Ansco Automatic Reflex (1947)

Name: Ansco AUTOMATIC REFLEX
Brand: Ansco

A U.S.-made twin-lens reflex camera introduced in 1947. It takes 120 roll film and has a coated 83mm f/3.5 lens.

Overview

The Ansco Automatic Reflex is a twin-lens reflex made by Ansco of Binghamton, NY. It came out in 1947. Industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss designed it, and Ansco positioned it as a premium American alternative in the TLR market. It shoots 6x6 cm exposures on 120 roll film. The taking lens is a coated 83mm f/3.5 Wollensak Ansco Anastigmat, and the viewing lens is a coated f/3.2. Internal flash sync for SM and SF type lamps is built in, which earlier models didn't have.

Specifications

Film format	120 roll film (twelve 6x6 cm exposures)
Lens	83mm f/3.5 Wollensak Ansco Anastigmat coated lens
Viewing lens	f/3.2 coated lens
Shutter	Wollensak Alphax shutter
Shutter speeds	T, B, 1/10 – 1/200
Aperture range	f/3.5 to f/22
Focusing	Ground glass, three feet to infinity
Flash synchronization	Internal sync for SM and SF type lamps

Design

The body is made of precision aluminum alloy castings, which helps its durability. Both the taking and viewing lenses are surface-coated to improve light transmission and cut flare. Henry Dreyfuss, known for his industrial design work, designed the camera with clean lines and functional ergonomics.

Context

Market

The Ansco Automatic Reflex Model II had a list price of $165 at launch. On the secondary market, examples such as the Model II with case have sold for $275. Common problems are dead shutters, stuck lenses, dim or dirty viewfinders, and inaccurate shutter speeds. The camera can be difficult to repair, and shutter cleaning and lubrication are often needed to get it working properly.