previous | next | index

SAMPLES

SUMMARY
The Perfex line of rangefinder cameras is an example of good old American free enterprise.  The Candid Camera Company of Chicago was established by former radio manufacturers who wanted to get rich off of the post war camera craze sweeping the country.  They saw Argus and Eastman Kodak making lots of cash and wanted to join in. They set their sites on making an affordable “Leica” copy with some “Contax” thrown in for good measure.  The first Perfex was produced in 1938 and named the “Speed Candid.”   It sported an Argus-like removable back, three interchangeable lens, a focal plane cloth shutter, a non-coupled rangefinder, and shutter speeds up to 1/500.  In 1939 the “Perfex 44” was produced and included a focal plane shutter with speeds up to 1/1250, coupled rangefinder, three interchangeable lenses, built-in extinction meter and even a hotshoe for flashbulbs, something very rare for the time.  The main problem with the Perfex line was the inconsistent manufacturing and mid-grade optics.   Even though you got a lot of bang for the buck, the Perfex line of cameras just didn’t catch fire with consumers.  The 1940 release of the Perfex 55 saw some additional improvements but sales didn’t increase by much. 

When the Perfex Deluxe was produced in 1948 the manufacturing issues were all but resolved and the optics were now an interchangeable coated Wollensak Velostigmat 50mm, however the screw mount lens only came in the standard f/2.8 and rare f/1.7 50mm.  Any plans for additional lenses obviously did not see the light of day.  The Perfex Deluxe is a tank of a camera.  Heavy is the best way to describe it, the Leica and Contex qualities making it a handsome camera.  The Candid Camera Company of Chicago danced around several patent issues with the Perfex line by slightly altering the screw mount size (38mm), and the non-coupled rangefinder system, which can be difficult to use due to the miniscule size of the window.   Also the focus ring is at the base of the lens and somewhat difficult to maneuver.  I generally block the rangefinder window with my right index finger, something that tends to also foul up the shutter cocking lever on front of the Argus C3.  I just have to get used to positioning my fingers differently.  The front of the Perfex Deluxe sports the slow shutter speed dial and film rewind release.   Shutter speeds still range from 1–1/1250 plus Bulb, using the cloth focal plain shutter; quite the range for a low cost rangefinder.  The slow speeds, B, 1, 2, 5 and 10 are controlled from a dial on the front of the camera, while the faster speeds are selected from a dial that encases the shutter release button and is coupled with the film advance.  The film rewind release is in an odd place, just above the slow speed dial on the face of the camera.  Gone is the built-in extinction meter.  I discovered my Minolta 2800 flash works perfectly with this camera and the Argus C44, both of which feature an actual hotshoe accessory attachment for X flash synch. 

The back is removable with a simple open/close dial at the bottom of the camera, an improvement over earlier models.  However, be careful when removing the back as the metal film take-up spool is removable.  Probably a throw back to the old 35mm roll film days.  The Zeiss Ikon Contaflex I is the same way and it is very annoying.  Three other very low budget and striped down versions were released after the Deluxe but hardly anyone noticed.  Still twelve years for a line of cameras from an upstart Chicago-based company isn’t bad.  The Perfex Deluxe is a great piece of nostalgic Americana , and a quality piece of equipment for its day.

CLEANING AND REPAIR
This camera arrived in very good condition albeit filthy, like most Ebay cameras.  The leatherette is in great condition and just needed a mild scrubbing with a soft toothbrush and application of leather cleaner.  My standard solution of 50/50 ammonia/hydrogen peroxide removed any film and fungus from the lens and rangefinder windows, leaving them very clear.  As mentioned before this is a screw mount, so to remove the lens just turn the focus ring at the base to infinity then keep turning.  The lens will then begin unscrewing and come off.  The Wollensak optics are excellent and had no dust or fungus on the inside elements so no disassembly was necessary.  Once you remove the lens, three small screws are visible on the inside and removing these will begin the lens disassembly process.  Since it didn't need to be done, I didn't do it.  To return the lens, just turn the focus dial clockwise to 3 feet, insert the lens and turn clockwise until tight. 

The top of the Perfex Deluxe is stamped metal and easily cleaned with a soft toothbrush and some M.A.A.S. metal polish.  The bottom of the camera and the base of the lens mount can also be polished using this method.  Preferably with the lens removed.  The shutter functions properly at the faster speeds, but I have noticed that the slow speed selector dial on the front of the camera is not functioning.  I'll have to bite the bullet and attempt a repair at some point in the future.  Otherwise the camera yields excellent pictures and is a testament to American craftsmanship.

EBAY SUGGESTION
The Perfex Deluxe was only manufactured for a couple of years and I've only seen a few of them up for auction.  The Perfex 44 and 55 seem to appear more often and in various conditions.  I picked up this Deluxe for under twenty dollars but have seen some go for around fifty.  So patience and timing, as always, will play an important role in acquiring one of these for the right price.  Like I said, these things are solid, and take a beating so even a weathered one should still perform admirably.

previous | next | index

Perfex Links
Cameraquest Article
Perfex: The American Contax
Junk Store Perfex
Perfex 55