Metropolitan Clix-O-Flex

Specification

Art Deco Credentials

Acceptable: Modest and restricted

• Produced after the main Art Deco period;
• Bakelite body;
• Polished Aluminium fittings;
• Ribbed detailing on sides;
• Simulated leather imprint on front and back;
• Triple rib detail on front and back;
• Triple rib detail on viewfinder cover;

Description

The Metropolitan Industries Clix-O-Flex is made from Bakelite with a folding polished aluminium hood. It has a decorative Art Deco scripted faceplate. At least two variations exist: this one has widely-spaced horizontal lines on the sides and a leather-effect panel around the lens; another has a diamond pattern around the lens and closely-spaced horizontal side grooves. When the hood is opened, it reveals a ground glass viewfinder showing the whole of the image. The advantage of ground glass viewfinders is that no tilting is required to get the image centralised. The disadvantage is that they are usually not very bright. It is sometimes called a pseudo twin lens reflex camera. It isn't a true TLR because the top lens is just part of the viewfinder and does not aid focussing.

It takes 16 1¼ x 1⅝ inch images on 127 roll film. The optician ground Maestar 57.5 mm meniscus lens has an aperture of f/14 and the time/instant shutter has a speed on 1/50s.

The back is removable for loading, and has two red windows and a large retaining knob. There are no tripod sockets.

How to Use

This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.

Remember to cover the two red windows except when winding on in low light. The film is advanced until the first frame number is seen in the bottom red window, and for the next frame, the film is advanced until the same frame number appears in the middle window. Then it's back to the bottom window for the next frame.