Introduction | Rubix | Rubix (Inexpensive) | Rubix (Deluxe) | Rubix 16 | Rubix 16 (patents) | Rubix 16 (patents, Rubina) | Rubina | Rubix III

Rubix cameras were made by Sugaya Optical Works in Japan. The cameras are better made than most of the post war Japanese subminiature production and shaped like a  tiny Leica. Using the same 17.5mm paper-backed film as the "HIT" cameras the Rubix produced acceptable quality 10x14mm negatives. The Rubix 16 used 16mm film, whereas the  Rubina Sixteen and Rubix III could use either 17.5mm roll film or 16mm film in cassettes.

See "Spy Camera" page 64-65 Michael Pritchard and Douglas St. Denny.

Rubix Deluxe and Inexpensive

The original model in two variations appeared in 1947 know as the Inexpensive and the Deluxe. The whole top plate enclosure , including the optical viewfinder, was plated to the left of the body mounted shutter release. The film wind knob was located at the extreme right with a counter to 10. Both Rubix cameras used the same Hope f2.8/25mm lens. The Deluxe model 25mm f2.8-f16 lens allowed front element focusing and the mount was designed for interchangeable lenses; which were never made. The Inexpensive lens was fixed focus. The speeds on both cameras were B, 1/25 - 1/150 set on a sliding lever on the front of the camera body.  A secondary sliding lever cocked the shutter. The shutter release, unusually for this type of camera,  is on the top. There is a tiny accessory shoe on the top.

Rubix for 16mm Film - Rubix 16

In 1949 another version of the Rubix was manufactured called the "Rubix for 16mm Film" which used 16mm film in brass cassettes (in pairs, one for the take up of the exposed film) and has a fixed lens mount. The top plate is located on the right side, and the film winder on the left. The shutter release and shutter speed selector are mounted on the lens, rather than on the camera body as before. The shutter speed selection was reduced to a range across  B, 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 and the aperture range f3.5-f16. The lens has variable focusing from 2 feet to infinity. The tiny accessory shoe was removed. The film counter is marked to 50. The frame counter window, showing it's roll film roots, is covered over.

Some have a dull nickel finish. Others have a chrome finish and are engraved "PATENTS". Another difference is that one has a chrome name plate that only has the pointer for the shutter setting marked and the other a black name plate with "SUGAYA OPTICAL Co.LTD." and in script "Rubina". The lens is marked "HOPE ANASTIGMAT 1:3.5 F=25mm".

Rubina Sixteen

The Rubina is shaped like the original Rubix with the film winder on the right, but had the features of the Rubix 16. The lens is marked "RUBY ANASTIGMAT 1:3.5 F=25mm" and has the same shutter speeds, aperture and focusing as the Rubix 16.  The shutter release is on the lens (like the Rubix 16) but it has an accessory shoe like the Rubix Deluxe. The camera is marked "Made for the Mycro Camera Co. Inc NY" and may have been an export model. It is also stamped "RUBINA Sixteen Model II " on the top.

The camera accepts 16mm in cassettes and 17.5mm roll film and in either case produced 10x14mm images. The film counter is to 30.

See "Spy Camera" page 65 Michael Pritchard and Douglas St. Denny.

Rubix III