Vintage Classic Cameras:
The Unvarnished Truth About 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 Twin Lens Reflexes. Part 2
4 Semi-Exotic TLRs from Japan, China, England, and the good ol’ U.S.A.
By Jason Schneider
Ansco Automatic Reflex ll
Ansco Automatic Reflex: The best made and most advanced 2-1/4x 2-1-/4 twin-lens reflex camera ever manufactured in the U.S., the Ansco Automatic Reflex, delivered to dealers in 1947, went all out to capture the TLR market from the Europeans. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and it was so costly to manufacture that Ansco decided to skimp on one key technical spec, the lens, which is a decent triplet (3 elements in 3 groups) but not up to the standard of the rest of the camera. It’s a substantial machine (2 pounds, 12 ounces), that’s exquisitely finished, and features focusing by left-hand knob, or by either hand using two ingenuous, interconnected front-mounted wheels. Film advance is by short-throw crank, after you set frame one in ye olde red window. The lensboard is suspended in four self-lubricating grooves and focuses via four cams, an exquisitely complex and durable but very expensive arrangement. There were two versions, the latter with fash sync. Both had shutter speeds from 1-1/400 sec and a coated 83mm f/3.5 taking lens made by Wollensak and labeled Ansco Anastigmat. The double exposure mechanism is finicky but can be made to work if need be.
Ansco Automatic Reflex l with added Heiland flash synchronizer
Bottom line: The Ansco Automatic Reflex was produced in small numbers so it’s fairly uncommon. It’s definitely useable if somewhat quirky, and it’s an affordable exotic that currently fetches aboout $250-$400 per copy. Its lens doesn’t deliver stellar performance in the corners of the field at its widest apertures but aside from that it performs quite nicely.
Microcord Twin Lens Reflex, courtesy Science Museum Group Collection
Microcord: This fairly exotic British TLR of the ‘50s was made in England by Micro Precision Products (MPP) and it’s largely based on the Rolleicord. It’s very well made and its chief attraction as a shooter is its 77.5mm Ross Xpres taking lens, an outstanding example of the 4-element, 3-group Tessar type. The Microcord Mark I introduced in 1951 had an 8-speed Epsilon shutter with T and B, ye olde red window film advance, and a mirror in the focusing hood like the Rolleiflex to enable eyelevel (albeit upside-down) viewing . The Microcord Mark II introduced in 1954 used a more reliable (and repairable!) Prontor SVS 1-1/300 plus B shutter, had semi-automatic film wind (no red window needed) via a Rolleicord style knob, and a focusing hood can be used as a sports finder. Microcords in pristine shape are pricey and not too common, but they’re superb picture takers, have good viewfinders and make great user-collectibles. Weak points: The Mark l’s Epsilon shutter is not as reliable as Prontor SVS and repair parts are no longer available, and the Mark ll’s film counter sometimes gives trouble but it can usually be fixed.
Bottom line: All Microcords are beautifully crafted, high-performance TLRs, but make sure everything is working properly and that the seller accepts returns. They’re not cheap in any sense of the word but the exclusivity alone may be worth the price.
Kalloflex l with Seikosha-Rapid shutter
Kalloflex: Made in Japan by the Kowa Optical Works, known for its high quality optics and innovative cameras, this beautifuly made, premium priced 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 TLR was produced in two versions starting in 1954. Its signature feature: a knurled focusing knob concentric with is single-stroke film-wind crank, enabling both functions to be performed by tne photographer’s right hand. Its distinctive viewfinder is also uncommonly bright thanks to having a convex lens atop the focuson screen instead of the more common Fresnel. The Kalloflex was the most expensive fixed lens, non-metered TLR in Japan based on 1957 prices, costing over 50% more than its closest competitors. Its 75mm f/3.5 Prominar lens (a 4-element Tessar type) delivers outstanding imaging perfprmance and it’s 75mm f/3 viewing lens enhances focusing precision as well as brightness. The Model 1 uses a Seikosha-Rapid 1-1/500 sec plus B shutter with no self-timer and provides semi-automatoc loading, automatic frame counting, and double exposure prevention. The later Model 2 employs a Seikosha-MX shutter, has a socket on the front panal for M-F-X sync, and a knob that enables double exposures. Both models have Bay 1 fittings on both lenses, are solidly built on a diecast alloy chassis, and weigh in at around 2-1/2 pounds. They’re superb picture takers that perform on a par with their leading contemporary rival the iconic Rolleiflex Automat MX, and they’re generally reliable and easily repairable.
