Fujita 66
The Fujita 66 is a 6×6 format SLR introduced in 1956, known for its budget price. The original model has script lettering on the nameplate; the example with block lettering is a later model.
Though of simpler construction than the contemporary Exakta 66 and first offerings from Hasselblad, the Fujita had more going for it than just the price. Being reasonably light and compact, looking like a stumped down TLR and easy focusing with a tab on the lens. The 80mm 3.5 FC Fujitar providing a surprisingly bright view thanks to the fresnel screen in the viewfinder glass. A bit troublesome today but closer to a norm at the point of release, the aid of a shutter cable needs the famed Leica nipple (much like many TLRs). Another Leica-inspired detail is the shutter speed selector that much like early Barnack Leicas needs to be pulled up before set in place. Maybe is it because of this, like with the FSU Leica copies, that many shutters have given up on these cameras. Another curiousity is the lens screw mount on the body for change of lens, even though no other Fujitar lenses seem to have been provided. Later the Kalimar Reflex would build up a set of lenses for the mount.
Other details of note:
- No instant return mirror
- Integrated sports finder and fold out focusing loupe
- Shutter speeds ranging from 1/500 to 1/25
- Aperture selector turns freely without notches at aperture stops
Versions of the Fujita 66 manufactured by Fujita Optical Company were also re-branded as the Kalimar Reflex, Kalimar Six Sixty, the Soligor 66, the Haco 66 and the Fodor 66SL.[1]
Script lettering image by Adrian Gee (Image rights) |
Fujita 66 side view image by Kuro Neko (Image rights) |
Fujita 66ST | Fujita 66SL | Fujita 66SQ | |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction | 1956 | 1958 | 1960 |
Lens | 80mm f/3.5 | 80mm f/3.5 | 80mm f/3.5 80mm f/2.8 |
Shutter | 1/25 - 1/500 | +1/5 | +1 sec |
Mirror return | No | No | Yes |
Notes
- ↑ Fodor 66SL sold at the eleventh Westlicht Photographica Auction on 26 May 2007.
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. Items 1190 and 1506–8.
- Kamera no ayumi. Zen nihon shashin renmei sōritsu 50-shūnen kinen (カメラのあゆみ・全日本写真連盟創立五〇周年記念, History of cameras, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the All Japan Association of Photographic Societies). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1976. No ISBN number. P.110.
- 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). Pp.332 and 454–5.
- 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. Items 2113–5 and 2128–9.
- Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Renzu-mēkā no 6×6cm-han fōkaru ichi-gan-refu Fujita 66SL" (レンズメーカーの6×6cm判フォーカル一眼レフ・フジタ66SL, A 6×6cm SLR with focal-plane shutter made by a lens maker: the Fujita 66SL). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.35, November 1995. Nihon no kamera 50nen (日本のカメラ50年, special issue on 50 years of Japanese cameras). P.160.
External links
In English:
- Fujita 66 and Kalimar Reflex in Rick Oleson's website, with repair notes
- Fujita 66 SL among other cameras at Cameras Downunder
- Fujita 66 and Kalimar Reflex at medfmt via The Internet Archive: The Wayback Machine
- Fujita 66 and Kalimar Reflex in a post at photo.net
In German:
- Fujita 66, lot no.108 of Rahn Photographica Auction No. 4 (11 November 2006)
In French:
- Kalimar Reflex in Sylvain Halgand's www.collection-appareils.fr
In Swedish:
In Japanese:
- Kalimar Reflex and Soligor 66 at Asacame
- Japanese 6×6 SLR cameras at the Coolys Creek blog