A very rare twin-lens box camera manufactured by Zeiss Ikon between 1941 and 1942. The Zeiss catalog number is 85/16. It takes 12 exposures in 6x6 format on 120 film.
The lens is a single-element Frontar 80mm f11. The aperture can be switched between f11 and f16. It features a built-in Proxar lens, allowing focus selection in two zones—1 to 3 meters, and 3 meters to infinity—using a lever. A double exposure prevention mechanism is also included.
According to historical sources, the Tengoflex remained unknown until the first unit was discovered in the early 1970s. It only became widely known after it appeared in a book published in the mid-1970s by the late Michel Auer, a renowned Swiss collector who had a close relationship with our shop.
While such obscurity might be expected from postwar Japanese or European “four-and-a-half-mat” manufacturers, it is astonishing that such an unknown model existed from the mighty Zeiss, the largest camera maker in Europe. Truly romantic.
It is believed that no more than about 100 units exist today. Among them, this example is in exceptionally fine condition—an irresistible piece for any Zeiss collector.
There are some minor scuffs on the black-painted areas, but the body shows little sign of use and is in very beautiful condition. The viewfinder contains a small amount of dust, but both the viewfinder glass and the lens are clean. All mechanical operations function well.
I've always had a fondness for the Box Tengor series and have collected various models over the years, but the back cover mechanism on the Tengoflex proved quite tricky and gave me some trouble 😅
Here’s how to open the back cover:
1. Slide the small black tab located above the red window downward.
2. While pulling the winding knob, turn it clockwise; this will release and extend the winding knob.
3. Once the knob is extended, you can pull out the back cover section.
On the top of the camera, the E lever is for shutter release, and the T is for time exposure. The small tab on the side of the body functions as a shutter lock; the shutter can be released when it's set to the red position.
The Tengoflex appears to have been released in the early 1940s, just as Europe was descending into war. It was never exported to other countries, never advertised, and production seems to have ceased early due to the worsening war situation. This example is likely one of the best-preserved surviving specimens.
For a wartime camera, the craftsmanship and finish are excellent, and the Art Deco-inspired design is wonderfully stylish. A great addition to any collection.
A rare item.
Reference: Camera Review Extra Edition, Classic Camera Sennka No.6, "Secrets of Masterpieces"
