Presentation and History
A German 1950s folding camera
The Foitzik Trier Foinix is a folding camera manufactured between 1954 and 1957. It is not the most sophisticated camera, but the build quality is nonetheless satisfactory.
Reminder not to forget the sensitivity of the film.
At the top right is the button to press to unfold the bellows.
The camera is equipped with a rangefinder viewfinder that is not coupled to the lens.
However, the camera is not equipped with a light meter.
The small wheel at the bottom left operates the rangefinder.
The large wheel on the right advances the film.
The button at the top is used to release the shutter.
A short-lived manufacturer
Trier is the city where the device was manufactured. Foitzik refers to Karl Foitzik (1909-1955), the engineer who founded the brand.
The Foitzik brand was founded in 1945 but, following the death of its creator and the arrival of Japanese competition, ceased to exist in 1958.
The camera’s narrow viewfinder.
The window on the back of the camera allows you to check the film advance.
Taking the camera out of your pocket, unfolding the bellows, cocking the shutter, aiming, and then releasing the shutter can be done in less than ten seconds.
Camera performance: average
Those who have already held a folding camera in their hands will feel right at home.
The lens is equipped with a Prontor central shutter with speeds ranging from 1/25th to 1/200th of a second, plus a bulb mode.
There is a self-timer, a flash socket, and a socket for using a flexible cable.
The camera uses 120 format films (12 images per roll) or 220 (24 images per roll – no longer produced). The resulting image measures 6×6 centimeters.
Here, the film is fully exposed and ready for development.
The lens is a Cooke triplet coated with an anti-reflective layer. It is called AR foinar 1:3.5 75mm Trier (Nr.85697).
The largest aperture is f3.5 and the diaphragm closes to f22. The minimum focusing distance is 0.8 meters.
My experience with the Foitzik Trier Foinix
Acceptable images
The copy I have in my possession has some defects: the film advance mechanism is damaged, and I am not sure that the lens is as parallel to the film as it should be.
These problems negatively impact image quality.
Despite everything, the camera produces acceptable and usable images.
There are of course imperfections, but some will find them likable as they bring a vintage look to the images.
Portable as every folding camera
The main advantage of this camera – and other folding cameras – is its portability: it weighs 550 grams and fits in a coat pocket, while offering that special medium format look.
However, if I had to take a camera with me, it wouldn’t be this one: the lens is mediocre and doesn’t make the most of the medium format resolution. My copy is also unpleasant to use due to wear and tear.
Sources :
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Foitzik
https://wernermarxphotography.com/mess-foinix/
Leave a Reply