Komaflex-S: Here's an Alternative to a 4x4 Twin Lens Reflex - Camera Talk

[@CameraTalkVideos]

I believe the Wiki page for this says that the Komaflex-S is patterned after the Baby Rolleiflex, and I could see that in its color scheme and several other things, such as how the viewing screen hood is constructed. In terms of usability, the Baby Rolleiflex comes out on top. There are a couple of sources for instruction manuals for the Komaflex-S. Just search for "komaflex s instruction manual." Butkus.org is always a good sources for these.

[@randallstewart1224]

The Komaflex is clearly not patterned after the Baby Rolleiflex, SLR versus TLR. However, it's probably that the sales success of the Baby Rolleiflex models in the late 1950s (and the Yashica 44 TLR) spurred Kowa to make a different style of camera to invade the same market of buyers who bought a Baby Rollei. Optically, both cameras use a Tessar-copy 4-elemint lens and probably perform about equally, but Kowa was primarily an optics company, so if there is a difference, it probably favors the Kowa over the Schneider Xenar used in the Baby R.

[@GregoryDai]

very educational video! thankyou for sharing🥰

[@avnostlga]

Very cool. I wish 127 was more available and popular.

[@randallstewart1224]

Based on the uncommon design and the high quality construction from Kowa, I looked t adding one of these to my collection on two occasions. Not mentioned in the video is that Kowa offered two accessory, supplemental lenses for this camera. These gave a modest telephoto and modest wide angle effect when added to the front of the fixed standard optic. My interest was about twenty years ago, when both the camera (with case) and the two additional optics were readily available on eBay, if not an everyday event. At the time, you could expect to get the camera in near mint condition for around $100-125, and the two additional lenses for less than $40. I did not buy one because: 1. It is a bit fussy to operate, as each control function is manually and separately operated, where most SLR cameras automate such. 2. 127 film even then was limited in variety and availability, and overpriced. Today, much more so. 3. Kowa is respected for the high quality of their lenses, but the design limits here adversely impact optical performance, mainly the front cell focusing and the supplement lenses. 4. I have a superb TLR 4x4cm camera, a Primo Jr. Easier and faster to use. Better optics. I'd never use the Komaflex if I did buy one. Fun fact: When registering the camera for import, the US distributor filled out the form by hand. The name "Kowaflex" was so poorly written that the office accidentally registered the camera as "Komaflex", so Kowa was stuck with the name in the US. Who was supposed to buy this camera? Dads shooting family event and vacation slides. This was a fad starting in the late 1950s, generating 4x4cm Rolleiflex, Yashica, Primo Jr (Topcon) - all TLRs, and a number of very basic box camera models from Kodak. 4x4 cm slides are larger than 35mm slides, but can be projected in a standard 35mm projector. Call it a fun collectible.