Lenses for Automex I and II

The first set of  lenses for Mirandas with internal automatic diaphragm also had meter coupling

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For the all-new Automex 1 in 1960, Miranda introduced a new range of lenses with two new coupling mechanisms. At last, the diaphragm closing mechanism was moved behind the lens, internal through the lens mount. The aperture setting ring was provided with a small additional arm on the left side which connected to a matching arm on the camera body. In this way, the aperture set on the lens was transferred to the camera and the match needle metering could be used. 

A separate stop down sliding lever with lock was incorporated in all the Automex lenses. The lock (illustrated at right) is a delightful little inverted chromium cone with a tiny circular leatherette insert. Pull up the knob to move the chrome ring underneath from "AUTO" to "MANUAL" and back.  This little lock is only found on these early Automex lenses, later lenses had a more conventional spring loaded stopdown lever. 135_35_AMX1_button_dtl_lq.jpg (36278 bytes)


The table below shows the original Automex I and II lenses  from the Automex II handbook - with technical details provided courtesy
R. Fankhauser. The 28mm, 105mm and 135mm lenses were carried over into the introductory period for the Automex III model.
Lens Groups/
Elements		 Minimum
Focus (ft)		 Filter
Size (mm)		 Length
xWidth		 Weight
(gms)		 Notes
28mm f2.8 8 0.8 46 56 x 55 280  
35mm f2.8 7 1.6 46 45 x 55 260  
50mm f1.9 6 1.7 46 42 x 55 260  
85mm f1.8 6 3.5 55 70 x 67 650 back view
105mm f2.8 6 4 49 82.5 x 59 460  
135mm f3.5 6 6 46 95 x 59 460  
135mm f2.8 6 6 55 111 x 64 560  

As an overall design, these early Automex lenses are not as robust as the later Automex III or Sensorex types. The diaphragm stop down action uses a right angle lever and cam, highly geared, and it is susceptible to poor operation when lubricants start to dry out. The manual/automatic lock is elegant but fairly complicated, and the pretty inverse conical knob tends to work loose and come off. Barrel finish is enamel, similar to the K series PAD lenses, and is more likely to be chipped than the later common black anodized finish.