I first posted about this back in January of 2012. Surprisingly, it’s become one of my most popular articles and “Rectaflex” is now a common search string leading to my website. Since then, I’ve learned a bit more about the camera and so I thought I’d add this info to bring anyone interested up to date.
Early 1950s, Italian Rectaflex film SLR kit. This is a multi-frame focus bracket, stacked in Photoshop.
A lot of the new information first originated with Andrew Fildes, a photographer in Australia who also collects cameras. He too has a Rectaflex and saw my post. He emailed me, initially to make sure I knew how collectible these cameras are and we had an interesting email exchange. Here’s how the conversation started:
“Just spotted your post about the Rectaflex. Good grief. Has anyone told you yet what you’ve got there? … The most common Rectaflex in working order is worth about $1000, Unusual models or rare ones (‘Specials’) can go up to $20K or more… (The lens cap is a $150 item if clean) … looks like you’ve got the Angenieux 35mm f2.5 there as well but the other one – 10cm f2.8 Meyer? That’s unusual! Even the rings and cases are worth a lot to collectors.”
I think the collecting market has calmed down a bit since then, and the copy I have isn’t in working order so I don’t think it’s worth all that much. Still – it was an exciting email! I wish I could’ve asked Lynn’s Grandfather about it – I’d like to know his story behind the camera. Andrew said that a lot of his information came from the book Rectaflex The Magic Reflex, by Marco Anonetto. I bought a copy (included in the photo above) and it’s a wonderful resource if you want to find out more. It seems to be out of print now, but if you search the web, you can find copies.
I got another email recently from Bosse, who lives in Olso, Norway. He’s very knowledgable about reflex cameras including the Rectaflex and he’s posted a huge amount of info on his website at http://www.pentax-slr.com/108413508 (no longer available). Boss confirmed that mine was manufactured for USA sale, probably around 1950.
Although I still can’t find out much about the 10cm f/2.8 Meyer lens, there’s more info on the web now about Rectaflex than there was in early 2012. If you search, you’ll get many hits for your reading pleasure.
So that’s my post for this week. By the way – have a wonderful holiday season!
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – go make some photos!
©2015, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved.
