{"title":"TLR cameras","description":"\u003cp\u003eA twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera is a classic film camera design featuring two lenses of identical focal length, mounted one above the other. The top lens is dedicated to viewing and focusing, projecting the image onto a ground glass screen viewed from above, while the bottom lens captures the photograph on film. This separation allows continuous viewing without the blackout common in single-lens reflex cameras. Popular in the mid-20th century, TLRs are prized for their sharp optics, quiet operation, and distinctive waist-level shooting perspective. Today, they remain beloved by film enthusiasts for their vintage charm and unique photographic experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"montanus-delmonta-tlr-camera-1950s","title":"Montanus Delmonta TLR Camera — 120 Film, 6×6cm, 75mm f\/3.5 Lens, West Germany, c.1950s","description":"\u003cp\u003eA handsome example of the Montanus Delmonta — a twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera produced by Montanus Camerwerk of Solingen, West Germany, in the mid-to-late 1950s. Using standard 120 roll film and producing 12 square 6×6cm exposures per roll, the Delmonta offers the classic TLR shooting experience: quiet, contemplative waist-level composition on a generously sized ground glass screen. A capable and characterful camera from the golden age of German medium format photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good cosmetic condition — a couple of small areas of colour loss on the body, not major.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright and clear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good — possibly a little dust, no fungus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm format:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film, 6×6cm square exposures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Specification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Montanus Camerawerk, Solingen, West Germany — a respected German camera manufacturer active from the late 1940s through the 1960s, producing a range of TLR and folding cameras for the amateur and enthusiast market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLens:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75mm f\/3.5 — the standard taking lens fitted to the Delmonta, providing a pleasingly wide angle of view on the 6×6cm format, well suited to portraiture, landscape, and street photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film — widely available today from specialist film suppliers. Each roll yields 12 square 6×6cm negatives, over four times the area of a 35mm frame.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Twin-lens reflex — two lenses of identical focal length, one for viewing via the waist-level finder, one for exposing the film. The waist-level perspective encourages a slower, more considered approach to photography that many film enthusiasts find deeply satisfying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-to-late 1950s, West Germany.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e A solid and attractive West German TLR at a very accessible price point — ideal for film photographers looking to explore medium format without the premium of a Rolleiflex or Yashica-Mat, and a beautiful display piece for collectors of vintage cameras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65722739294557,"sku":"0180","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/IMG_5785_9f330570-4441-4e36-ad61-7fde8e5db3ff.jpg?v=1787921973"},{"product_id":"lubitel-2-tlr-camera","title":"Lubitel 2 Soviet TLR Camera — 120 Film, 6×6cm, LOMO, USSR, 1955–1979","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very good example of the Lubitel 2 — the iconic Soviet medium format twin-lens reflex camera produced at the LOMO plant in Leningrad between 1955 and 1979. The Lubitel (meaning “amateur” in Russian) was designed to bring medium format photography to the masses, and its long production run is a testament to its enduring practicality and appeal. This example is in very good condition with a bright viewfinder, clean optics, and fully working mechanics — ready to shoot on 120 film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lubitel 2 improved on its predecessor by adding a self-timer and flash synchronisation, making it a more versatile all-round camera. Today the Lubitel is much loved in the lo-fi and Lomography communities for its characterful rendering, soft edges, and the meditative quality of waist-level medium format shooting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good — a few minor surface marks, hard to see.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright and clear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLens:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good — small speck of dust, no fungus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShutter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinding knob:\u003c\/strong\u003e Working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Specification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e LOMO (Leningradskoye Optiko-Mekhanicheskoye Obyedineniye), Leningrad, USSR — the celebrated Soviet optical and camera manufacturer whose name became synonymous with the lo-fi photography movement. The LOMO plant produced cameras, optical instruments, and military optics throughout the Soviet era.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lubitel 2 — produced 1955–1979.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film, 6×6cm square exposures — 12 frames per roll.