Difference between revisions of "Arsen"
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{{127 Japan}} | {{127 Japan}} | ||
| − | The '''Arsen''' was a prewar Japanese camera taking 4x4cm exposures on [[127 film]]. It looked very much like the [[Gelto]]. | + | The '''Arsen''' was a prewar Japanese camera taking 4x4cm exposures on [[127 film]]. It looked very much like the [[Gelto]]. According to the Asacame website, the Arsen was made by Takahashi Optical (高橋光学), the company who made the [[Gelto]] before the war, and was sold by Ars (アルス), a magazine editor. McKeown lists the Arsen under Takahashi Optical Works, and all the [[Gelto]] models under [[Toakoki]]. |
| − | + | == Normal model == | |
| + | As for the [[Gelto]], the Arsen's lens and shutter assembly was mounted on a telescopic tube with a focusing helical. There was a tubular optical viewfinder, an accessory shoe at the left and a key on the top plate, to open the back. The Arsen had an automatic stop advance mechanism with an exposure counter, because the film paperback at the time was not marked for the 4x4 format. There was only one red window in the back, with a sliding cover. The leather covering was embossed ''ARSEN'' on the right. The serial number was engraved under the camera, on a round plate at the bottom left. | ||
| − | The Arsen has been observed with an Anastigmat Grimmel 5.0cm/4.5 lens and a T-B-5-10-25-50-75-100-250 shutter marked ''ARSEN'' | + | The '''Arsen standard model''' has been observed with an Anastigmat Grimmel 5.0cm/4.5 lens and a T-B-5-10-25-50-75-100-250 shutter marked ''ARSEN''. |
| − | + | It was advertised in 1944 (3/1944 issue of Shashin Kagaku 写真科学, visible [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki.htm on this page]) with a T-B-5-10-25-50-75-100-250 shutter and a 50/4.5 lens, for 125 yen. A hood was available for 3.50 yen, a case for 7.82 yen, and an accessory rangefinder for 24.30 yen. The ad's illustration showed the camera with a lens cap engraved Arsen in handwritten style, and attached to the body by a cord or chain. In the ad, the only company name is Ars (アルス). | |
| − | + | == Rangefinder model == | |
| + | An '''Arsen rangefinder model''' has been observed for sale at a dealer, with a combined range and viewfinder under the top housing. The square viewfinder window was centered and the round second image window was offset to the left. There was a plate marked ''auto CYCLON focus'', screwed above the top housing. The shutter was the usual T-B-5-250 shutter marked ''ARSEN''. The same model has been observed for sale at a Japanese dealer, reportedly with a Grimmel 5cm/4.5 lens. | ||
There is also a 1941 ad for a Gelto auxiliary rangefinder (visible [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html on this page]), sold in two versions, for Gelto and for Arsen. | There is also a 1941 ad for a Gelto auxiliary rangefinder (visible [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html on this page]), sold in two versions, for Gelto and for Arsen. | ||
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[[Category: 4x4 viewfinder]] | [[Category: 4x4 viewfinder]] | ||
| + | [[Category: 4x4 rangefinder]] | ||
[[Category: Japan]] | [[Category: Japan]] | ||
[[Category: A]] | [[Category: A]] | ||
Revision as of 16:42, 2 May 2006
Template:127 Japan The Arsen was a prewar Japanese camera taking 4x4cm exposures on 127 film. It looked very much like the Gelto. According to the Asacame website, the Arsen was made by Takahashi Optical (高橋光学), the company who made the Gelto before the war, and was sold by Ars (アルス), a magazine editor. McKeown lists the Arsen under Takahashi Optical Works, and all the Gelto models under Toakoki.
Normal model
As for the Gelto, the Arsen's lens and shutter assembly was mounted on a telescopic tube with a focusing helical. There was a tubular optical viewfinder, an accessory shoe at the left and a key on the top plate, to open the back. The Arsen had an automatic stop advance mechanism with an exposure counter, because the film paperback at the time was not marked for the 4x4 format. There was only one red window in the back, with a sliding cover. The leather covering was embossed ARSEN on the right. The serial number was engraved under the camera, on a round plate at the bottom left.
The Arsen standard model has been observed with an Anastigmat Grimmel 5.0cm/4.5 lens and a T-B-5-10-25-50-75-100-250 shutter marked ARSEN.
It was advertised in 1944 (3/1944 issue of Shashin Kagaku 写真科学, visible on this page) with a T-B-5-10-25-50-75-100-250 shutter and a 50/4.5 lens, for 125 yen. A hood was available for 3.50 yen, a case for 7.82 yen, and an accessory rangefinder for 24.30 yen. The ad's illustration showed the camera with a lens cap engraved Arsen in handwritten style, and attached to the body by a cord or chain. In the ad, the only company name is Ars (アルス).
Rangefinder model
An Arsen rangefinder model has been observed for sale at a dealer, with a combined range and viewfinder under the top housing. The square viewfinder window was centered and the round second image window was offset to the left. There was a plate marked auto CYCLON focus, screwed above the top housing. The shutter was the usual T-B-5-250 shutter marked ARSEN. The same model has been observed for sale at a Japanese dealer, reportedly with a Grimmel 5cm/4.5 lens.
There is also a 1941 ad for a Gelto auxiliary rangefinder (visible on this page), sold in two versions, for Gelto and for Arsen.
