Manufactured or assembled in France from 1948 to 1951.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 6446

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Cornu 

Around 1940, Cornu requested Aluvac to cast the bodies and backs of a small 24 x 36 camera in aluminum. These parts were marked as Aluvac 3439 and Aluvac 3440. These components were used for about two decades by two companies to produce numerous popular camera models.

The Société des Établissements Modernes de Mécanique Générale et de Décolletage Jean Cros was established in Saint-Étienne just before 1939 with state funding to support the war effort. Jean Cros had Aluvac mold rocket fins for him.
After the defeat, Jean Cros, forced to refocus his activities in the civilian sector, considered entering the camera manufacturing business. He reconnected with Paul Royet, who had been a "special assignment" employee in his factory until his demobilization, to offer him the position of Director of the photographic section, where everything had to be created from scratch.
In 1941, Jean Cros, the director of SEMM, obtained a license from Cornu to manufacture a camera in Saint-Étienne using these parts. Paul Royet, the future director of SEM, successfully carried out this project

The Ontobloc cameras succeeded the Reyna cameras by abandoning the telescopic lens mount in favor of a rigid mount, simplifying construction and avoiding some issues during shooting. This is what the name "Ontobloc" signifies.

Ontobloc, which is almost a rigid Reyna II.
Ontobloc II, where the integrated viewfinder from the foundry is replaced by a chromed cover, with a richer and less austere appearance.
Ontobloc III, featuring a dual helicoid focus and a lens that opens to at least f/2.8.

In each of these models, you'll find numerous variations due to artisanal construction and the supply challenges of the post-war period.

With the Ontoflex, Cornu had gained expertise in metal stamping, and it's possible that by adding its chromed cover, they were able to enhance the value of castings that had integrated viewfinders that weren't well-received.
The initial models of Ontobloc II and III have a one-piece stamped cover, while the subsequent ones have a two-part cover.
All Ontobloc II and III cameras feature a hinged back.

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