Introduction
The OlympusFlex 2.8 stands as a remarkable piece of photographic history—one of the earliest Japanese-produced TLRs and the first TLR by Olympus, introduced around 1952. This model, celebrated for its innovative design and optical quality, quickly gained recognition among collectors and analog photography enthusiasts.
1. Historical Origin & Significance
- The OlympusFlex 2.8 debuted as Olympus’s inaugural twin-lens reflex camera, marking Olympus’s bold entry into medium-format photography.
- First advertisement appeared in Asahi Camera in December 1955, with formal announcements following in January 1956 in major Japanese photography publications.
- Its launch came in response to rising interest in TLRs, positioning this model as a technically ambitious yet accessible alternative to established German and Japanese brands
2. Design & Optical Features
- Equipped with 7.5 cm f/2.8 Zuiko viewing and taking lenses, the Olympus Flex A 2.8 utilizes bayonet filter attachments
- The shutter mechanism features a Seikosha-Rapid leaf shutter (#0 size) with a top speed of 1/400 s, alongside a Bulb mode for long exposures
- Notably, later models like the Flex A 2.8 are built with four-element Tessar-type lens designs, whereas the earliest versions employed a richer six-element Heliar-type optical assembly.
3. Technical Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format | 120 roll film, produces 6×6 cm (12 exposures) |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8 (max) to f/22 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/400 s, down to 1 s, plus Bulb mode |
| Focusing | Manual only |
| Flash Sync | PC-Flash connection available |
| Additional Features | Tripod mount, cable-release thread, self-timer |
| Power Supply | Fully mechanical (no batteries) |
4. User Experience & Handling
- Users have praised its solid construction and premium feel, with especially smooth focus and film winding action.
- On enthusiast forums, photographers observed softness when shot wide open at f/2.8, improving notably upon stopping down, particularly around f/5.6
- A collector noted: “There is some vignetting when shot wide open on both of them [2.8 and 3.5], more so with the 2.8,” highlighting optical nuances between variantS
- Despite occasionally imperfect parallax mechanisms, overall user feedback is positive, especially for the tactile experience and vintage image character
5. Model Variants & Evolution
- The Olympus Flex A 2.8 served as a budget-friendly alternative to its predecessor, the Flex A 3.5—trading off some premium features while offering a faster f/2.8 lens
- Model naming and classification often vary among collectors; a B II variant with f/3.5 taking lens is considered prototype-level or misattributed, while extant documentation affirms the A 2.8 maintained f/2.8 optics in production models
- Distinctive design evolution includes changes in controls layout (from wheels to levers) and filter attachment systems, reflecting streamlining for cost and functionality
6. Collector’s Value & Legacy
- According to CollectiBlend, Olympus Flex A (2.8) models in very good condition range between $240–$260, with mint specimens valued around $560–$580
- On platforms like eBay, well-maintained units—free of fog, fungus, or balsam separation—fetch higher prices and are highly regarded among collectors
- As one enthusiast remarked: “The camera is exceptionally well built with a premium quality finish…”
- Its aesthetic, mechanical, and optical heritage positions it as a coveted gem among classic TLR collectors, particularly those drawn to Japanese craftsmanship and mid-century design.
Conclusion
The OlympusFlex 2.8 is a historically significant, mechanically refined, and optically intriguing TLR from the 1950s. Each element—from its pioneering role as Olympus’s first TLR, to its high-quality Zuiko optics, and its enduring collector appeal—cements its position in photographic lore.
Whether you’re a film photographer seeking soulful medium-format aesthetics or a vintage gear collector after exceptional value and craftsmanship, the OlympusFlex 2.8 offers a compelling blend of heritage and hands-on satisfaction.