Semi Elega
The Semi Elega is a Japanese 4.5×6 folder. It is advertised in 1937[1] and 1938[2] by the company Elega. The advertisement's picture shows a body copied from the Ikonta with a folding optical finder and an unusual feature: there is a ground glass in the back for focusing preview. It is unknown if this feature works only when there is no film in the camera, which would not make it very useful, or if it also includes a system to set the film apart during the focusing preview. The camera is embossed ELEGA in the front leather, and is offered with a choice of three lens/shutter combinations (prices dated June 1938):
- Elega Anastigmat f:4.5 lens and D shutter (¥53);
- Elega Anastigmat f:4.5 lens and B shutter (¥70);
- Isco f:4.5 lens and Prontor II shutter (¥98).
Kokusan kamera no rekishi explains that the B shutter is a Rulex B by Neumann & Heilemann with T, B, 5–250 speeds while the D shutter is a Rulex D with T, B, 25–150 speeds and the Prontor II has T, B, 1–175 speeds. It also mentions a fourth combination with a 75/4.5 lens maybe called Lausar (ローザ) and a Rulex D shutter.
Notes
- ↑ Mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Semi Elega, published in the June 1938 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 30.
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 30.