Semi Prux
The Semi Prux (セミ・プラックス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera. Its horizontal design and folding struts are copied from the Duo Six-20 by Kodak AG. The camera has a folding optical finder, and it is embossed SEMI PRUX in the front leather. The Semi Prux was made by the company Proud, maybe in collaboration with Miyoshi Kōgaku[1].
The Semi Prux is announced in 1938 and advertised in 1939 and 1940.[2] An advertisement dated October 1939[3] by the distributor Fukada Shōkai lists the Semi Prux for ¥65. An advertisement in the February 1940 issue of Asahi Camera[4] offers the Semi Prux together with the Semi Proud, presented as "the two authorities on home-made cameras"[5]. The names of the two companes Proud-sha and Miyoshi Kōgaku appear together with the distributors Fukada Shōkai and Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten. The latter is the maker of the U.L.L. lens equipping the camera. It is possible that the two companies were associated for the production of this camera. In that advertisement, two variants are offered:
- 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).
The Semi Prux is probably related to the later Roavic, an horizontal 4.5×6 folder made by Miyoshi Kōgaku, inspired this time by the Duo Six-20 Series II.
Notes
- ↑ The two company names are mentioned in an advertisement for the Semi Prux published in the February 1940 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90. Moreover there is a striking similarity with the later Roavic made by Miyoshi Kōgaku, a copy of the Duo Six-20 Series II.
- ↑ 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.