Difference between revisions of "Baby Semi First"

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{{Japanese Semi prewar}}
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{{Japanese Semi prewar
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{{WIP}}
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/32202863457/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7810/32202863457_8c84e6c2d6_m.jpg]<br/><small>Picture courtesy of {{image author|eBayer ipruksleica}}. </small>{{with permission}}
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The '''Baby Semi First''' is a [[Japanese 4.5&times;6 folders|Japanese 4.5&times;6 folding camera]], made by [[Kuribayashi|First Camera Works]] from 1937 to 1940 and maybe later.<REF> Dates: advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;339. </REF> It was sold as a smaller alternative to the [[Semi First]] made by the same company.
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}}
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The '''Baby Semi First''' is a [[Japanese 4.5×6 folders|Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera]], made by [[Petri|Kuribayashi]]<REF> The attribution to [[Petri|Kuribayashi]] is confirmed by the {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 8–11. </REF> from 1937 and distributed by [[Minagawa|Minagawa Shōten]]. It was sold as a more compact alternative to the [[Semi First and First Six|Semi First]] made by the same company.
  
 
== General description ==
 
== General description ==
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The Baby Semi First is a copy of the German [[Baldax]] 4.5&times;6 folder. Two versions of the 4.5&times;6 Baldax exist, a large one for #0 size shutters and a small one for #00 size shutters, and the Baby Semi First is a copy of the latter.
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The Baby Semi First is a copy of the German [[Baldax]] 4.5×6 folder. Two versions of the 4.5×6 Baldax exist, a large one for #0 size shutters and a small one for #00 size shutters, and the Baby Semi First is a copy of the latter.
  
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All the models have a [[Licht]] shutter made by [[Hattori|Seikōsha]], giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and equipped with a self-timer. The shutter plate is marked ''LICHT'' at the top and ''SEIKOSHA'' at the bottom.
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On all the models, the viewfinder is in the middle of the top plate, with the folding bed release to the right &mdash; as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The advance knob is at the bottom right and the back is hinged to the left.
  
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On all models, the back is hinged to the left and the advance knob is at the bottom right.
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== Folding finder models ==
 +
=== General description ===
 +
The Baby Semi First was released in mid 1937.<REF> The earliest advertisement listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.339, is dated June 1937. </REF> The first models have a folding optical finder, with the front part folding over the rear one. The body edges have a bright finish, first nickel-plated, then chrome-plated.
  
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== Folding finder ==
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Commercial documents mention three models: the basic '''Baby Semi First I''', the '''Baby Semi First II''' with an additional [[brilliant finder]] on the lens standard, and the '''Baby Semi First III''' with body release, introduced in early 1938.<REF> The earliest advertisement listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.339, is dated January 1938. </REF>
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The first models have a folding optical finder, with the front part folding over the rear one. They also have a leather handle and the back is opened by a button placed behind the latch cover. There are two red windows to control film advance. The body edges have a bright chrome finish. The front leather is embossed ''Semi First'' in handwritten style and the leather of the folding bed is embossed ''FIRST'' in capital letters.
 
  
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It seems that two versions were available from the start, the '''Baby Semi First I''' and the '''Baby Semi First II''' with an added [[brilliant finder]] on the lens standard. None has a body release. These models were featured in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of ''Asahi Camera''.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;339. </REF> An advertisement dated August 1937<REF> Published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;87. </REF> pictures the Baby Semi First II and offers both models with a Toko 7.5cm f/4.5 lens made by [[Tōkyō Kōgaku]]. The price was {{yen|49.50|1937}} for model I and {{yen|53|1937}} for model II.
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The camera gradually evolved, and four variants can be distinguished, mainly recognized by features of the back and red windows. These variants theoretically apply to all the models, but the model I is by far the most common. The only known surviving example of the model III is owned by Eastwestphoto and is pictured below.
  
