Photo of Kalimar Reflex Camera
thanks to Sam at Classic Camera
20219 Mack Ave - G.P.W. Mi.48236
ph: 313-884-2242 - fax: 313-884-5610
[email protected]
Kalimar 660 and Kalimar Reflex
MF SLR Cameras from
the 1960s
by Robert Monaghan
Kalimar 660 and Kalimar Reflex
MF SLR Cameras from
the 1960s
by Robert Monaghan
Kaligar 66 SLR Pages
Seagull Great Wall (Reflex Korelle clone)
Fujita 66 SLR Pages
[Fujita 66 was similar lens mount predecessor of Kalimar Cameras..]
The Kalimar 660 was the smallest of the seven available SLRs in the mid-1960s.
Discussion:
The Kalimar 660 was an interesting focal plane shutter camera, physically
close to the later Kowa 6 camera designs. One unusual accessory was a set
of adapters to use the Kalimar lenses on the Hasselblad 1600F and 1000F
and Bronica (S or C) series cameras. This adapter approach is relatively
simple, as both the Hasselblad and Bronica have screw thead mounts and
focal plane shutters too.
Lens automation was controlled by a button on the lens barrel itself. As
long as this button is pressed, the lens remains open (e.g., for focusing).
Releasing the button allows the iris of the lens to shutdown and close
for taking the photograph.
In the mid 1960s, only seven medium format 120 roll-film SLRs were
marketed. The Kalimar 660 had competition from the Hasselblad 500c and
500EL, the Bronica S and C, the Optika Professional, and the Praktisix II.
Source: Adapted from World of 120 SLR, pp. 150-153, Norman
Rothschild, December 1965, Pop. Photography.
[Ed. note: there is some dispute between Rothschild's claim that the Kalimar 660 and prior Reflex cameras did not have an instant return mirror and the users who claim that it does. They are both right! The earlier cameras did not, but the later models from 1960 onward had the instant return mirror option. For more information on Kalimar Reflex and Kalimar Six/Sixty camera history, see the Fujita 66 pages]
From: Jess Lantz [email protected]
Subject: Kalimar Six Sixty 2 1/4 SLR info, history etc
Date: 1998-05-12
I have recently acquired a Kalimar SIX SIXTY 2 1/4 SLR. this thing is in great shape I even got a case and instruction book for it. I want to know if anyone has any info on the history of this. It looks different than the one in the picture on the medium format page. It is grey. Also the lens stop down is different than the description on the page. Does anyone know where there might be other lenses for this thing?
Thanks for the help,
Jess
From: Herb Sauer [email protected]
Subject: Response to Kalimar Six Sixty 2 1/4 SLR info, history etc
Date: 1998-05-13
Hello Jess:
Don't know what picture you're referring to, but I used to own 2 models,
the earlier black one with f3.5 lens, and a rather complete outfit of the
later gray version which was a much more attractive design with an f2.8
Kaligar, which is the one you have, I suppose. There were a number of
lenses produced for it which I had: 52mm, 80mm (the normal of course),
150mm, and 300mm. It also had a bellows available. It had a reputation for
not being very rugged, which is true, and prone to shutter failure, but I
never had any trouble with it in the 5 or so years I owned the outfit. I
am kind to my possessions however. The earlier f3,5 was reputed to be a
bit sharper than the later f2.8, but I was never dis-satisfied with it's
performance. On the wall in fromt of me I still have an 8x10 of my
favorite picture of my son on a merry-go-round that was from the first
roll of film I put through the earlier Kalimar. Also still have the fitted
cas for the full later outfit, and am somewhat sorry I ever sold the set.
You can occasionally find the lenses in the used market-place but they are
not common.
