Aidex - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Aidex

2nd version

c. 1927

Adams & Co.

London

England

Image of Aidex 2nd version

Lens:
f3.5, 5 ½" Ross Xpres, iris diaphragm to f32. Presumably the serial number is an engraving error. Serial no. 193977 .

Shutter:
Focal-plane, speeds 1/8 - 1/1000, T. Speeds varied by altering the slit width and a choice of two tension springs. Self-capping.

Construction:
Leather covered mahogany body. The covering is described as Persian goat Morocco leather.

Format:
3 ½" x 2 ½" exposures on plates held in slides.

Focusing:
Bellows to 26". Double extension.

Attributes:
Reflex viewing through taking lens. Full-size ground glass screen.
Independent mirror action allowing the shutter to be used whilst the mirror is locked in the up position, (for use as a press camera). Mirror has to be lowered separately from winding the shutter. Independent release for mirror raises mirror without firing shutter.
Revolving back with automatic mask below focusing screen. Removable lens panel. Separate I,B,T lever.

Movements:
Rising front.

Serial Number:
3002 .

Notes:
Address on film pack adapter and roll-holder: 122 Wigmore St. London. Ex Falchenberg collection.

With:

  • Hooded focusing screen. 1 double dark-slide. Film pack adapter.
  • Changing box for 12 plates. Bag type.
  • Roll-film holder for 6 x 9 cm exposures on 120. This uses a glass plate in front of the film and a retractable pressure plate. Introduced in 1931.
  • Adams catalogue d. January 1929.

The first version of the Aidex was introduced in 1922. It was produced only in 3 ¼" x 4 ¼" size and fitted with a Minex focal-plane shutter having a reduced speed range of 1/8 - 1/400. With its standard lens, a f4.5 Xpres, fitted it was a cheaper alternative to the Minex. This version is illustrated with 'barn door' flaps to hold the bellows and front standard rigid.

Around 1927 the second version was advertised, this had a Minex shutter with speeds of 1/8 - 1/1000. The 'barn doors' were replaced by a conventional fold-down bed along which the front standard can be drawn out. Lazy tongs connect the front standard to the camera body. Focusing is by worm screw and unusual scissor movement. This version was produced in 3 ½" x 2 ½" and 3 ¼" x 4 ¼" sizes the normal lens was an f3.5 Xpres. Although cheaper than the Minex few models could have been sold as they are not often found today. Neither version was advertised for long. The camera was normally supplied with a film pack adapter.

References & Notes:
BJA 1922, p. 150. BJA 1923, p. 139. BJA 1928, pp. 107, 359. BJA 1929, p. 111. BJA 1932, p. 289, (roll-holder). BJA 1933, p. 282, (roll-holder).


Company Details:

Adams & Co.

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