Semi Prince

The Semi Prince was a Japanese 4.5x6 folding camera. It was essentially a copy of the Zeiss-Ikon Ikonta 520. There is also mention of a Semi Prince II. The Semi Prince was probably made by Fujimoto from 1934, as stated at Fujimoto's company page. But some sources attribute the Semi Prince to a company named Prince Camera Works (プリンスカメラワークス). Indeed a 1937 ad (see here, ad in 14/7/1937 issue of Asahi Graph) shows a P.C.W. logo. This ad was for a Semi Prince "enhanced model", offered with three lens/shutter combinations:

• Schneider Xenar F4.5 & Compur-Rapid (113 yen)
• Schneider Isco F4.5 & Compur (89 yen)
• Schneider Isco F4.5 & Prontor (75 yen)

Observed lens/shutter combinations:

• Neumann & Heilemann Radionar 7.5cm/4.5 & Neumann & Heilemann Perfekt T-B-5-250
• Schneider-Isco (written Schneider-Jsco) 7.5cm/4.5 & Prontor II T-B-1-175 (see here)
• Schneider unknown lens & Compur 300
• unknown lens & Compur-Rapid, probably to 1/500 (see here)

Links

• Page in Japanese with a picture of a Semi Prince, it is the camera that looks like an Ikonta!
• Page at ksmt.com with a link to a Semi Prince picture
• A table from the All Japan Classic Camera Club listing the 1934 Semi Prince and 1937 Semi Prince II
• A table from the same All Japan Classic Camera Club listing a 1936 Semi Prince by Prince Camera Works
• Fujimoto history page at the company's site
• Old Japanese ads, including the Semi Prince