Date: Thu, 14 May 1998
From: Jess Lantz [email protected]
Subject: Re: Hi Jess re:Kalimar
Hi there;
Thanks for responding. I can scan the Kalimar instruction book if you want
and will also copy it. I plan on taking some pics of the Kalimar and can
send them along also if you want. Don't worry about reimbursement, just
mention my name so I can communicate with others that might have info on
these cameras. I really want to find some lenses for these. Especially the
earlier 80mm with the full aperture preview button....if any still
exist...The lens I have is a Kaligar 80mm F2.8 that has a ring on the lens
that you turn to preview the scene at full open, It's a bit of a pain to
keep from moving the aperture ring itself. Another thing about the camera
that differs from your description is that it has an instant return mirror.
(that's a big plus). The instruction book says that you have to focus
though after you wind the film and cock the shutter as it puts tension to
the mirror so it can return. I am also wondering about the manufacturing
history of these things and their relationship with the Kaligar and Soligar
brand names.
Thanks,
Jess Lantz
[Ed. note: if anyone can help answer Jess' questions, please Email him! - Thanks!!
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Help with Kalimar 6X6 SLR
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998
KN nvtk@NO_SPAM.ccms.net wrote:
> I bought a used Kalimar 6X6 SLR, my first MF camera. > The camera seems to have shutter speed from > 1/25 to 1/500, plus bulb. The shutter speed > is selected from a dial. However, there's a switch > that seem to affect the shutter speed. This > switch has setting for 5, 10 and 25. With a given > shutter speed, and setting the unknown switch > to 5 would (seem to) have the slowest shutter > speed, 10 fast, and 25 the fastest shutter speed.
This is the slow speed shutter control (on most cameras with two
controls, it
would be the slow speed dial). Your camera actually has speeds from 1/5
second to 1/500. To use 1/5 or 1/10, set the main shutter speed dial inside
the wind know to 1/25, and set the switch to 5 or 10. If using 1/25 or any
higher speed, the switch should *always* be set to 25 (or 1/25).
> I'm wondering if anyone know exactly how the > switch influence the shutter speed. I'm going > to shoot a test roll, just thought I ask before > doing any experiment.
BTW, your camera takes 52, 80, 150,240, and 300mm lenses. All lenses are
preset, except the 240, which has a semi-atuo diaphram which stops down at
the push of a button. There were also bellows, extension tubes and a
porroflex finder like old Mamiya TLRs used. If you want to use a cable
release, you need a Leica-thread release, or an adapter for a standard cable
release.
--Chris [email protected]
From: [email protected] (Keith G Richie)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kalimar Six
Date: 8 Mar 1999
click35 ([email protected]) wrote:
: For quite a while now, Kalimar has been used by Spiratone and others as a : label for cameras made in Russia. : Gene F. Rhodes wrote : I think it is Chinese
I think the original poster may have been referring to a Kalimar Six
Sixty. This camera, and its immediate ancestor the Kalimar Reflex, was made
in Japan in the 50's and 60's. They shoot 6x6, and have an instant return
mirror. No detachable backs, they are pretty nice budget-minded SLRs. Lens
made for it, available on the used market, are the 52mm, standard 80mm,
150mm, 250mm, and 300mm (only one I don't have), and are pretty sharp,
especially considering their price. They also made a set of extension tubes
and bellows, and a eye-level prism (this last item hard to find, the camera
is standard with a WL finder, and the screen is surprisingly bright).
Vertical cloth shutter shoots 1/5 - 1/500, FP AND X sync (X to 1/50).
I have other info if requested on this camera. I do a lot of shooting
through the three that I own.
Keith G. Richie ( N4QQH ) | [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kalimar Six
Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999
[email protected] (Keith G Richie) wrote:
> click35 ([email protected]) wrote: > : For quite a while now, Kalimar has been used by Spiratone and others as a > : label for cameras made in Russia. > : Gene F. Rhodes wrote in message <[email protected]>... > : >I think it is Chinese > > I think the original poster may have been referring to a Kalimar Six > Sixty.
If the poster saw the same ad on eBay that I did, it was for the
kalimar-branded Seagull TLR that is now available through Wal-mar, among
other sources. Crank wind and auto shutter cock, but speeds only 1 to 1/300.
