Following the launch of the Rolleiflex in 1928, camera manufacturers around the world began making their own versions of the twin lens reflex (TLR) design. The vast majority of such cameras – which used twin lenses, one for shooting, the other for reflecting its image to a large viewfinder screen on top of the body – shot twelve 6x6cm images to a roll of 120 film. The images being square meant that, when changing from portrait to landscape shaped subjects, there was no need to turn the camera on its side, an awkward manoeuvre with any TLR.

 

The Superfekta, made by Welta in 1935, is rare in that it shoots eight 6x9cm images on 120 film. In its normal operating position, the film winds vertically through the body providing portrait shaped pictures. To shoot landscape shaped subjects, the camera features a revolving back that turns the film through 90°, while changing a mask in the viewfinder to show the appropriate orientation.

 

And the Superfekta has another trick up its sleeve: it’s one of only a handful of TLRs that were made to fold. In its normal shooting position, with the focusing hood erected and the twin lenses extended from the body on bellows, the camera measures 25x8x13.5cm. Folding down

​