Kodak Reflex

(1946-1954) The Kodak Reflex is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera with a sturdy cast-aluminum body and matched 80mm Kodak Anastar lenses. It shot 2¼×2¼ inch images on 620 roll film, but with an adapter, it could also use 828 film. The improved Reflex II came out in 1948. Likewise, the Reflex IA was a slightly improved version of the Reflex.

This camera works like other geared-lens TLRs—think Argoflex E or Ricohflex—where the front elements of the taking and viewing lenses are linked by geared teeth. The viewing lens has a notch to keep the lenses from rotating too far. The build is lightweight metal, covered mostly in leatherette, with a side-mounted wind knob and a self-erecting hood finder that includes a pop-up loupe and a flip-up sports finder.

Both lenses are labeled "Kodak Anastar f:3.5 80mm" and are likely identical (though that’s rare in TLRs). The finder uses a basic ground-glass screen, which can feel tricky to focus due to shallow depth of field, but there’s a helpful DOF scale on the viewing lens barrel. The aperture (five-bladed) has click stops for each f/stop, and the shutter is a 7-speed Flash Kodamatic (1/2 to 1/200 sec, plus T & B), with a combo lever for cocking and firing. You can also attach a cable release.

Flash syncs at all speeds via an ASA bayonet socket. For high-speed bulbs or strobes, a sync lever adds a delay to fire the flash properly. Kodak made dedicated flash units for it, one of which could screw into a second tripod socket below the flash port.

• Original Price: $100-$150

• Film: 620