Kodak Duaflex II [1950]

Yet another Kodak bakelite camera!

It has a quite nice feel for a consumer (ie cheap) camera of its time. About the only thing I don’t care for at all is the strap which cannot be removed. This seems to be a common thing done of this vintage; I’ve run into other cameras with the same odd choice (including many early Polaroids).

As with most Kodak cameras, the Duaflex II uses the now discontinued 620 roll film. This film is the same stock as 120 film, but on a smaller spool. It is possible to respool 120 film onto 620 spools, or film may be bought online where someone else has already done the respooling. Part of why Kodak did this was so that cameras could be smaller and lighter. After all the original 120 spools were made of wood, and with the advent of metal spools it was possible to make narrower reels.

What’s So Special?

This is the better focusing version of the Duaflex II, one of a range of similar cameras Kodak produced from the 1940s into the 1960s.

Pros

Double exposure protection
Light and sturdy
Simple operation
An exceedingly small camera
Provided case nicely covers the rear red window when the top portion is put back on

Cons

No meter
Only one shutter speed
Viewing lens is of prism type, rather than more desirable ground glass
Can override double exposure protection easily (little lever below shutter release)
No frame counter – uses the red window method

Specifications

Manufacturer: Kodak
Country of Origin:
Made in: USA
Introduced: 1950-1954
Camera Type: TLR
Lens: Kodar focusing 72mm f/8-f/16, Bulb and I (fixed shutter speed)
Format: 620 roll film
Battery: none
Dimensions (cm):
Weight (no film): 582g with case 504g with no case
Serial:

Accessories

Lens cap: none known
Strap: attached plastic strap, stud connections
Case: plastic leather like everready style case with molded in Kodak logo – no straps or strap lugs
Flash: Kodalite Flasholder