A few comments on the Kalimar Six Sixty are interspersed below:
> This camera, and its immediate ancestor the Kalimar Reflex, was made > in Japan in the 50's and 60's. They shoot 6x6, and have an instant return > mirror.
But no internal autodiaphram
I think you mean 240? (although all I have is the 52, 80 and 150) My
understanding is that the 240 had a semi-auto diaphram whcih you released
with a button on the lens.
Actually, it's a porrofinder, and except for the attractive gray finish it
seems to be identical to the first model porrofinder for the Mamiya TLRs. I
do have one of these, but it's not for sale! Small-size image, but very
usable.
Isn't that 1/25? I'm typing this away from my camera, but the slow speed
dial
starts at 1/25, so I'd expect that to be the X synch speed.
Send in your info! The only other things I know are: that besides the 52mm
lens there was a 50mm Meyer(!) lens made to fit these-- I think sold with the
earlier black-bodied Kalimar Reflex; that there was an adapter made to use
the Kalimar lenses on the Hasselblad 1000F; That the physical design of the
three lense I own is so different that I have to wonder if there was more
than one lens manufacturer involved; and that the gray finish is kind of
attractive! I don't know what other lenses might have been made for the
earlier Kalimar Reflex-- if you have a 250, is it black or gray?
--Chris
[Ed. note: see also Bronica 6x6 Adapter
for using Kalimar lenses under list of Bronica's 75+ lenses]
From: [email protected] (Keith G Richie)
[email protected] wrote:
There also have been a few Six Sixtys going at some pretty good prices on
ebay lately. I have enough bodies and 80mms, but some folks are getting some
decent MF cameras there.
You are correct, it's 240mm, I typo'ed on that one. I own two of them,
and your understanding is correct about the diaphram. The release button
lines up with the shutter release.
Your are right, although the Six Sixty manual describes it as an
"eye-level prism finder". The inscription on the finder itself calls it a
"Penta Finder Veritype".
I overpaid to get this single one I own, but was disappointed in the
image quality, and the resulting loss of brightness. Mine's not for sale
either, but I almost always use the WL finder when shooting.
Once again, correct. I too was away from the camera and manual, but had
a reprint of a newletter from The Photographic Collectors of Houston (Nov.
'87) a kind soul recently sent me. It incorrectly listed the 1/50. The
manual agrees with you, 1/25.
that's news to me. I'll keep my eyes open.
My 2 240s f/4 are both grey, in grey cases, and carry the Kaligar name,
both etched "Made in Japan"
My 2 150s f/4 are also both grey in grey cases, stamped "Made in Japan" on
the lens endpiece, Kaligar.
I have three 80mm f/2.8 Kaligars, all attached to the bodies... the cases
for the camera are shaped to protect the camera with the 80mm attached. Two
of the cameras and their cases and lenses are in the grey, one is black with
a black case and lens (this black one still a Six Sixty, not a Reflex, and
with a later serial number than the other two).
I also recently picked up one of the earlier 80mm f/3.5 triplet Kaligars,
in all chrome color. I've heard reports they are a bit sharper than the
later f/2.8s, but I haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet.
My one 52mm f/3.5 is grey w/grey case, also stamped "Made in Japan". All
my lenses appear to be of similar manufacture.
An interesting tidbit a friend recently passed on to me... the
thread-mount on these cameras is the same as the Miranda for their 35mm
cameras, although the pitch is just slightly different. This allows a lot of
options for other mounts and lenses. I'll check with the guy who emailed me
rather detailed instructions on making this work, and will post them if he
agrees.
Another good source is Robert Monaghan's MF pages... here's the link to
his section on the Six Sixty (although that's a picture of a Reflex, not a
Six Sixty at the top of the page... he also incorrectly lists it as *not*
having an instant-return mirror, which it does (since '57, when the Reflex
was first made):
http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/kalimar.html
Hope that helps,
Keith G. Richie ( N4QQH ) | [email protected]
[Ed. note: the Fujita 66 is the earlier variant of the later Kalimar
cameras with compatible lens mount and similar features...]
