Argoflex EF, Elioflex 2, and Agfa Trolix

[radiophoto]

I've finally gotten around to adding the more recent cameras to my website.  I posted two Canon RFs earlier today (see in the Rangefinder section of NFf), and here are three more pages I've added:

Argoflex EF

Ferrania Elioflex 2

Agfa Trolix

As always, your comments and criticism are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

[radiocemetery]

Hi Pete,
The Agfa Trolix looks like the face of a spider with all those "eyes". Nice work.

[shadowfox]

Pete, if you ever get this picture up on flickr:
http://www.f6point3studio.com/elioflex_2/elioflex_02.jpg

... please consider sharing it on my Camera Parade group.

Learned three new cameras today, thanks to your site.

[radiophoto]

Thanks, Steve and Will!  You're right about the bug-faced Agfa, Steve.    Will, I can post that with no problem, and I'll add it to the group, if I can find it easily enough.

[jamesmck]

Learned three new cameras today, thanks to your site.

And I learned about two new ones.  Nice presentations, Pete.

[Olypen]

Seeing those three cameras and photos from each of them is a real treat.  I never heard or saw a thing about either the Ferrania or Agfa; great job at tracking them down.  Pictures suggest that you had fun using them and the subjects like what's going on, too.  Thanks for the informative and interesting post.

[radiophoto]

Thank you, James and Olypen.  Always happy to provide information wherever possible. 

[br1078lum]

Nice collection, and photos, Pete.  I came across a Revere camera the other day that's built like a Frigidair, and it reminds me of your penchant for oddball cameras.  Keep hunting, there's more where those came from.

PF

[radiophoto]

Nice collection, and photos, Pete.  I came across a Revere camera the other day that's built like a Frigidair, and it reminds me of your penchant for oddball cameras.  Keep hunting, there's more where those came from.

PF

Thanks, Phil -- I went looking for Revere cameras at google, and saw this one, which resembles somewhat a Frigidaire.  Is this the same one you're referring to?

[br1078lum]

That's way too much leather for a Frigidair, Pete.  Though Revere was at one time the second largest movie camera producer in the US.  This is what mine looks like:


Revere Electric Eye-Matic EE 127 Front by br1078phot, on Flickr

Revere Electric Eye-Matic EE 127
Manufactured 1959
Wollensak 58mm f2.8 Raptar 4 Element Tessar Design
Minimum Aperture f22
ASA Range 10-100 Set On Top Of Camera
Body Of Die-cast Aluminum Alloy
Painted Finish Baked Enamel, With Brushed Aluminum
Single Speed Shutter 1/100
Flash-Matic Mode Electronic Sync Using Revere Model 34 Flash (For Bulb Flash, FM-24)
Coupled Rangefinder (No Distance Markings)
Bright Viewfinder Frame Line With Aperture Display
Single Stroke Lever Film Advance With Frame Counter
Film Format 4x4 127 Rollfilm
Camera Size 6”wx4”dx3 ¾”h (145x98x92mm)
Weight 2lbs 4oz
Originally Sold For $139.50 In 1959 ($1,040 In 2009 Value)

The shutter is buggered up, but the body is in very good condition.  It came with the leather case, the original shipping box for the case, and instruction booklet.  I'm kind of glad it doesn't work, so now I don't have to get any film for it.

PF

[radiophoto]

Woof.  Cameras sure got hideous in the 50s, didn't they?  Put that alongside an Imperial Debonair and an Argus C-33, and they'd look like cousins. 

[radiophoto]

*BUMP*

I have just added new pics of the Argoflex with its "new" -- and fully functional! -- flash attachment, and pics shot with the flash attached.  Please take a look here!

[joho35mm]

Great photos and camera presentations, Pete! I'm glad that you're using these cameras and making excellent photos with them. Your shots have a kind of "1950s' snapshot" look that is really intriguing. At least for me, as someone who studies photography in history, it's a good reminder that a lot of 20th century American casual amateur photographers (and others around the world at that time, for that matter) didn't have the kind of access to the kinds of high-end equipment that classic camera enthusiasts like us enjoy today. The fact that many of us have more than one - or in some cases, one too many! - LTM camera, high-end TLR, or SLR must've been unthinkable for the average Jane or Joe of the years from which these cameras come from. Despite this, they made enduring photos with the equipment that they could afford, and you're giving us a good taste of that today.

But I'll stop my sermonizing there. Cool photos, Pete!

I also noticed that several sets of your negatives were developed in Caffenol-C. Is that a difficult process? I've been meaning to try it out in my free time, so would love to hear how you do it. (You can PM me if that's easier; I don't want to hijack your thread.)  

[radiophoto]

Joe, thanks so much for your kind words -- I couldn't agree with you more.

I'll be happy to explain Caffenol-C, it's really easy to mix up and use.  In fact, the most difficult thing (and it isn't really too tough) is getting all the ingredients.  I think it'll be easier for both of us if you go to this flickr group and view the discussions, then if you have any amplifying questions, I'll be happy to help you: http://www.flickr.com/groups/caffinol_private_palace/  Once you're there, you'll recognize some familiar people, too.  I'm there as "f6point3studio".

I don't consider a valid conversation to be "hijacking".  Any discussion that takes place is good for nelsonfoto, far as I'm concerned. 

[mdcarma]

WHAT?!?~

No trollops with the Trolix?   :p