Semi Prux
The Semi Prux (セミ・プラックス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera that was made by the company Proud. It is a horizontal folder with a folding optical finder, and seems to have no body release. It is embossed SEMI PRUX in the front leather.
It is announced in 1938 and advertised in 1939 and 1940.[1] An advertisement dated October 1939[2] by the distributor Fukada Shōkai lists the Semi Prux for ¥65. An advertisement in the February 1940 issue of Asahi Camera[3] offers the Semi Prux together with the Semi Proud, presented as "the two authorities on home-made cameras"[4]. Two company names appear: Proud-sha and Miyoshi Kōgaku. The latter is the maker of the U.L.L. lens equipping the camera, and it is probably mentioned for that reason. In that advertisement, two variants are offered of the Semi Prux:
- U.L.L. f:4.5 lens, Licht shutter by Seikosha (¥65);
- U.L.L. f:3.5 lens, Prux shutter, T, B, 5–200 speeds (¥80).
Notes
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
- ↑ Translation of "國産カメラの二大権威".
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Item 222. (See also the advertisement for items 230–1.)
- 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. 804.