Walz Walzflex

Specification

Description

The Walzflex is a 6×6 TLR that was sold by the Japanese company Walz. The first models were named Wagoflex. It is a Twin Lens Reflex camera made mostly out of metal but with some plastic. It takes 12, 6cm square, images on 120 film. The large viewfinder lens (f/3.5) produces a bright image on the ground glass screen. There is a magnifying glass that can be flipped into place to check focussing. The front of the viewfinder also drops down to produce a simple 'sports finder'.

A large knob on the right hand side of the camera is used for focussing. When this is turned, a plate that supports the main lens and the viewfinder lens moves forward and backward to achieve focus. The focus dial has markings indicating the depth of field for various aperture settings. The aperture range is f/3.5 to f/22. It can focus between 1 metre and infinity.

The Copal MXV shutter is capable of shutter speeds varying from 1/500s down to 1s. The shutter has to be set before it is released. The shutter release is not coupled to the frame advance, so double exposure is possible. It does not have a cable release socket. A delay timer is provided giving about a 10 second delay.

There is a gear mechanism for controlling frame advance. A number appears in a small window to indicate current frame. To advance it, you press a button at the centre of the winding knob. When it is advanced to the next frame, the mechanism locks until the button is pressed again. The advance is not interlinked with the shutter so double exposure is possible.

A dial on the focussing wheel serves as a memory device for the speed of film loaded (ASA or DIN).

The camera supports flash photos with a pc socket for synchronization with both X and M settings.

A lever on the bottom of the camera releases the back to load and unload film. A accessory mount is provided.

How to Use

The user manual is found here:- Walzflex Manual

The highest speed (1/500s) is probably no longer accurate and may run slow. This would lead to overexposure.

If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.