View source for Baby (no-need-darkroom)

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|image_text= Baby Camera with no-need-darkroom film
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The '''Baby''' or '''Baby Kamera''' (ベビーカメラ)<REF> The Roman name "Baby Kamera" appears on the user manual reproduced in Awano, p.12 of {{CCN}} no.316. </REF> is a Japanese box camera using the [[no-need-darkroom]] process, made and distributed by [[Baby Kamera Kenkyūjo]], and advertised by [[Sanesudō]] in 1931.

== Original documents ==
The Baby was reportedly advertised from July 1931 by [[Sanesudō]], in at least three versions priced at ¥0.50, ¥1 and ¥2.<REF> Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.317, quoting the book ''Nihon Shashinshi Nenpyō'' (日本写真史年表). </REF> It is said that the first advertisement appeared that month in {{ACA}}.<REF> Awano, p.10 of {{CCN}} no.316, quoting a letter by Nakada Motoaki (仲田元亮). </REF> One original document observed is the camera's user manual, printed by [[Baby Kamera Kenkyūjo]], mentioned as the maker and distributor (製造発売元).<REF> User manual reproduced in Awano, pp.12–5 of {{CCN}} no.316. </REF> It contains no picture or detailed drawing, but a schema explaining the no-need-darkroom process, showing a simple box-shaped camera with no viewfinder and with a simple release lever protruding from a round shutter casing.

The document says that all subjects are in focus from 3ft to infinity, and gives an exposure table with speeds ranging from 1/10 to 3s, to be obtained by hand on a simple shutter offering <U>B</U>ulb exposure only. It gives a detailed description of the process of taking a picture, developing the film, making a contact print and developing it.

The instruction sheet supplied with the camera has more details and is pictured below.

The camera was sold as a set, the manual lists the contents of the box as:
* the camera,
* a set of film,
* a set of printing paper for artificial light,
* a bottle of developer fluid,
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|image_align= right
|image_text= Instruction sheet
|image_by= Geoff Harrisson
|image_rights= wp
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* a bottle of fixer,
* a frame for contact prints
* the user manual itself.

The document finally gives a price list for accessories:
* a dozen film, ¥0.50;
* bottle of developer, ¥0.30;
* bottle of fixer, ¥0.20;
* two dozen printing papers, for artificial light, ¥0.15;
* one dozen printing papers, for natural light, ¥0.30.

== Actual examples ==
Actual examples of the [[no-need-darkroom]] Baby Camera are known in various forms. The box-shaped model is very similar to the [[Kamerette]] and other box-shaped yen cameras.<REF> Example pictured in {{MK}}, p.87. </REF> The folding model is very similar to the [[Highking Camera and Special Camera]], except for the ''Baby Camera'' and ''Made in Japan'' inscriptions on the shutter plate.<REF> Examples pictured in {{MK}}, p.87, and in Pritchard, p.70. </REF>

The [[Baby Reflex]] pictured in {{SUG}} might be a more expensive version of this camera, but this is unsure.<REF> {{SUG}}, item 4025. </REF>

== Notes ==
<references />
{{Japanese no-need-darkroom}}
== Bibliography ==
* Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Tougō kamera (3)" (トウゴーカメラ[3], Tougo cameras [3]). In {{CCN}} no.316 (October 2003). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.9–21.
* Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Tougō kamera (4)" (トウゴーカメラ[4], Tougo cameras [4]). In {{CCN}} no.317 (November 2003). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.7–12.
* {{McKeown12}} P.87.
* {{Pritchard}} P.70.
* {{Zukan}} Item 4025 (on the [[Baby Reflex]]).

== Links ==
In Japanese:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181107063057/http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/camera/2/2-baby-01L Baby folding camera] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20181106091410/http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/sonota.html Itō Sadanobu's camera collection] (archived)

[[Category: Japanese box]]
[[Category: No-need-darkroom]]
[[Category: B]]