Captaflex Vintage Dual Viewfinder Camera 1950s

Description

Enter the fascinating world of analog photography with the Captaflex, a genuine TLR (Twin-Lens Reflex) camera dating back to around the 1950s. Although its manufacturer is less well-known than the giants of the day, the Captaflex represents the ferment of the post-war Japanese photography industry, where many emerging companies were creating robust and functional cameras for the market.

This Captaflex stands out for its classic metal construction and faux leather finish, a distinctive design that reflects the aesthetics of its era. Its dual viewfinder system is its most prominent feature: an upper lens for viewing and focusing, and a lower lens that captures the image on film, operating in perfect synchronization.

Main Features (Common to Captaflex TLR models):

• Capture lens: Usually equipped with lenses such as the 80mm Captaflex Anastigmat f/3.5 or similar, offering sharp image quality.
• Shutter speeds: Typically a range that includes B (Bulb) and calibrated speeds such as 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200, among others.
• Opening: Common ranges from f/3.5 to f/22, allowing good control of depth of field.
• Movie: Designed to use 120 format film reels, producing the classic 6x6 cm square negatives.
• Viewfinder: Waist-level finder with focusing magnifier for precise composition.
• Accessories: They retain their original leather case (as seen in the picture), which adds historical value and additional charm, proudly displaying the signs of time. No tears, just unstitched.

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Curiosities of the Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) System

 

The TLR system, or "twin-lens reflex camera," was a highly influential and popular photographic technology, especially in medium format. Its unique configuration offered advantages and a unique user experience:

1. Direct View, Separate Capture: The main innovation was the use of two lenses: the upper one for composition and focusing, on a ground glass at waist level, and the lower one for exposing the film. This meant the photographer saw the image "correctly" (without inverting) in the viewfinder, making composition easier.
2. No “Blackout” when Shooting: Unlike SLR cameras, where the mirror flips up during the exposure, causing a brief blackout in the viewfinder, TLR cameras don't suffer from this effect. The image in the viewfinder remains visible at all times, an advantage when photographing moving subjects or for shoots requiring a rapid sequence of images.
3. The Parallax Challenge: The physical separation between the viewing and capturing lenses introduces “parallax error.” This means that what you see in the viewfinder isn't exactly what the capturing lens “sees,” especially at close focusing distances. Experienced photographers learned to compensate for this small shift, or used specific markings on the viewfinder to help correct it.
4. “Waist” Photography Style: The viewfinder's design forced the photographer to look down at the camera, creating a distinctive posture. This perspective often resulted in lower, more intimate shooting angles, a hallmark of many TLR photographs.

The Captaflex isn't just a camera; it's a portal to an era of photography where patience, precision, and anticipation were key. Owning it is like owning a tangible piece of photographic history, ready to be displayed, collected, or even recaptured with its analog charm.