Template:Japanese postwar 6×6 TLR (M–Z) The Orionflex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR camera of the early 1950s, about which little is known. The camera was not announced or advertised in Japan,[1] and was perhaps made for export only.
Manufacturer[]
The Orionflex, dated c.1952, is sometimes attributed to a "Kikawa Optical Works",[2] certainly a wrong name for Kigawa Kōgaku.[3] The attribution to Kigawa is perhaps based on the similarity between the main body of the Orionflex and that of the Tsubasaflex.
Description[]
The Orionflex is an ordinary TLR, with externally geared lenses. 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 plain viewing hood has no sports finder. The name ORIONFLEX is inscribed on a nameplate placed above the front plate.
The camera has Orion Anastigmat 8.0cm f/3.5 lenses. The shutter is unnamed and reportedly gives B, 25–100 speeds; it is synchronized via a pin at the bottom, and tripped by a lever on the side.
The only surviving example observed so far is pictured in Sugiyama.[4]
Notes[]
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.
- 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.465.
- 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 2207.
The Orionflex is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.