Pearlette Folder Camera

Pearlette Folder Camera
Photo thanks to Bob Jay
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The Pearlette folders made by Konishiroku Kogaku of Japan (cf. Rapid Omega RF 6x7cm cameras) during the 1925-46 timeframe. This camera uses 127 film, which is now nearly obsolete and harder to find and get processed. It produces 4x6.5cm images on this 4 cm wide film. The trellis strut should be carefully checked for rigidity, a test many cameras fail and which would be of concern to a user (if not a collector). A 75mm f/6.3 Rokuohsha Optar in an Echo shutter which featured a limited range of speeds of 1/25th to 1/100th. The more deluxe models had faster (f/4.5) lenses and a folding optical finder. Prices are often circa $100, which makes them more of interest to collectors than users. Consider the hard to find 127 film, the limited range of shutter speeds, the rigidity issues, and the modest speed of the optics. Users seeking a rollfilm folder would be better advised to explore other 120 rollfilm folders often cited and praised as good buys on our folder FAQ pages.


Photo notes:

Echo shutter (B,25,50,100) sounds crisp at all speeds. Lens is f8 Rokuohsha (needs cleaning) with a curious "swing-out" front element (see pics). Bellows are badly worn. Camera insides are pristine with frame insert for optional 3x4 cm pictures. Body paint has dulled and "crackled" appearance.