Toy Review - REFRAKTOR R5
REFLECTOR R5
Series - Canon/Transformers
New/remould/redeco - Shared mould with Optimus Prime R5
Released here - February 2023
Approximate Retail Price - 19800JPY ($119)
Approximate Size - 20cm
Allegiance - Decepticon
Alt-mode - Canon EOS R5 digital camera
Main Features/Gimmicks - 4:5 scale licensed camera
Main Colours - black with grey and purple accents in robot mode
Main Accessories - lens cap/shield, G1 Reflector camera, Quantum Dial
Camera Mode
At a glance, this toy looks like an actual camera. It is slightly smaller than an actual Canon EOS R5; 80% as large. But to most people, they're probably not going to know the difference. It's similar to how G1 Megatron is slightly smaller than an actual Walther P38, but it's near enough to being the same size that that toy has generated legal issues. However, this is also a testament of what a great robot in disguise Megatron is, and Refraktor R5 here is taking that same ethos to a whole 'nuther level.
An incredible amount of detail has been poured into this camera mode. As well as an amazingly accurate sculpt, this toy also features a few movable dials. The lens barrel is detachable, just like on an actual camera. There is a clear lens covering the aperture, as well as at the tip of the lens barrel.
^Comparison with Sony digital cameras (because I've yet to bring this toy to a store that sells Canons)
This is the most fun Transformer camera ever. G1 Reflector is a grossly undersized 1969 Ricoh 126C-Flex TLS
Robot mode
At 20cm, this toy is about the size of a Leader Class Transformer. Refraktor's lens cap also becomes his shield. He is also able to hold his G1 Reflector-style camera and Quantum Dial accessories. While the camera mode is absolutely astounding, I cannot say the same about the robot mode. This toy was clearly designed as a camera first, which was then engineered to have it transform into a singular robot that homages Viewfinder's cartoon model. There is a flight stand port, but sadly no waist swivel.
As a camera mode and as a robot in disguise, this toy is unmatched. The robot is okay, but not stellar either. I would still rank WFC Refraktor (esp. the Recon set version) as being a better action figure. For $219 I would have at least expected a waist swivel.
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