Candid Camera Corp of America Perfex Forty Four |
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Manufactured or assembled in USA from (Circa) 1939 to (Circa) 1939.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 15414
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Candid Camera Corp of America
The cameras manufactured by Candid Camera Corporation of America are mostly called Perfex, and there is often confusion between the model name and the brand.
With the exception of the first and last models, Perfex cameras all look alike.
They all use 135 film.
The lower part of their body is black. The metal cover is usually metallic in color. It incorporates the viewfinder and rangefinder. Depending on the model, there may also be a extinction light meter.
Some models have interchangeable lenses.
The difference from one model to another often lies in the lens and its maximum aperture.
Year | Lens | Lightmeter | Shutter | ||
Perfex Speed Candid |
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c. 1938 | Graf 3.5/50 mm |
Yes | Focal plane |
Perfex Forty Four |
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c. 1939 | Scienar 2.8/50 mm |
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Perfex Thirty Three |
c. 1940 | Graf 3.5/50 mm |
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Perfex Fifty Five |
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1940 | Wollensak Velostigmat 2.8/50 mm |
No | |
Perfex Fifty Five |
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1940 | Scienar 3.5/50 mm |
Yes | |
Perfex Twenty Two |
1941 | Scienar 3.5/50 mm |
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Perfex One-O-One |
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1947 | Wollensak 4.5/50 mm |
No | Central |
Perfex One-O-Two |
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1948 | Wollensak 4.5/50 mm |
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Perfex de Luxe |
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1947 | Wollensak Velostigmat 2.8/50 mm |
Focal plane | |
Perfex de Luxe |
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1947 | Wollensak Velostigmat 2.8/50 mm |
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Cee-ay 35 |
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1948 | Wollensak 4.5/50 mm |
Central |
Perfex cameras were manufactured for about a decade. They are often criticized for their lack of reliability.__________
The Perfex Forty Four is the second camera from the Candid Camera Corporation of Chicago after the peculiar Speed Candid with its poor ergonomics. Its appearance is notably more modern and classic. The rangefinder is now coupled, and its viewfinder is side by side with the main viewfinder. The shutter speed can go up to 1/1250, higher than that of the Leica cameras of the time. There is a flash shoe with contact. The extinction meter (with 16 graduations) is integrated into the top cover, still close to the viewfinder. The film is advanced by the speed dial wheel, also coupled with the film winding. Finally, the weight has been practically divided by three.
Some specific points should be noted:
The 16 graduations of the extinction meter are: KDIALGEBFVCPHOT.
The speed button has two index markers for reading; the applied speed is selected by the lower switch on the front (F=fast, S=slow).
The interpretation dial for the extinction meter located on the back is beautifully engraved.
The opening latches are two small switches under the camera.
There are at least three compatible lenses: 3.5/50 mm, 2.8/50 mm, and 4.5/150 mm.
![Candid Camera Corp of America Perfex Forty Four](../../candid_camera/images/perfex_44.jpg )
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