Kinax Alsace - Elegant French Engineering with Multi-Format VersatilityThe Kinax Alsace, produced in France by Kinax (formerly IPO) around 1950, is a beautifully crafted medium format folding camera. Named after the Alsace region of France, this model is a refined version of the Kinax II, featuring a built-in self-timer and a higher-quality shutter. Its standout feature is its multi-format capability, allowing photographers to switch between $6 \times 9$, $6 \times 6$, and $6 \times 4.5$ cm exposures using internal masks (not included). With its striking "eyebrow" style viewfinder housing and robust metal construction, the Alsace is a prime example of the creative and high-quality camera industry that thrived in post-war France.Key BenefitsLarge Format Detail: Produces expansive $6 \times 9$ cm negatives on standard 120 film, offering exceptional resolution and a classic vintage depth of field.Distinctive French Design: Features a unique, stylish top-plate design and a high-quality finish that distinguishes it from contemporary German folders.Travel-Ready Portability: Collapses into a remarkably slim and durable package, making it an ideal companion for field work and landscape photography.FeaturesCamera Type: Vertical Folding Medium Format CameraFilm Format: 620 Roll Film (can be used with re-spooled 120 film)Lens: Berthiot Special $105\text{mm}$ f/4.5 (High-quality French optics)Shutter: IPO Shutter with a built-in self-timerShutter Speeds: 1s to 1/350s plus Bulb (B) and Time (T)Aperture Range: f/4.5 to f/32Focusing: Front-cell manual focusing (scale in meters)Viewfinder: Integrated optical finder with a distinct Art Deco-influenced housingConditionCosmetic (Rated 4/5): The camera is in excellent vintage condition. The black leatherette is clean and tightly adhered. The chrome accents and the painted top plate show very minimal wear, retaining a bright and professional appearance.Optical: The Berthiot lens appears clear to the naked eye. As with most optics from this era, a small amount of internal dust may be present. The viewfinder is clear and functional.Mechanical: The folding mechanism is strong and snaps into position securely. The shutter fires correctly across the speed range, and the bellows appear to be supple and in good structural condition.Note: This camera is sold as a professional collectible. While mechanically operational, it has not been film-tested for light-tightness or shutter speed accuracy.What's IncludedKinax Alsace Folding CameraOriginal Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case (showing vintage character and "Kinax" branding)Why This Product?The Kinax Alsace is a camera for those who appreciate the intersection of high fashion and mechanical precision. It represents a proud era of French manufacturing, offering optical quality that rivaled the best German Anastigmat lenses. Because it is built for 620 film, it appeals specifically to enthusiasts who enjoy the process of re-spooling 120 film to achieve that massive $6 \times 9$ negative. Whether as a centerpiece in a collection of European cameras or as a tool for architectural and landscape photography, this Kinax Alsace is a rare and functional jewel of the 1950s.Keywords: Kinax, Alsace, Berthiot, French Camera, 620 Film, Medium Format, Folding Camera, 6x9, Vintage Camera, Post-War Design, Analog Photography.