I recently came across your site and has had a lot of fun reading the
articles.
Here is some reflexions about the Kalimar camera. Some years ago a
bought a Hasselblad 1000F and got a wideangel marked 1:3,5 Fujita H.C
f=52mm #8627 in an adapter mount. I have been looking for the camera i
really belonged to for some time and has now found one. It looks much
the same as the Kalimar except it is marked Fujita 66, has the serial#
555097 and is produced by Fujita Kogaku in Japan. The normal lens is F.C
Fujitar 1:3,5 f=80mm # 63297. I also own a P.C Fujitar 1:4 f=150mm
#17618 and a set of extension tubes for it.
re Yashica 44 there also is a simpler version without crank wind and
with Yashikor 1:3,5 f=60mm, Copal 25, 50 100 300 an B shutter much like
the A-model 6x6. Mine is tan with grey lether and has the #3960215.
Many years ago I found an ad for the Kalloflex TLR made by Kowa Optical
works. It was said to be faster to use than other TLRs because it had
both the crank for advancing film and the knob for setting the distance
on the same side wich meant you didn't have to change your grip when
advancing film.
If you are interested I can try to send you pics of them.
/Bo
[Ed. note: we are always open to tips and photos and links, e.g...]
Hi,
Do you still update your kalimar... site ?
I can provide some informations, photos...
I have...
Have a nice day
Yvon
From Medium Format Mailing List;
The Kalimar 660, also known as the Kalimar Reflex and Soligor Reflex and
Fujita 66 in earlier models is not hard to fix.
Usually the top and bottom gear pivot plates have shifted and the gears
will not turn.
These plates have to aligned. The main gears lubricated with light oil and
the shutter curtains may need some added tension.
I have had several and still kept my Kalmiar Reflex.
The lenses are sharp in the tele and normal range - the 52MM widangle is
not that great but can be used stopped down. I adapted one of these for
Bronica S2A and use it once in a while - but it is no competition for the
sharp 50MM Nikkor.
Any good repairman can fix a Kalimar 660.
Best,
Sam
>No detachable backs, they are pretty nice budget-minded SLRs. Lens
> made for it, available on the used market, are the 52mm, standard 80mm,
> 150mm, 250mm,
> and 300mm (only one I don't have), and are pretty sharp,
> especially considering their price. They also made a set of extension tubes
> and bellows, and a eye-level prism
> (this last item hard to find, the camera
> is standard with a WL finder, and the screen is surprisingly bright).
> Vertical cloth shutter shoots 1/5 - 1/500, FP AND X sync (X to 1/50).
> I have other info if requested on this camera. I do a lot of shooting
> through the three that I own.
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kalimar Six
Date: 9 Mar 1999
: [email protected] (Keith G Richie) wrote:
: > I think the original poster may have been referring to a Kalimar Six
: > Sixty.
:
: If the poster saw the same ad on eBay that I did, it was for the
: kalimar-branded Seagull TLR that is now available through Wal-mar, among
: other sources. Crank wind and auto shutter cock, but speeds only 1 to
: 1/300.
: A few comments on the Kalimar Six Sixty are interspersed below:
:
: No detachable backs, they are pretty nice budget-minded SLRs. Lens
: > made for it, available on the used market, are the 52mm, standard 80mm,
: > 150mm, 250mm,
:
: I think you mean 240? (although all I have is the 52, 80 and 150) My
: understanding is that the 240 had a semi-auto diaphram whcih you released
: with a button on the lens.
: > and 300mm (only one I don't have), and are pretty sharp,
: > especially considering their price. They also made a set of extension tubes
: > and bellows, and a eye-level prism
:
: Actually, it's a porrofinder, and except for the attractive gray finish it
: seems to be identical to the first model porrofinder for the Mamiya TLRs. I
: do have one of these, but it's not for sale! Small-size image, but vey
: usable.
: > Vertical cloth shutter shoots 1/5 - 1/500, FP AND X sync (X to 1/50).
