Koni-Omega M (actually Omegaflex) camera

[campy51]

This is an interesting looking camera but I don't see any advantage over any other twin lens camera like the Mamiya. Am I missing it's usefulness?

 

[OrientPoint]

I assume you're referring to the Omegaflex? The main differences I can think of are:

• The Omegaflex is a 6x7 camera. The Mamiya TLRs are 6x6.
• The Omegaflex is heavier, bulkier and has fewer lens choices than the Mamiya TLR.
• The Omegaflex has removable backs with dark slide. With the Mamiya, like most cameras, you're stuck with the roll you loaded until it's done.

I like the Omegaflex a lot, in part because it's such an odd duck, but I don't know that it's a "must have" for anyone.

 

[campy51]

I think it attracts me is because it's so different. It might be different but not sure if equal or better than others. They seem to be asking big money on ebay.

 

[OrientPoint]

The lenses are very good. I like the way it handles. The viewing screen is nice, and there are different attachments for angled viewing, etc. But it's pretty large and pretty heavy. In practice having detachable backs isn't as useful as it sounds.

I have two, one a little rough cosmetically, that were inherited. Both came with the 90mm and 135mm lens sets. The 90mm is the standard lens and is the most common to find. There are also 58mm and 180mm lens sets, but I've never been able to find them at reasonable prices. The lenses are basically the same as the ones for the non-reflex Koni-Omegas, just doubled.

If you're looking to buy one I'd be happy to shift the rough one (which works fine, just needs recovering) with two lenses at a reasonable price. No one needs two of these.

 

[MattKing]

Which camera is in question here? If it is the 6x7 Omegaflex TlR, I can correct the thread title.

 

[OrientPoint]

It's the 6x7 TLR

 

[MattKing]

It's the 6x7 TLR

I think you are correct, but I'd like to have the OP confirm where their interest actually lies.
Just in case they are mistaking a Koni-Omega for a TLR.

 

[Paul Howell]

My parents bought me one when I graduated from college in 1970. Interchangeable backs, lens are very sharp, but it not a TLR, it is direct view, the 45 degree finder attachment does turn it into sort of a TLR. As a direct view, your looking though the camera not down into a viewfinder. The image is like that of a view camera, upside down and reverse, the 45 degree attachment allows for a right side view view at an angle. There is no WL viewing. As a 6X7 it is designed to be used in portrait orientation. What I did not like was it is very difficult use for landscape mode. I eventuality sold it and bought a Mamiya C33 that I used for several years before trading it in for a Kowa SL66.

The Omegaflex were made in somewhat small numbers, not surprised that the price is higher than for a Mamiya C33 or 330. Unless you intend to use for portraits I would give it serious thought about how you will use one for landscapes.

 

[darkroommike]

And be gentle with it! It has a reputation for breaking easily. I passed on one years ago that had an issue with the shutter body release (a weak point) for which there are no longer any parts.

 

[campy51]

Yes the twin lens camera.

 

[campy51]

The one I was looking at online said that there was a delay after the shutter was pressed. I wonder if that's the problem of being the weak spot of the camera.

 

[MattKing]

Thread title updated.

 

[Paul Howell]

Although only had one for a couple of years I do not recall any issues with the shutter. What I don't recall is, if there was a timer. Here is the manual.

https://www.cameramanuals.org/pdf_files/koni-omegaflex_m.pdf

 

[ic-racer]

I was always fascinated by the camera. A friend had one in the 1980s and he did not have the reflex finder, so everything was up side down like a view camera.

When I decided to get a 6x7 camera I went with the Horseman, instead.

 

[Paul Howell]

The Air Force used Konica Omega Rapid press cameras. I think the lens for the Omegaflex were same lens for the Rapid, the shutters were different as the Rapid used the ratchet advance. Now for an unusual TLR, the Growerflex is the ticket.

l

 

[campy51]

And be gentle with it! It has a reputation for breaking easily. I passed on one years ago that had an issue with the shutter body release (a weak point) for which there are no longer any parts.

Would having a little delay after shutter release be the same problem or do you think it's just a dirty shutter?

 

[ags2mikon]

Sounds like a CLA is in order. Not lighter fluid. A real CLA.

 

[Paul Howell]

I think you can get it cleaned and adjusted.

 

[campy51]

Do you think $300 is worth taking a chance on it? Will I end up not using it because of the size? I have enough of those, but they sure do look nice.

 

[OrientPoint]

Do you think $300 is worth taking a chance on it? Will I end up not using it because of the size? I have enough of those, but they sure do look nice.

Which lens is included? And which viewer attachment? There are three viewing options: a basic look-ahead viewer (basically a shade on the built-in ground glass), a look-ahead magnifier and a reflex viewer. It should have at least one of them included, as they're not so easy to find on their own. Arguably the reflex viewer is most desirable to have. Having none of them is very undesirable.

$300 for an OmegaFlex in working condition with the standard 90mm lens and a viewer seems like a pretty good deal. For one with a questionable shutter, I don't think I'd go for it. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Paul Howell]

I would skip it and pay more a example with a properly working shutter. Reason is the $300 will turn into $400 to $600 once it is serviced.

 

[Paul Howell]

Changed my mind, just checked the prices on Ebay, buy it and get it serviced. A working model with 90mm lens are going for over a grand.

 

[campy51]

I talked to someone and had them check the shutter for me and he says it's slow to close but the more times you fire the shutter the better it gets, so it just seems to be dirty. I just bought it for $299 and I guess the other back not showing is a 120 back. I don't know if this is something I would use enough but I figure if the camera is a dud I will get my money back on ebay and then some.

 

[Paul Howell]

Considering what the run for on Ebay, you got a pretty good deal, even if you have to pay to the shutter serviced.

 

[Bronson Dugnutt]

I've got the M rangefinder and can say that the 90mm Hexanon lens is superb; I assume the TLR version is as well. The rangefinder lens is commonly available but not highly sought after due to the awkward-to-adapt mount.

Assuming the deal isn't a bust I'd be interested to hear your (or anyone else's) impressions of using this camera system. I've been using my Speed Graphic press-style as well as shooting with a waist level TLR as of late and this camera seems to provide an interesting hybrid of both.