- Microcord -
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A
White Face Microcord
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The
Microcord was essentially a copy of the Rolleicord 111
with additional "wheels" on the front to set
the aperture and shutter speeds- a Rolleiflex type
feature.
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The
first notice was in B.J.A.1953, p219. This type had a
white scutcheon, which has been seen but was probably
never normally sold. Price was £53.5 inc.P.T.(or
£40.15+ £17.85).
Apart
from the "white Face" prototype, three
basic types
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Microcord Mk1 Early
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Red
window start and no sports finder in the top. These
have an Epsilon shutter, and cannot now be
recommended for regular use as this is not as
reliable a shutter as might be hoped. (Notice
B.J.A.1953, p219) Price £58 retail inc P.Tax in
04/1951.
Review
Am.Photo 12/11/1952 showed the Ross Xpres lens
matched or exceeded the Schneider Xenar on the
Rolleicord 111 at larger apertures and the camera was
"hard to surpass". These have been noted at
body numbers 133x-343x and Xpres numbers 1968x-6744x.
Film
advance mechanisms can be prone to faults on all
versions.
Production - Introduced Winter 1951/2.
Technical
Information Links ....... Making
a holder for square filters - Ground
Glass Screens
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.Microcord Mk1 1/2
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This
again was not an official designation, but it
conveniently covers the update models when a
arrow-start, sports finder-top and especially a
Prontor SVS shutter were fitted. It is not known if
all these changes were made at the same time, but a
fair number of Microcords were made where the
existence of a Prontor can only be detected from the
DXM flash selector lever at 4pm on the front.
The
revised camera is shown in B.J.A.1955, p545 still
with a "white face" but with new hood, base
and shutter. These have been noted at Body Numbers
626x-934x and Xpres numbers 7357x-8053x- 845x. Also,
Body No. 6094 with lens No. 73041, the shutter not
being marked SVS Prontor.
Ross
lenses in general should not be taken as a reliable
guide to dating as they subcontracted work and these
lenses have seperate numbering sequences.
Production
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Gradual development of the Microcord I until June
1954
Technical
Information Links ....... Making
a holder for square filters - Ground
Glass Screens
Microcord
Mk11
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Late
models are designated by "Prontor SVS" on
the scutcheon. These are probably the most suited for
use as the lens, shutter and wind are all normally
reliable items. (The Mk11 is specifically advertised
in the 1956 B.J.A.p519, now with a "black
face"). These have been noted at Body Numbers
932x-1209x but so far only two are noted.
Mkll
Microcord models are in reasonably good supply, but
good working examples of Mk1 are scarce owing to
problems with the Epsilon shutters.
Production - About July 1954 - early
1958.
Technical
Information Links ....... Making
a holder for square filters - Ground
Glass Screens
Most
Microcord II's have identical shutter and cocking
lever buttons.
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- Microflex -
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The
Microflex was the replacement for the Microcord, and
intended to make good its limitations with a
leverwind as on the Rolleiflex; a superior lens
called the Micronar from TTH, collimated by MPP and
with better matching of view and taking lenses.
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It
can be an excellent performer but the wind mechanism
is questionable possibly due to lack of further
development, and the camera needs care on purchasing.
It is not too common as there is said to be one batch
only, but this may not include a number supplied to
the M.O.D.(where they had a mixed reception.) (Notice
B.J.A.1960, p214-5). Noted at body numbers 932x-1209x
with Micronar No.8064x-8787x.
By 1960
Microflex cameras were being sold off by at least one
retailer at half price. Camera £29/17/6.
Production - 1958 - 1960?
T.L.R.
Accessories included:
Lens Hood, £1.10+£0.40
P.Tax
Ever Ready Case, £3.00
+£1.00 P.Tax (on launch)
Color Filters,
£0.80+£0.3 P.Tax
Filters
supplied in:
MP1 Orange x4; MP2 Medium
Yellow x3; MP3 Light Yellow x2; MP4 Haze x1;
MP5 yellow Green x2; MP6 Green x3; MP7 Blue
x2; MP8 Red. x7; taking interchangable
glasses.
Technical
Information Links ....... Making
a holder for square filters - Ground
Glass Screens
Notes - Lens Mounts and
Accessories
Most
Rollei No.1 lens bayonet accessories will fit but
note that the lower bayonet is upside down relative
to Rollei so, for example, the early Rollei meter is
mounted upside down if fitted to a Microcord. Rollei
meters manufactured after about 1960 are adjustable,
having a rotating mount, so can be made to fit.
Slackening a tiny grub screw allows the mount to be
rotated whereupon the screw is tightened to lock it
in the new position.
Back
accessories are often not fittable, and the Micro
cameras lack the special fittings on the hood, base
and knob to take later Rollei bits.
Rollei
Fresnel screens can be used only if cut down.
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