Kalloflex ll by Kowa Optical Works
Bottom line: In the top tier of Japanese made 2-1/4 TLRs, Kalloflexes are eminently usable as well as collectible, are a joy to shoot with, and can capture images of exceptional quality. Currently averaging about $350-500 per copy in pristine condition they’re nether commonplace nor cheap but they’re a great choice for camera connoisseurs focused on taking pictures.
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Seagull 4A, Type 103 with 4-element Haiou lens
Seagull 4A: Manufactured in China by Shanghai Seagull Camera Ltd. for over 50 years, Seagull TLRs are nicely made and finished and perform quite well so long you pick the right model, such as the 4A-1 from the ‘70s or the latest 4A-109, which feature very good quality 4-element Tessar-type taking lenses. Other models such as the 4B and 4B-1 have 3-element Cooke triplet lenses. Other features of the Seagull 4A-109 include a stainless steel chassis, crank wind with semiautomatic loading and auto frame counting, a 1-1/500 sec plus B leaf shutter with self-timer, single or multi-exposure capability, a hot shoe, and a PC terminal. Other 4A-1-series models feature 1/1/300 sec plus B leaf shutter. Seagulls were produced with two alternative nameplates—one in Chinese characters for Asian markets and one in Roman letters for other markets. Howver both versions have been widely distributed. The Seagull TLR’s stealth feature: automatic parallax compensation using a mask that moves vertically under the viewing screen as you focus, just like the Rolleifex and Rolleicord!
Seagull 4A-109: The latest, most desirable model
Bottom line: Seagull TLRs are solid, well made, relaible cameras capable of satisfying results providing you choose a model with a 4-element lens (see above). Overall they’re on a par with mid-level Japanese TLRs of the same era and they’re a good value at their current price range pf $150-$250.
The Unvarnished Truth About 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 Twin Lens Reflexes. Part 2
4 Semi-Exotic TLRs from Japan, China, England, and the good ol’ U.S.A.
By Jason Schneider
Ansco Automatic Reflex ll
Ansco Automatic Reflex: The best made and most advanced 2-1/4x 2-1-/4 twin-lens reflex camera ever manufactured in the U.S., the Ansco Automatic Reflex, delivered to dealers in 1947, went all out to capture the TLR market from the Europeans. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and it was so costly to manufacture that Ansco decided to skimp on one key technical spec, the lens, which is a decent triplet (3 elements in 3 groups) but not up to the standard of the rest of the camera. It’s a substantial machine (2 pounds, 12 ounces), that’s exquisitely finished, and features focusing by left-hand knob, or by either hand using two ingenuous, interconnected front-mounted wheels. Film advance is by short-throw crank, after you set frame one in ye olde red window. The lensboard is suspended in four self-lubricating grooves and focuses via four cams, an exquisitely complex and durable but very expensive arrangement. There were two versions, the latter with fash sync. Both had shutter speeds from 1-1/400 sec and a coated 83mm f/3.5 taking lens made by Wollensak and labeled Ansco Anastigmat. The double exposure mechanism is finicky but can be made to work if need be.
Ansco Automatic Reflex l with added Heiland flash synchronizer
Bottom line: The Ansco Automatic Reflex was produced in small numbers so it’s fairly uncommon. It’s definitely useable if somewhat quirky, and it’s an affordable exotic that currently fetches aboout $250-$400 per copy. Its lens doesn’t deliver stellar performance in the corners of the field at its widest apertures but aside from that it performs quite nicely.
