Anyone encountered a Reflecta (with a C) TLR?

[Muggins]

I've just come across one of these in a tat - sorry, collectibles - shop and stupidly didn't think to take a photo before leaving the shop. Also stupidly, by the time of realising I should ask here it was too late to go back!

Has anyone anyone else come across one? Uncle Google suggests a little info, but not much.

ETA there is one on ebay that looks very similar: EARLY RICHTER REFLECTA 120 TLR W MEYER 7.3CM F/3.5 TRIOPLAN WORKING | eBay UK

In short it's a very small 120 TLR fitted with two Meyer Trioplan lenses - didn't think to check how fast they were - and a 1- 1/300th Compur shutter.

I suspect unusually (I'm not that familiar with TLRs) to load it you open the back and take a cone out like a box camera.

I think it's 1930s. I'm tempted to go back as it's so unusual, and decent lens shutter combo, but am a bit concerned because the viewfinder is extremely dim - makes my Old Standard Rollei look like a lighthouse sort of dim - and I really can't tell whether it's in focus or not. It may have been fiddled with, having been well used, as the wind knob is an odd lash-up, but the lenses do move in and it as the focus lever is moved.

If you know any more I'd love to hear from you!

 

[p.giannakis]

I've just come across one of these in a tat - sorry, collectibles - shop and stupidly didn't think to take a photo before leaving the shop. Also stupidly, by the time of realising I should ask here it was too late to go back!

Has anyone anyone else come across one? Uncle Google suggests a little info, but not much.

ETA there is one on ebay that looks very similar: EARLY RICHTER REFLECTA 120 TLR W MEYER 7.3CM F/3.5 TRIOPLAN WORKING | eBay UK

In short it's a very small 120 TLR fitted with two Meyer Trioplan lenses - didn't think to check how fast they were - and a 1- 1/300th Compur shutter.

I suspect unusually (I'm not that familiar with TLRs) to load it you open the back and take a cone out like a box camera.

I think it's 1930s. I'm tempted to go back as it's so unusual, and decent lens shutter combo, but am a bit concerned because the viewfinder is extremely dim - makes my Old Standard Rollei look like a lighthouse sort of dim - and I really can't tell whether it's in focus or not. It may have been fiddled with, having been well used, as the wind knob is an odd lash-up, but the lenses do move in and it as the focus lever is moved.

If you know any more I'd love to hear from you!

Probably the mirror has perished. I have seen TLRs in antiques shop which is almost impossible to see through the finder. If the taking lens is f/3.5, then I suspect the viewing lens is f/3.5 too. Otherwise there might be focusing errors wide open.

My Rolleicord has a mirror in decent shape but it really is difficult to see without the magnifying piece due to the f/4.5 viewing lens .

 

[Muggins]

Probably the mirror has perished. I have seen TLRs in antiques shop which is almost impossible to see through the finder. If the taking lens is f/3.5, then I suspect the viewing lens is f/3.5 too. Otherwise there might be focusing errors wide open.

My Rolleicord has a mirror in decent shape but it really is difficult to see without the magnifying piece due to the f/4.5 viewing lens .

Thanks, Pan. You are probably right. I know the Old Standard Rollei mirrors perish.

Ironically the Voigtlander Brilliant on the shelf with it, which is closer to a box camera than a TLR, has a bright, bright finder and I'm prepared to bet that that has a sheet of chromed metal in it which is still in perfect nick paired with a big simple lens.

I'm still tempted to pick it up as (yet another...) project. Its battered enough that I won't spoil its looks!

 

[Muggins]

Having gone back and had another look it's also missing the name plate, so I am going to pass.

 

[p.giannakis]

Having gone back and had another look it's also missing the name plate, so I am going to pass.

Unfortunately there are too many people nowadays who have their first attempt in camera repairs with rare or expensive cameras 😞

 

[Muggins]

I tried with Werras... that was *interesting*!

 

[Dralowid]

Unfortunately there are too many people nowadays who have their first attempt in camera repairs with rare or expensive cameras 😞

Same applies to cars...

 

[p.giannakis]

I tried with Werras... that was *interesting*!

According to Google, half a million of them made. ...
499.999 more left 😁

 

[Muggins]

According to Google, half a million of them made. ...
499.999 more left 😁

Phew!

 

[WoodallP]

According to Google, half a million of them made. ...
499.999 more left 😁

Nope, 499998 max; I can vouch for it.

 

[z.bruce.li]

Two observations:

1) Is it possible that this model is pseudo TLR, i.e., the viewing lens is not actually moving at all?

2) I agree most likely the dim viewfinder is due to bad mirror. This is easily user fixable. You can get a front facing TLR mirror replacement from ebay user (marty1107) for any size at very reasonable price. You just need to calibrate focus afterwards with some shim on the focus screen.

 

[Muggins]

Two observations:

1) Is it possible that this model is pseudo TLR, i.e., the viewing lens is not actually moving at all?

2) I agree most likely the dim viewfinder is due to bad mirror. This is easily user fixable. You can get a front facing TLR mirror replacement from ebay user (marty1107) for any size at very reasonable price. You just need to calibrate focus afterwards with some shim on the focus screen.

No, it is a genuine TLR as both lenses move. How they are coupled is unclear as there is no block on the front like a Rollei ( and most other TLRs), and internally I can only see the back of a tube that the taking lens must move in. Given it's age, there may well be a coupling method unique to the model. Its hidden, however its done, and hidden well because its noticeably tiny for a 6x6 TLR.

It's also possible that the two lenses have come uncoupled, and are not moving in unison.

I'll remember the availability of mirrors should I need another for anything else, but this one stays on the shelf (I have enough projects on the go already!). Good to keep discussing though, one day someone else may find this thread gives them just what they need.