:
: Isn't that 1/25? I'm typing this away from my camera, but the slow speed dial
: starts at 1/25, so I'd expect that to be the X synch speed.
: Send in your info! The only other things I know are: that besides the 52mm
: lens there was a 50mm Meyer(!) lens made to fit these-- I think sold with the
: earlier black-bodied Kalimar Reflex;
: That the physical design of the
: three lense I own is so different that I have to wonder if there was more
: than one lens manufacturer involved; and that the gray finish is kind of
: attractive! I don't know what other lenses might have been made for the
: earlier Kalimar Reflex-- if you have a 250, is it black or gray?
Network Control Supervisor | finger [email protected]
Interpath Network Operations | for PGP public key
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999
From: Bo Hultberg [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kalimar Reflex
e-mail [email protected]
Date: 4 Jan 2001
From: Yvon [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kalimar 660, reflex...
Kalimar 660 (that is black, seem to have been painted)
Kalimar reflex
Fujita reflex
Haco 66
Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2001
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [medium-format] kalimar 660
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
actually there is only one 'kalimar reflex' (in 3 models, the
original reflex, the SQ and the 660), though there were numerous
other slrs and some tlrs with the kalimar name on them. the kalimar
reflex was a 6x6 slr made by fujita. i don't have a manual but i
have done an extensive disassembly and rebuild on a couple of them
and took notes (maybe a little messy). if you like, i can scan them
for you. as for use/operation, i've used one of these for a number
(too many to admit) of years - email me and we can discuss it...
the achilles heel in the kalimar reflex is a lever in the wind
mechanism that wears, resulting in incomplete shutter cocking. as i
recall this was a hardened steel part and hard to correct once it's
worn out, and hard to replace as parts bodies tend to have the same
problem. if that part is okay, the rest of the camera is pretty
repairable.
my history isn't complete enough to prove it, but i think that the
kalimar reflex was the first medium format slr with a true instant-
return mirror, a year or two ahead of bronica. i know they were the
first mf slr with a retrofocus wide-angle lens, a 52/3.5 that is
often found today still fitted with a hasselblad adapter as they were
bought for use on the hasselblad 1000f before zeiss had a comparable
lens. they also had a bellows and tele lenses up to 300mm inthe
system. some of this stuff can be seen here:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-36.html
rick :)=
--- In camera-fix@y..., "Jeff Wewers" jwewers@h...> wrote:
> Its the mediam format camera.
>
> --- In camera-fix@y..., Bob Shell bob@b...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > > From: "Jeff Wewers" jwewers@h...>
> > > Date: Tue, 09 Oct 2001
> > > To: camera-fix@y...
> > > Subject: [camera-fix] Kalimar Reflex
> > >
> > > I just bought a Kalimar Reflex SLR on Ebay. Would be willing to
> pay
> > > you for a copy or scan of the user manual, if anyone has one.
> Thanks.
> >
> >
> > The question is what camera is it really? Kalimar put their name
> on all
> > sorts of cameras over the years, so there really isn't one Kalimar
> Reflex
> > SLR, but many. Is this one 35mm or medium format, as they sold
> both?
> >
> > The most common Kalimar reflex in 35mm is a Zenit B or E. It could
> also be
> > a Regula Reflex rebadged, or a number of Japanese models. In medium
> > format the Kalimar reflex is a Fujita (not Fujica) camera. Kalimar
> was a
> > marketing company in Chicago, not a manufacturer.
> >
> > Bob
To: [email protected]>
From: Bob Shell [email protected]>
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
Subject: Re: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
> From: "Jeff Wewers" [email protected]>
> Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
>
> Its the mediam format camera.
OK, it's a rebadged Fujita Reflex. It uses a unique screw mount for
its lenses, which are manual diaphragm only. The shutter is a relatively
traditional vertical travel cloth roller blind design. These cameras were
offered in a sort of gray-green color and also in black. I'm not sure of
the years of manufacture, but must have been mid to late 60s. The last one
I had in for repair was around 1973 and they were out of production at that
time and Kalimar had no repair parts. They were not very well made and
subject to shutter and mirror problems. I believe their design is copied to
some degree from the German Pilot Reflex.