Microcord Twin Lens Reflex, courtesy Science Museum Group Collection
Microcord: This fairly exotic British TLR of the ‘50s was made in England by Micro Precision Products (MPP) and it’s largely based on the Rolleicord. It’s very well made and its chief attraction as a shooter is its 77.5mm Ross Xpres taking lens, an outstanding example of the 4-element, 3-group Tessar type. The Microcord Mark I introduced in 1951 had an 8-speed Epsilon shutter with T and B, ye olde red window film advance, and a mirror in the focusing hood like the Rolleiflex to enable eyelevel (albeit upside-down) viewing . The Microcord Mark II introduced in 1954 used a more reliable (and repairable!) Prontor SVS 1-1/300 plus B shutter, had semi-automatic film wind (no red window needed) via a Rolleicord style knob, and a focusing hood can be used as a sports finder. Microcords in pristine shape are pricey and not too common, but they’re superb picture takers, have good viewfinders and make great user-collectibles. Weak points: The Mark l’s Epsilon shutter is not as reliable as Prontor SVS and repair parts are no longer available, and the Mark ll’s film counter sometimes gives trouble but it can usually be fixed.
Bottom line: All Microcords are beautifully crafted, high-performance TLRs, but make sure everything is working properly and that the seller accepts returns. They’re not cheap in any sense of the word but the exclusivity alone may be worth the price.
Kalloflex l with Seikosha-Rapid shutter
Kalloflex: Made in Japan by the Kowa Optical Works, known for its high quality optics and innovative cameras, this beautifuly made, premium priced 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 TLR was produced in two versions starting in 1954. Its signature feature: a knurled focusing knob concentric with is single-stroke film-wind crank, enabling both functions to be performed by tne photographer’s right hand. Its distinctive viewfinder is also uncommonly bright thanks to having a convex lens atop the focuson screen instead of the more common Fresnel. The Kalloflex was the most expensive fixed lens, non-metered TLR in Japan based on 1957 prices, costing over 50% more than its closest competitors. Its 75mm f/3.5 Prominar lens (a 4-element Tessar type) delivers outstanding imaging perfprmance and it’s 75mm f/3 viewing lens enhances focusing precision as well as brightness. The Model 1 uses a Seikosha-Rapid 1-1/500 sec plus B shutter with no self-timer and provides semi-automatoc loading, automatic frame counting, and double exposure prevention. The later Model 2 employs a Seikosha-MX shutter, has a socket on the front panal for M-F-X sync, and a knob that enables double exposures. Both models have Bay 1 fittings on both lenses, are solidly built on a diecast alloy chassis, and weigh in at around 2-1/2 pounds. They’re superb picture takers that perform on a par with their leading contemporary rival the iconic Rolleiflex Automat MX, and they’re generally reliable and easily repairable.
Kalloflex ll by Kowa Optical Works
Bottom line: In the top tier of Japanese made 2-1/4 TLRs, Kalloflexes are eminently usable as well as collectible, are a joy to shoot with, and can capture images of exceptional quality. Currently averaging about $350-500 per copy in pristine condition they’re nether commonplace nor cheap but they’re a great choice for camera connoisseurs focused on taking pictures.
Seagull 4A, Type 103 with 4-element Haiou lens
Seagull 4A: Manufactured in China by Shanghai Seagull Camera Ltd. for over 50 years, Seagull TLRs are nicely made and finished and perform quite well so long you pick the right model, such as the 4A-1 from the ‘70s or the latest 4A-109, which feature very good quality 4-element Tessar-type taking lenses. Other models such as the 4B and 4B-1 have 3-element Cooke triplet lenses. Other features of the Seagull 4A-109 include a stainless steel chassis, crank wind with semiautomatic loading and auto frame counting, a 1-1/500 sec plus B leaf shutter with self-timer, single or multi-exposure capability, a hot shoe, and a PC terminal. Other 4A-1-series models feature 1/1/300 sec plus B leaf shutter. Seagulls were produced with two alternative nameplates—one in Chinese characters for Asian markets and one in Roman letters for other markets. Howver both versions have been widely distributed. The Seagull TLR’s stealth feature: automatic parallax compensation using a mask that moves vertically under the viewing screen as you focus, just like the Rolleifex and Rolleicord!
Seagull 4A-109: The latest, most desirable model
Bottom line: Seagull TLRs are solid, well made, relaible cameras capable of satisfying results providing you choose a model with a 4-element lens (see above). Overall they’re on a par with mid-level Japanese TLRs of the same era and they’re a good value at their current price range pf $150-$250.
