I scored a Kalloflex

[Wayne]

I've entered the extremely rarified air of Kalloflex ownership. And despite the looks, it works! Some new leatherette and it'll be in fine shape again. And you can't see the sides anyway when its in the leather case, which is in great shape. Unfortunately there are no lens caps and I doubt I'll find any.

The lens pics make it look like there's a rummage sale of scratches but in fact there are none. I think the strap from my point n shoot bounced and reflected around in there because the lenses are pretty clean.

So, for the 1 or 2 of you who also own one of these pups, what should be in that hole next to the wind lever? You can actually see the gears moving when you turn the lever, which can't be a good thing.

The design on this thing is spectacular! Brilliant! I've seen it described as "a beast" but I think its lighter than my C330. I can tell this will quickly become a favorite.

 

[BAC1967]

Wouldn't a bay 1 lens cap fit it?

 

[Trask]

Pretty nifty! I like way the designer put film advance and focusing on the right hand like that — I can see that an experienced user could advance and focus very quickly. Post some photos when you get a chance.

 

[macfred]

Wouldn't a bay 1 lens cap fit it?

I think so - from an article about the Kalloflex TLR : ''... the Kalloflex uses Bay-1 accessories ...'' https://legacycamera.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/kalloflex-tlr/

--
https://legacycamera.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/kalloflex-tlr/
It's a beauty !!!

 

[Wayne]

Wouldn't a bay 1 lens cap fit it?

Dont know, never heard of em. Looks like they might.

 

[Wayne]

Pretty nifty! I like way the designer put film advance and focusing on the right hand like that — I can see that an experienced user could advance and focus very quickly. Post some photos when you get a chance.

Another thing I looooove is the aperture, shutter speed, and film counter are all visible from above!! No more checking the front or side of the damn camera!

 

[Chrismat]

Hey Wayne,
Hello from another Kalloflex owner! The hole next to the winder is supposed to be the double exposure release switch: From the manual: 'Intentional double exposures are possible. To reset the shutter without advancing the film, push down the release button at the back of Focusing knob and turn the crank counterclockwise (backward) one full turn.'
It's a great camera, mine needs a little work, most of the time the winder doesn't stop at the next frame, I have to carefully watch the counter, but it takes great photos!

Chris

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Looks good. I wouldn't trust that strap, though.

Does the camera have a red window to count frames? If not, maybe that opening near the wind lever is for a frame counter mechanism.

 

[macfred]

From the legacycamera link I posted above (may be important for you) : .''..If one is to use the 1/500’th shutter speed setting, it must be set before advancing the film ...''
Butkus has the full manual.

 

[Wayne]

Looks good. I wouldn't trust that strap, though.

Does the camera have a red window to count frames? If not, maybe that opening near the wind lever is for a frame counter mechanism.

Good point on the strap, I'm sure that's very fragile.

The frame counter is on top. You only need to move your eyeballs to see that and the exposure settings. Its a freaking awesome setup.

 

[Wayne]

Guess I need to McGiver a double exposure button, though I rare do doubles. Thanks Chris!

 

[Kino]

Nifty! These puppies are rather expensive on "that" auction site! Looks like a real well built camera...

 

[Dan Daniel]

I lost my first Rolleicord when the leather strap on a case broke. Dropped to the concrete and never worked again.Don't trust that leather one inch.

The 'center to center' measurement of a Rollei lens cap is 42mm, or 1-21/32". Measure from one point on the lower bayonet to the same point on the upper bayonet to see if it matches. This is also the distance for YashicaMats and Minolta Autocords if you go searching for an aftermarket cap- easy to find.

That bayonet setup also allows for an outer lens hood and filters on the inner ring.

 

[Wayne]

It appears to be significantly longer center to center than the Rollei. I''d say its at least 45-46 mm

 

[macfred]

The Kalloflex TLR definitely uses Bay I accesoirs - here is a nice thread on rangefinder forums with lots of beautiful pictures https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106520
Mike Butkus has the manual - it's worth reading http://www.butkus.org/chinon/kallo_flex/kallo_flex.htm

 

[choiliefan]

Nice score. The Kalloflex was marketed in the fifties by Graflex.
Here's a listing of the available accessories c1955 from the Pacific Rim Camera site:
https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00589/00589.pdf

 

[Wayne]

I lost my first Rolleicord when the leather strap on a case broke.

I pulled with modest pressure on the strap and it snapped. I cut it off and threw it away. I remeasured and maybe it will take the Rollie lenscap. I guess its supposed to.

They have leatherette at cameraleather.com, but it isn't the best match. It may be my only option though, as I'm not turning up many others.
But I loaded a roll of Ektar and will do some shooting while I mull it over. Since I think I'll use the case a lot I'm not sure I need to rush into leathering it.[/QUOTE]

 

[Wayne]

Darn. The shutter is knackered. It was working at first, and worked through the first roll, but then it went tits up and doesn't open when I trip it. $175 for a CLA alone, so I might have a fine looking paperweight.

 

[EdSawyer]

try naptha on the shutter, worth a shot.

 

[Pentode]

It appears to be significantly longer center to center than the Rollei.

Actually only slightly longer. My Rollei and Yashica covers are just a little too short to fit my Kallo. I keep meaning to order an El-Cheapo plastic cap from the auction site for mine. The odds of finding an actual Kowa cap are even slimmer than finding a Kalloflex in the first place! And yes, the filters are Bay 1.

The shutter on mine is slow but working. I haven't gotten around to trying naphtha yet. Too many other cameras to tinker with right now.

 

[Wayne]

The shutter seems to trip, but doesnt open. Its not slow, it just doesnt open at all and yet you have to recock it after tripping it. It sounds almost like its set on a super fast shutter speed, but it definitely isn't opening even for 1/500th. Never had that happen on a camera before.

 

[Kino]

Yeah, your shutter blades have glued themselves down. Try naptha with a qtip after taking out front and rear lens cells. Use sparingly, swab gently. Alternate with 99% alcohol and be patient. Might take a day or a week of periodic cleaning for it to free up...

 

[Wayne]

Yeah, your shutter blades have glued themselves down. Try naptha with a qtip after taking out front and rear lens cells. Use sparingly, swab gently. Alternate with 99% alcohol and be patient. Might take a day or a week of periodic cleaning for it to free up...

Sounds like the same thing I need to do to this 1951 Royal typewriter I jut scored for $2.00

 

[Kino]

Sounds like the same thing I need to do to this 1951 Royal typewriter I jut scored for $2.00

Poor guy; you collect typewriters like me too!

I have thinned my herd to 4 now; once had about 20. Got a mint, Olympia SM-4 with cursive type for $8 a few weeks ago. Just ordered some new ribbons!

 

[Wayne]

Poor guy; you collect typewriters like me too!

I have thinned my herd to 4 now; once had about 20. Got a mint, Olympia SM-4 with cursive type for $8 a few weeks ago. Just ordered some new ribbons!

I sure hope i don't collect them, lol. I may be in a high risk group but this is my first and only manual typewriter. I probably will get 2 or 3 more eventually just to find out which ones I like for actual use. But my goal is just to type, not collect. Writing is cheaper than photography.