The camera  presented here is one of the Celtaflex models from Mecaoptic-Photo marketed by "Etablissements Marcel Halbout" by the end of 1947. This is a 6 x 6 cm format TLR. At the time of its release, it was in direct competition with the Atoflex and some Semflex cameras. In theory, the Celtaflex was more enticing, with its Saphir Boyer 4 elements lens and its fast shutter, than the Atoms and Semflex that meanwhile, was delivered less quickly.

This model has a real leather jacket and the focus adjustment and film winding controls are attached to the right side of the body.

Depending on the model, you can find Saphir Boyer or Flor Berthiot, mounted on FAP, Prontor S or Compur. shutters The copy presented here is equipped with a Flor Berthiot and a Prontor S.

I propose some notes to trace the genesis of this device.

The text that follows is largely inspired by the book "« Histoire des appareils Français période 1940-1960 » by Bernard Vial.

In 1944, when France was occupied, a Parisian photographer, Mr. Bernard, created the company Photélec to industrialize its production of prototypes related to the photography industry (enlarger, reprographic benches, large format printer, A studio reflex camera and a 6x6 cm reflex for amateurs). The distribution of this reflex named CAMERAFLEX will be ensured by the company belonging to Marcel Halbout. Photélec being increasingly absorbed in the manufacture of its enlargers, renounced to mount this reflex for amateurs and gave the rights to its distributor Marcel Halbout. The latter renamed it Celtaflex evoking his 100% French origins. Very soon Marcel Halbout ordered to Mecaoptic-Photo the assembly of this camera, which then ensured its complete construction up to the end.

Apart from the general appearance, this camera differs from all other TLRs in the world. The film is loaded laterally.
However, this method of loading is a severe handicap for the Celtaflex. The prospectus extols the fact that it can be seen in practice that this system is as rapid and even more convenient as the usual way of proceeding. This is in part true, but it is also necessary to have the practice of the camera. In the case of photography shops, sellers who usually do not have this practice did not want, to pass for clumsy in front of customers and waste their time loading this device. Also the CELTAFLEX remained in shelf while the other reflexes were sold.

The brand did react and envisaged the creation of a more orthodox model with an opening back, but this device called DELFLEX is known only as a prototype