Going Commando

[PaulC]

Here it is:


There are a few points I haven't seen mentioned anywhere else:

1) The patent wind-on lock system seems to be a serious weak point for this camera. The shutter button is jammed on this one and most of the Commandos I've been able to find mentioned seem to have the same problem.

2) There is an unusual tab projecting forward from the bottom of the firing lever on the shutter which is designed to let you to fire the shutter with your finger while looking through the viewfinder. It is very ergonomically designed and comfortable to use, which is a good thing in view of the shutter lock problem.

3) The front window of the viewfinder, seen on the left here is yellowed. I suppose it is meant to make it easier to line-up the images. I've seen it in photos of other Commandos, too.

4) There is a sliding mask to switch the view from 6x6 to 4.5x6. You just slide the knob between the viewfinder's "eyes" over to push it in front of the window.

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[F16SUNSHINE]

It's a very good looking camera that is for sure.
Ensign huh? Now I have another thing to look for

The built in 645 mask is sure a cool idea.

[fish4570]

handsome, indeed ...

[Attila]

Handsome guy! I know almost nothing about them.

[PaulC]

The key features are a coupled rangefinder linked to a moving film gate, double exposure lock, built-in 645 mask (two leaves that fold back into the film chamber), lack of multicoating, lack of a flash connector, the early versions had 1-1/200 shutters, the last supply 1/300. The Epsilon shutter does feel very nice and smooth, like a Rolls-Royce among shutters, and this one doesn't have any problems.

That's about it, really. It's heavy, too. They were meant to persuade Brits that they were superior to German Ikontas but nobody believed it. In all, no more than 6,000 were made.

[Attila]

Seems we have to looking one , thanks!