Eagle plate folders
The Eagle is a Japanese folding bed camera taking film plates, distributed by Asanuma Shōkai around 1915. It was sold in various formats, including Meishi (5.5×8cm or 2¼×3⅛"), Tefuda (probably the same as the European 9×12cm), Postcard and 4×5".[1] In 1915, the Tefuda model existed in three versions, called A (¥9.50), B (¥12) and C (¥18).[2]
Description
The Eagle seems to have a wooden body, with an oval nameplate on one side. The focusing is done by a small wheel on the right side of the folding bed. The lens standard consists of two pylons mounted on a plate sliding on two rails. It seems that the camera has vertical and horizontal movements (rise and shift). There is a brilliant finder and a handle at the top.
Actual examples
The only example observed so far is pictured in Sugiyama and is said to take 8×10.5cm plates (probably tefuda format, the same as the European 9×12cm).[3] It reportedly has an Ilex Anastigmat 5¼" f/7.5 lens in a Universal shutter giving T, B, 1–150 speeds.
Notes
Bibliography
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 24.
- 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. 85.
- 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 1040.