Baby-Max
The Baby-Max is a Japanese subminiature taking ten 14x14mm images on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm. It was also produced under the names Barlux and Hit, and it was a slightly larger and more modern version of the original Hit camera. It was certainly made in the 1950s by Tougodo, as indicated by the use of the "Hit" brand.
Description
The camera has an elongated body with polygonal ends. The viewfinder is integrated in the symmetrical top housing. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right, and there is a small fake knob on the left. The back is hinged to the right and locked by a sliding bar on the left. It contains a single uncovered window in the middle.
The lens has a fixed focus and aperture, and has no marking. The everset shutter is tripped by a lever. It gives Bulb and Instant exposures, selected by a switch at the bottom of the barrel.
Variations
The name variants only differ by the markings on the shutter plate and on the top housing, above the viewfinder:
Type name | Top housing | Shutter plate |
Baby-Max[1] | nothing | BABY–MAX |
Barlux[2] | Barlux | Barlux |
Hit[3] | Hit | Hit |
The words MADE IN JAPAN appear under the lens on some examples of the Baby-Max and Hit, but not all.[4]
The Baby-Max was sometimes sold in a blister, together with its ever-ready case and a box containing five rolls of film.[5]
Notes
- ↑ Examples pictured in Pritchard, p.79, in Sugiyama, item 5012, and in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Examples pictured in Pritchard, p.79, and in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Examples pictured in Pritchard, p.79, and in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Compare the Baby-Max pictured in this page at Fotomuseet i Osby, and in this page at Submin.com, and the various Hit pictured in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Blister pictured in McKeown, p.928, and in this page at Submin.com.
Bibliography
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.928.
- Pritchard, Michael and St. Denny, Douglas. Spy Cameras — A century of detective and subminiature cameras. London: Classic Collection Publications, 1993. ISBN 1-874485-00-3. Pp.77–9.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Item 5012.
Links
In English:
- Baby-Max, Barlux and Hit at Submin.com; also has English instructions for the Baby-Max
- Baby-Max and Barlux among 17.5mm film cameras at Subclub.org
- Baby-Max in Nigel Richards' website
- Baby-Max among other Japanese subminiature cameras; lot no.505 of auction no.17 (May 29, 2010) by Westlicht Photographica Auction
In Swedish:
- Baby-Max among Hit-type cameras at Fotomuseet i Osby