Flexaret IVa

This camera was made at Meopta factory.

Flexaret is a series of 6x6cm TLR cameras which descended from the Kamarad by Bradac. Bradac was bought out by Optikotechna about 1937, and the company was renamed Meopta in 1945. The first Flexaret cameras still carry the Optikotechna logo on the top of the viewing hood and/or on the lenses. Models (I), II, III, IIIa, IV, IVa, V, Va, VI, and VII exist, each with variations. None of the cameras bear model numbers, so they should be identified by basic features and appearance. Models I to Va have 'flexaret' on the front of the viewing hood. Models VI and VII have 'flexaret automat' in the same location.

Flexaret IVa - c1956. Like Flexaret IV, but also adaptable for 35mm film. This leads to several noticeable exterior features. The viewing hood now has a small chrome center door which swings up to make a sportsfinder for the vertical 24x38mm format. The ground glass is also marked for the 24x36mm frame. A second exposure counter is added to the right side of the camera, behind the usual one. Accessory shoe added to left side.

It has shutter release lever on front beside viewing lens (this lever appears only on models IV and IVa). Helical-focusing lever incorporates depth of field scale. There are no spool retaining buttons on the left side; a swinging interior arm releases the lower spool.