What's wrong with the one you have?
Bob
To: [email protected]>
From: Bob Shell [email protected]>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
> From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
> Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
>
> actually there is only one 'kalimar reflex' (in 3 models, the
> original reflex, the SQ and the 660), though there were numerous
> other slrs and some tlrs with the kalimar name on them.
Correct. I wasn't sure if the original post was talking about this
camera series or one of the other cameras with Kalimar Reflex in the
name.
The best camera Kalimar ever put their name on was the Regula Reflex
2000CTL from 1966. This German-built 35mm SLR also had advanced features
for its day.
The Kalimar company survived until the year 2000 when it was bought by
Tiffen who still use the Kalimar brand name on some products.
Bob
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
mine is reliable at moderate temperatures, but has a history of the
mirror hanging up below about 40F (i can't remember if i ever chacked
that after i did the proper stripdown & cla). the shutter is very
quiet and smooth, but not very accurate: it's speeded from 1/5 to
1/500, i think mine actually tested more like 1/10 to 1/200. the
slow speeds (1/10 and 1/5 only) are governed by a flywheel rather
than an escapement, which explains both the quietness and the
accuracy, at least at the slow end. the lenses are not bad stopped
down a bit, not so good wide open. the 80/3.5 is a decent triplet,
the later 2.8 is a tessar type. some of the long lenses had an
exakta-style auto diaphragm with a trigger that sat in front of the
shutter release - i have one of these in the 240mm length. the last
model, the 660, had a split-image focusing screen and a removable
hood (they made a mirror-type pentaprism attachment for it),
otherwise it was the same camera as the SQ.
i had two kalimars as my only medium format slrs for a number of
years and they actually acquitted themselves pretty well.
rick :)=
--- In camera-fix@y..., "Jeff Wewers" jwewers@h...> wrote:
> I don't have the camera yet - auction ended Monday. I'm expecting
> shutter problems, but maybe I'll be lucky.
>
> There also was a Chinese camera labelled Great Wall that was
> supposedly based on the German Pilot. I've got a Pilot Super in
> working condition. World's darkest viewing screen! Jeff.
>
> --- In camera-fix@y..., Bob Shell bob@b...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > > From: "Rick Oleson" rick_oleson@y...>
> > > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
> > > To: camera-fix@y...
> > > Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
> > >
> > > actually there is only one 'kalimar reflex' (in 3 models, the
> > > original reflex, the SQ and the 660), though there were numerous
> > > other slrs and some tlrs with the kalimar name on them.
> >
> >
> > Correct. I wasn't sure if the original post was talking about this
> > camera series or one of the other cameras with Kalimar Reflex in the
> > name.
> >
> > The best camera Kalimar ever put their name on was the Regula Reflex
> > 2000CTL from 1966. This German-built 35mm SLR also had advanced
> features
> > for its day.
> >
> > The Kalimar company survived until the year 2000 when it was bought
> by
> > Tiffen who still use the Kalimar brand name on some products.
> >
> > Bob
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
Subject: Re: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
Bob,
Re- Kalimar 6x6 SLR
I believe the first Bronica Z or Deluxe (1958) had an instant return mirror
before the Kalimar 660.
The earlier Kalimar models had a press down release and retract and the
mirror came back - like Korelle Reflex.
These cameras have notorious repair problems, but they are easy to fix.
1- Need lubrication.
2- Need extra spring tension on shutter curtains.
3- Internal gears ride between two plates which have all of the pivots. The
plates loosen up (out of alignment)and the
gear pivots are tight and can't turn. (in all models). Cure- open side plate
realign the two plates so that the gears turn
properly and lube the pivots with light oil.
These cameras can go on for many years. I still have one I obtained broken
20 years ago, I fixed it and
it is still okay.
