Building the GakkenFlex ‘mook’ TLR

So we finally had some free time to build a Gakken Mook TLR, and what a fun little project it was. Building a camera from scratch is always a great way to learn about how a camera works, something that they just don’t teach kids in art school any longer. More importantly, with the Gakken you get to learn how the shutter on a camera works, and that is where the fun begins…

First, read the instructions all the way through before you start. I know people always say that, but in this case it really will help you. They are in Japanese, but with the Ikea like photo’s you will get a grasp of what’s what. Second, go into the kitchen and grab some little dishes so that you can keep the all of the little parts organized. And little they are- I’m not a big guy but I have big hands.. and the screws are only a few millimeters- but they do give you a handy small screwdriver. That’s a great feature, and just one example of the incredible quality of the kit itself.

Gakken is produced by Otonanokagku, and each volume is a different science lesson. The kits have ranged from Theremins to Computers, Cameras, Phonographs and more. Each comes with a beautifully produced magazine that tells the history of the subject that you will be working on. Volume 25 has a great history of film and photography, but as I don’t read Japanese, I could only roughly make out what they were speaking of. Aside from being a well thought out an manufactured kit, it’s simply amazing what they have done in the past. (and yes, I have already ordered a bunch of other volumes…)

Back to the build, it’s actually really easy. The only issue you will have is with the shutter- the instructions have two springs labeled incorrectly. Swap C and D, and you are back in business. Tensioning the springs will also take some careful maneuvering, but once that is out of the way, you can do this whole kit in 30 minutes, 45 if you take a break or two. Our photos of the build did not come out to well, as my D90 was a bit cranky that day, but a great set of build images can be found on Flickr here.

The other issue we had was installing the mirror, the adhesive that they provided did not want to give up it’s lining to stick the mirror down, so we resorted to our trusty two sided tape to secure it. (much like the Sharan build, it’s good to have two sided tape around for alot of these kits…) Essentially four sides that screw together with a shutter and winder assembly inside, the kit was far less frustrating then the Sharan, and much more usable day to day. The Sharan has been shelved in the collection since we tested it, mostly due to the fact that I am not really a big pinhole shooter. The Gakken has the potential to be a daily shooter, and has a neat tilt and shift quality to it’s images. We’re looking forward to seeing how it holds up. For the record- the shutter is 1/150th (ish) and the aperture is f11.

Check out some of these links to get a feel for the camera and it’s images, it’s one that I would recommend for a nice evening project. I enlisted (again) the help of my Physicist Father who was both impressed this kit and the other volumes as well. I can’t wait for the Theremin to come in, because that and the Digital Harinezumi are made for each other!

Now off to shoot a few roll of film and see what we get. More coming soon!