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Art Deco Cameras

Metropolitan Clix-O-Flex

Specification


Metropolitan Clix-O-Flex
Metropolitan Clix-O-Flex
Manufacturer: Metropolitan Industries
Produced: 1947
Classification:Medium Format
Body Type:Pseudo Twin Lens Reflex
Construction:Bakelite
Film Type:127
Film Width:46mm
Image Size:4 x 3 cm
No. of Images:16
Lens Type:Meniscus
Focal Length:57.5mm
Focus Type:Fixed
Focus Range:6ft to inf,
Aperture Type :Fixed
Aperture :f/14
Shutter Type:Rotary
Shutter Speeds:B, I*(1/50 sec)
Size Open (w x h x d):63 x 158 x 65 mm
Size Closed (w x h x d):63 x 125 x 65 mm
Weight:273g
* Measured on this camera

Art Deco Credentials

star star
Acceptable: Modest and restricted

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.

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.

Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.

The table assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.

This camera has an aperture of f/14 and a shutter speed is 1/50s.

As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to use a tripod or to hold the camera against a wall or other solid object. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/14+2 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/14+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/14Good
OvercastBarely visiblef/14-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Heavy OvercastNonef/14-2 Stop
Underexposed
Unacceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/14-3 Stop
Underexposed
Unacceptable