When I got it for $5 from a local camera repair company - it looked Mint
but was jammed up.
After the above fix - yes, still going strong.
These are really very good cameras with a bad reputation. Once the corner
screws are tightened to lock down the
gear pivot plates - they just go on and on. I even made an adapter to take
Kilfitt lenses.
- Sam Sherman
----------
From: Bob Shell [email protected]>
To: [email protected]>
Subject: Re: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
Date: Wed, Oct 10, 2001, 8:07 AM
> From: "Jeff Wewers" [email protected]>
> Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
>
> Its the medium format camera.
OK, it's a rebadged Fujita Reflex. It uses a unique screw mount for
its lenses, which are manual diaphragm only. The shutter is a relatively
traditional vertical travel cloth roller blind design. These cameras were
offered in a sort of gray-green color and also in black. I'm not sure of
the years of manufacture, but must have been mid to late 60s. The last one
I had in for repair was around 1973 and they were out of production at that
time and Kalimar had no repair parts. They were not very well made and
subject to shutter and mirror problems. I believe their design is copied to
some degree from the German Pilot Reflex.
What's wrong with the one you have?
Bob
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
could be. i know the original model was out in 1957, and the SQ that
i have (about 1962) has an instant return mirror, but i haven't used
one of the older, pre-bronica ones.
To: [email protected]
From: "Mark Stuart" madfamily at bigpond.com
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
Yep, the Bronica Z (1958) was the first. But the next was the Fujita
66SQ of 1960 (and the Kalimar Reflex of the same year adopted it that
year, but later); the 660 came out in 1963.
Stuey
....
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] Re: Kalimar Reflex
i have some sketches for servicing the kalimar. is there enough
interest for me to post them on my website?
(the curtain spring adjustments are under the little square cover at
the bottom, i think on hte right hand side. pretty straightforward
except that they don't have a real good way of staying put once you
remove the stops. make sure everything is clean before you increase
the tension though...)
rick :)=
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] kalimar sketches are up
i don't have a page built around them yet, but you can get to the
sketches:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar1.gif
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar2.gif
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar3.gif
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar4.gif
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar5.gif
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar6.gif
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar4.jpg
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kalimar5.jpg
the two photos relate to the sketch pages of the same number.
in the second photo, the numbered levers are the mirror up/release
levers.
feel free to email me with any questions .....
rick :)=
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] One last kalimar thing...
I just worked on one of the older 'non-instant-mirror' Kalimars
yesterday (actually it's a Fujita 66). Very clever design: the
shutter release is a plunger that charges a spring as you push it;
then the spring force snaps the mirror up at the end of the stroke.
As you let the button out, the mirror snaps back down. Not the
instant return of the later models, but not a bad deal in the days
before Bronica (in a $75 camera, too).
This one is the 'SL' model, which I guess is because it has the slow-
speed timer added. Can anybody date this?
rick :)=
...
To: [email protected]
From: "Rick Oleson" [email protected]>
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001
Subject: [camera-fix] Re: One last kalimar thing...korelle
hi mark & sam:
the miranda screw mount is m44x1; the kalimar/fujita is m44x0.8 - you
can make a miranda t-mount work with a little judicious filing on the
male threads. i've made a focus-correcting t-mount for mine out of
an old miranda teleconverter.
with the above doodads plus the kalimar lenses i have optics for mine
from 52 to 1000mm including a zoom, plus an adapter to use all of the
lenses on a pentacon six.
another thread that's almost a perfect match for the kalimar thread
is a series 6 filter retaining ring. series 6 filter holders can be
used as rear lens caps for the kalimar lenses.
here, as far as i can figure them, are the fujita/kalimar model
changes:
original (1956?): speeeds 1/25 - 1/500, old mirror
SL (1958?): speeds 1/5 - 1/500, old mirror
SQ (1960): speeds 1/5 - 1/500, instant return mirror
660: (1963): same as SQ but with interchangeable finders, split-
image screen
rick :)=