Export version of the Richter Reflecta

Just came across this on a photography forum. I loved the statement: “focus is out of whack”, but I wasn’t sure if the author was being ironic or was serious (I suspect the latter).

Just saying, tried to mark the presidential inauguration day with the appropriate camera, but no such luck, focus is out of whack, in both viewing and taking lenses, and the shutter fires at approximately the same speed.Oh well – need to find time and send it for repair, eventually

Source: Sometimes it doesn’t work out… – Photo.net Classic Manual Cameras Forum

I’d never heard of this camera before. It turns out that it’s an export version of the Richter Reflecta, made c1940 in Germany and sold in the United States by Sears. Focus (helical) is controlled by the lever at the lower right, and the viewing and taking lenses are coupled behind the faceplate. It appears to be worth from $50 (in average condition) to $140 (in mint condition).