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-timer, flash synchronisation, waist-level TLR viewfinder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e An affordable, characterful, and genuinely usable Soviet medium format TLR — beloved by Lomography enthusiasts, film photography beginners stepping up to medium format, and collectors of Soviet photographic equipment. A wonderful display piece and a capable creative tool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65802121806173,"sku":"0355","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/IMG_6101.jpg?v=1788453917"},{"product_id":"zeiss-ikon-ikoflex-i-tlr-camera-120-film-6-6cm-coffee-can-germany-1934-1937","title":"Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex I TLR Camera — 120 Film, 6×6cm, ‘Coffee Can’, Germany, 1934–1937","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most distinctive and collectible TLR cameras ever made — the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex I, affectionately nicknamed the ‘coffee can’ on account of its unusual cylindrical form. Produced by Zeiss Ikon in Germany between 1934 and 1937, the Ikoflex I was the first camera in Zeiss Ikon’s celebrated Ikoflex TLR range, and its bold, unconventional design sets it apart from every other camera of its era. This is a genuine pre-war Zeiss Ikon — a rare and charismatic piece of photographic history in good shape for its age, with a bright viewfinder and working mechanics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good condition for age — some cosmetic marks and wear consistent with its 1930s origin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop lens (viewing lens):\u003c\/strong\u003e Some fading and marks on the lettering; areas of colour loss on the surround.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTaking lens (optics):\u003c\/strong\u003e Good — a little dust, no fungus noted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase - leather, in good condition. A few marks - see photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Specification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zeiss Ikon AG, Dresden\/Stuttgart, Germany — one of the greatest names in the history of photography and optics. Formed in 1926 through the merger of several leading German camera manufacturers, Zeiss Ikon produced some of the most technically accomplished and beautifully engineered cameras of the 20th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ikoflex I — the original ‘coffee can’ model, produced 1934–1937. The first of the Ikoflex TLR line, and the most visually distinctive of the entire range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film, 6×6cm square exposures — 12 frames per roll.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Twin-lens reflex with cylindrical body form — the ‘coffee can’ nickname refers to the camera’s tall, rounded shape, unique among TLRs of its period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1934–1937, Germany.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e A pre-war Zeiss Ikon TLR with one of the most iconic silhouettes in camera collecting — highly sought after by collectors of German cameras, Zeiss enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a genuinely rare and visually extraordinary display piece or prop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Zeiss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65802368188765,"sku":"0356","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/IMG_6112.jpg?v=1788456136"},{"product_id":"yashica-c-tlr-1956-1958","title":"Yashica C TLR Camera — 120 Film, 6×6cm, 80mm f\/3.5, Copal-MX Shutter, Original Case, c.1956–1958","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely example of the Yashica C — one of the earlier and more sought-after models in Yashica’s celebrated TLR range, produced between 1956 and 1958. In excellent condition throughout, complete in its original leather ever-ready case with strap, and in full working order. The Yashica C sits in a distinguished lineage that would eventually lead to the iconic Yashica-Mat series, and shares their hallmark qualities: solid construction, a bright viewfinder, and a capable 80mm lens system. An excellent choice for film photographers stepping into medium format, and a very handsome display piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lovely condition — a few small specs of colour loss and light rubbing, negligible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShutter release:\u003c\/strong\u003e Working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm advance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Knob wind — working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original leather ever-ready case with strap — good condition, a couple of small marks and light rubbing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFilm tested:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not film tested — sold in good faith as fully working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Specification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yashica Co. Ltd., Japan — one of the most respected Japanese camera manufacturers, producing a renowned range of TLR cameras from the early 1950s onwards. The Yashica TLR series is highly regarded by collectors and film photographers worldwide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yashica C — produced c.1956–1958, an early and desirable model in the Yashica TLR range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 roll film, 6×6cm square exposures — 12 frames per roll.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTaking lens:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80mm f\/3.5 — a well-regarded focal length for TLR medium format, suited to portraiture, still life, and general photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewing lens:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80mm f\/3.5 matching viewing lens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShutter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Copal-MX leaf shutter, 1 second to 1\/300th — working.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViewfinder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waist-level finder with magnifier loupe and sports finder frame.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original leather ever-ready case with strap.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Yashica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65827144761693,"sku":"1006","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/57_78ceb932-5b6e-49c6-87cc-5f0f0b6202cc.jpg?v=1788685128"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/collections\/IMG_5785.jpg?v=1787921666","url":"https:\/\/curiooptics.com\/collections\/tlr-cameras.oembed","provider":"Curio Optics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}