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Kunik x2 RJ Ompex |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in Germany from (After) 1959 to (Before) 1962.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 14157
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Kunik
Walter Kunik was born in 1914 in Beuthen, Upper Silesia, then in Germany and now in Poland. In 1949, he joined his father-in-law's wholesale food trading company. He showed creativity by wanting to replace metal packaging with plastic and even filed a patent on the subject. However, he was ahead of his time, and the idea did not catch on. Manfred Hermann (Photographica Cabinett No. 37) mentions a possible connection with the company manufacturing the Filius, which was made of plastic.
It was only later that he ventured into the distribution of miniature cameras at affordable prices. While these cameras followed the trend of being miniature, such as the Minox, they also innovated by sometimes having a dual purpose (compact powder case, lighter). Kunik's exact role in the history of these cameras is unclear. It is unknown who manufactured them, the exact timing (1956 or 1959), or the quantity produced. The camera sales company Kunik was registered starting from 1959, but only until 1962.
According to Manfred Herrmann's research, it appears that two different companies with the same name, by chance, were involved in the manufacturing of certain models. Again, it is not clearly established whether this manufacturing pertained to the cameras themselves or their secondary uses (lighter, compact powder case, etc.). Both of these companies were named Teuber.
The distribution methods of the cameras remain another mystery. Based on advertisements, it seems that a significant portion of the cameras was exported.
Walter Kunik passed away on May 30, 1986.
The product range is limited. We should mention the models with compact powder cases or lighters, which are based on the Petie for the photographic part.
| Shutter | Lens | |||
| Petitax |  |
Single speed | 11/25 mm |
|
| Petie |  |
Single speed | 9/25 mm |
|
| x2 RJ Ompex |  |
Single speed | 9/25 mm | as Petie |
| Mickey Mouse Camera |  |
Single speed | 9/25 mm | as Petie |
| Tuxi |  |
I, P | 7,7/25 mm |
Synchro-flash |
| Tuximat |  |
I, P | 7,7/25 mm |
as Tuxi, with lightmeter |
This camera is identical to the Petie but bears the marking x2 RJ OMPEX around the lens (the meaning of x2 RJ remains a mystery).
The model also exists in black, at a lower price. This golden version was called Goldfinger by some sellers. The novel of the same name was released in 1959, giving an idea of the approximate date of its release.
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