Very Rare Efka Square Format (24mm x 24mm) 35mm film camera with case circa 1947

This very rare fixed lens viewfinder film camera, producing a 24mm x 24mm image on 35mm film is circa 1947. Made by Fritz Kuhnert, Optische Anstalt, a supplier to the Luftwaffe (later the Futura Kamerawerk GmbH) their first civilian camera was this simple scale focus camera called the Efka 24.  The name “Efka” is said to be a phonetic spelling of Fritz Kuhnert’s initials, “FK”. 

It is metal-bodied, with black leatherette covering. The top, bottom and lens plates are of pressed aluminum, and most other components (the film advance, lens barrel and viewfinder) are of machined aluminum.  It has a Compur-Rapid shutter and interchangeable optics (the choices were an Elor 2.8/40 and an Evar 2.0/40). This camera has the Elor 2.8 40 lens.

The slow speeds seem slightly slow, but consistent. Fast speeds appear correct.  Lens elements have haze and some dust. 

This is a very rare and collectable camera.