.254, and example pictured [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Echoflex.html here at tlr-cameras.com]. </REF>

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{McKeown12}} P.254.
* {{Zukan}} Item 2091.
The Echoflex is not listed in {{Kokusan}}.

==Links==
In English:
* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/Lustre.html Lustre TLRs] (with an [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Echoflex.html Echoflex]) at [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/ tlr-cameras.com]

[[Category:Japanese 6x6 TLR]]
[[Category:E]]