Reflex Finders - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Novoflex

c. 1950

Novoflex Fotogerätebau

Memminghen

West Germany

Image of Novoflex

Serial Number:
5126 .

With:
Bellows unit. This fixes to the tripod socket of the reflex housing. Scaled to x2.4 for 13.5 cm lenses and x18 for 5 cm lenses (exposure factor).

The reflex housing has a prism mounted above a condenser and ground glass screen. The prism can be rotated. There is normally a coupling between the shutter release on the camera and the reflex housing. This example has a Leica thread.

The bellows are a special unit for use with the reflex housing.

References & Notes:
US Pat. 2576494. This covers the release method and coupling between the reflex unit and the camera shutter release.

Visoflex I

E. Leitz G.M.B.H.

Wetzlar

West Germany

Image of Visoflex I

Serial Number:
12964 .

With:

  • 5x vertical finder. Version with shorter body and straight knurling.
  • 90 degree finder.

The Visoflex I was introduced in 1951 and replaced the Mirror Reflex Housing (PLOOT) it was discontinued in 1962. Available in both screw and bayonet fittings.

Code Names:
OZYXO - Visoflex I. LVFOO - 5x vertical finder. PAMOO - 90 degree finder.

Visoflex III

1963

E. Leitz G.M.B.H.

Wetzlar

West Germany

Image of Visoflex III

With:

  • 90 degree finder.
  • "Visoflex III Instructions" 160-2 1966.

The Visoflex III was introduced in 1963 in a bayonet mount for the Leica M. It had the advantage, over the Visoflex II, of being fitted to the camera without having to remove the pentaprism; the lens mount on the Visoflex was pushed into the body of the Leica and a lever turned to lock it in place.

The mirror has three settings: slow rise of the mirror, the mirror is raised by finger pressure on the release lever; fast rise, the mirror trips and is raised by a spring; mirror lock up. When set to fast or slow the mirror returns to the down position once pressure on the release lever is removed. For very long or time exposures it was best to use a cable release, when one is fitted, the mirror operates at the slow setting.

Camera Accessories

Lens - Filters

  - Supplementary

  - Attachments

  - Prisms & Mirrors

  - Hoods

View-finders, View-meters

Rangefinders, Distance Meters

Reflex Finders

Focusing Magnifiers

Delayed-Action, Self-Timers

Levels

Tripods and Stands

Flash Equipment

Lighting

Close Up - Stands

  - Framing & Focusing

  - Bellows & Tubes

  - Lenses

  - Meters & Calculation

  - Microscope Attachment

Stereo

Panoramic

Film Format Adapters

Film Handling

Miscellaneous