If you read my previous post about the Gakkenflex Toy TLR you might have noted that I ordered one. I was intrigued by thoughts of building a working camera. I received the Gakkenflex kit just in time to get snowed in. Now I had something to do as we waited for the snow to thaw.
Face and Three Sides of the Gakkenflex
Whoever can assemble the Gakkenflex in 30 minutes, with no english instructions, gets a gold star. Kids, the Gakkenflex isn’t complex but assembly can be interesting. The simple shutter mechanism cost me the most time. The shutter is comprised of two springs and three plastic parts. I wrestled with the tiny springs and flimsy parts until the shutter cycled reliably. The Gakkenflex’s shutter should last a while but some spare parts would help me sleep better at night. Maybe some graphite powder would keep things running smoothly longer.
Gakkenflex Face and Film Guide
Starting to Look Like a Camera
After conquering the shutter the rest of the camera came together without incident. The single element lenses assemble in just a few moments. The sides of the camera mounted to the face but I had to leave them loose until the film roll components and mirror assembly was installed. Once all of the internals were mounted I snugged up the screws that held the Gakkenflex together.
Tada, a completed Gakkenflex!
Completed Gakkenflex Camera!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Cool… looking forward to seeing some pics from it. Looks like a fun little kit.
Maybe I’ll get one sometime soon too.
Mike and Weldon, Thanks for the comments. You should pick one up. It is a lot of fun and the “magazine” it comes with is beautiful. I just wish I could read it!
I found the cheapest ones you can dig up in the US for $40.00 including shipping. It was on Ebay, seller named Handmadefun. She had quite a few from what I gather, but I’m sure they’ll run out fast.
Courtney, Thanks for the tip! Have you shot any frames with your Gakkenflex yet?
Uugh It came in the mail and I was so disappointed… not a Gakkenflex at all! Something called Recesky… but after the months of abandoning it on a shelf out of frustration I finally opened it tonight and began to assembly and low and behold it is EXACTLY the same kit… the styrofoam packing is even the same and the instructions are the same but with vveeery slightly different pics. I am having trouble with the shutter right now though
Ok! Muah ha ha ha! I feel like a genius. I wound the spring around an extra turn past what it should’ve been so that it had enough force to pen the shutter and now it works great- I can’t wait to run a roll of film through it tomorrow morning!
Courtney, please post a link to your photos taken with the Gakkenflex!