The Gamma Duflex is a single lens reflex camera. In 1939, the Hungarian photographer Jenő Dulovits, out of the dissatisfaction of the available cameras, developed the first designs for his own camera. Four years later, he applied for the first patents for a horizontal viewfinder at eye level, which provides a non-inverted, upright image, retractable mirror with immediate reset and a metallic focal plane shutter.
The first prototypes were built in 1944 at the Gamma company in Budapest. A contract for series production was then signed and the first models were built in 1948. After the production of less than 600 pieces, the production was stopped again in 1950.
The Duflex is the world's first series-produced small-format SLR camera with a horizontal viewfinder at eye level, which provides a non-reversed, upright image, and mirrors with instant return. The latter feature is often attributed to the Asahiflex IIb from 1954.
The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. A bayonet was used for this. The Gammar 50mm f/3.5 is often found with the 35mm camera. Also the Artar 50mm f/3.5 can be used with the camera. The Gamma Duflex has no autofocus. The lens is focused manually.
The exposure must be measured externally. The 35mm camera does not have an exposure meter. There are different shutter speeds to choose from.
The camera has a bulb setting. A thread for a tripod is built into the Gamma Duflex. There is also a connection for a cable release. No batteries are required for taking pictures.
Films for the Gamma Duflex
Without photo films, nothing works with the Gamma Duflex. The camera needs 35mm films more precisely. 35mm films are still produced by different manufacturers. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black-and-white images are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the AgfaPhoto APX 400*.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This development process is carried out by all photo laboratories offering the development of 35mm films.
The exposure area of the Gamma Duflex is 24 mm x 32 mm big. The film in the camera must be winded manually by the photographer.
The Gamma Duflex is only available as a used version. Because of the small number of pieces and the historical importance of the camera, the value is relatively high. Thus, one has to invest a clear four-digit Euro amount for one copy.
