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Lachaize Mecilux |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in France from 1955 to (After) 1961.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 11414
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Lachaize
The Mécilux is a highly unique camera designed and crafted by Paul Lachaize, an artisan from Tassin-la-Demi-Lune near Lyon, France. His prior specialization involved improving cameras for reporters and flash synchronization. He previously developed and marketed the Mag 150, a back for Rollei and Semflex cameras that allowed for 150 exposures without reloading. He later created the Perfo 608, a rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses, following a similar philosophy. Paul Lachaize ventured into camera manufacturing with an accessible camera made from plastic using precision molding techniques. Unfortunately, a fire at the Villeurbanne factory put an end to this endeavor. The Fex company later benefited from Paul Lachaize's creative capabilities.
The Mécilux features an integrated flash and an "automatic" exposure system that allows users to select shooting conditions, taking flash photography into account. It has a large sports viewfinder with a cover, and film advance is coupled with the winding of the film using a large toothed button.
A few flashbulbs can be stored in a small compartment that also provides access to release the camera's opening if film is present, ensuring accidental opening is prevented as a safety feature.
The Mécilux is a very original device, designed and manufactured by Paul Lachaize, craftsman in Tassin la Demi-Lune near Lyon (France), whose specialty was previously the improvement of equipment for photo reporters as well as the flash sync systems.
He produced and marketed the Mag 150 back, to be fitted on Rollei and Semflex to produce 150 frames without reloading. Then he made the Perfo 608, a rangefinder camera with interchangeable lens adopting the same philosophy.
He starts in the industry with a popularization camera , made of plastic thanks to precision molding techniques. The fire at the factory in Villeurbanne will end this attempt. This is Fex that then benefited from the creative abilities of Paul Lachaize.
The Mécilux has an integrated flash unit and an "automatic" exposure system through the selection of shooting conditions. This system takes into account the use of the flash.
The big sports viewfinder is protected under the cover. The cocking is coupled to the film advance made by a big teethed button.
Some flashbulbs have their place in a small bay which also gives access to the unlocking of the opening if a film is loaded : a security is preventing from any accidental opening.
The variant presented here has a "Boyer Paris 1: 2.8 F = 45" lens with a black rim. It is the first series of Mécilux.
Interesting links or bibliography :
 Photo Ciné Revue de 1960 |  Photo Ciné Revue de 1960 |
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