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No actual example of the Baby Semi First II has yet been observed. The model I has been observed in two variants differing in their red window covers. The '''early variant''' has a common cover for the two red windows, contained under a black plate and actuated by a lever vertically sliding in the middle. The '''late variant''' has independent covers actuated by vertically sliding levers that are sunk inside the back itself.
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=== Early documents ===
 +
The models I and II were featured in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of {{ACA}}.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.339. </REF> The August 1937 advertisement in the same magazine lists the two cameras with a three-element Toko 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, made by [[Tōkyō Kōgaku]], and a [[Licht]] shutter (T, B, 25–100, self-timer), made by [[Hattori|Seikōsha]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.87. </REF> It gives the price of {{yen|49.50|1937}} for the model I and {{yen|53|1937}} for the model II.
  
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It seems that both variants also differ by details of the shutter. On the early one, the release lever is attached to the front, the speeds are set by an index, the speed settings are written on the shutter plate in the T, B, 100, 50, 25 order and there is an ''SKS'' logo on the right. On the late one, the release lever is attached to the top left of the shutter housing itself, the speeds are set by turning the rim, the speed settings are engraved on the rim itself in the 25, 50, 100, B, T order and there is no logo.
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=== First variant ===
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The examples of the '''first variant''' have two red windows near the top of the back, protected by covers retracted by a common lever. The back latch is covered by a leather handle, and the back is opened by a button placed behind the latch cover. The name ''Semi First'' is embossed in cursive style in the front leather, and the brand ''FIRST'' is also embossed in capital letters in the leather of the folding bed.
  
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The '''Baby Semi First III''' was introduced in 1938.<REF> Date: {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;339. </REF> It only differs by the addition of a body release. An advertisement dated April 1938 offers the camera with a Toko f/4.5 lens for {{yen|62|1938}}. The shutter is said to be a New Licht (新型リヒト). It seems to correspond to the late shutter variant described above and was perhaps introduced at that date to allow the fitting of a body release.
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An advertisement dated September 1937 emphasized prominent features of the First folders,<REF> Advertisement published in {{ACA}}, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.86. See also the undated advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.68, which gives a similar list. </REF> among which were the patented brilliant finder of the Baby Semi First II and the patented red window covers.
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This variant has the early type of [[Licht]] shutter, with the release lever attached to the front by a screw. The shutter plate is inscribed ''LICHT'' at the top and ''SEIKOSHA'' at the bottom with an ''SKS'' logo on the right. The T, B, 100, 50, 25 speed settings are written in that order on the shutter plate itself, and are selected by an index placed above.
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Examples of the first variant are known with Toko lenses numbered in the 30xxx and 31xxx range, for the model I and model II.<REF> Examples pictured in [https://web.archive.org/web/20040906102312/http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JA_SEMI_FIRST_LIGHT_PIC.htm this page at Japan Family Camera] (model II) (archived), and observed in online auctions. </REF>
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/petri_at_wiki/16892189863/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8760/16892189863_dae8c85634_z.jpg
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|image_align= center
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|image_text= Baby Semi First II, first variant
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|image_by= Petri@wiki
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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=== Intermediate documents ===
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The April 1938 advertisement in {{ACA}} shows the Baby Semi First III, along with the [[Semi First and First Six|First Six III and Semi First III]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.87. </REF> The camera is offered with a Toko f/4.5 lens and a [[Licht|New Licht]] shutter (新型リヒト) for {{yen|62|1938}}. On the New Licht, the speeds are set by turning the rim, and the speed settings are engraved on the rim itself in the 25, 50, 100, B, T order. The release lever is now attached behind the turning rim, and the front plate is slightly redesigned with no ''SKS'' logo. The picture in the April 1938 document clearly shows the body release and New Licht shutter. However, none of the New Licht observed so far have a linkage on the back for a body release,<REF> See for example the pictures in [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/eos_nikki_body7.htm#060201 this page at ksmt.com]. </REF> and the pictured combination is quite mysterious.
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The January 1939 advertisement in the same magazine lists the models I and II, offered with the (New) Licht and a choice of two lenses (the model III is absent):<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.88, and in Furukawa, p.22 of {{CCN}} no.277. </REF>
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* Baby Semi First I, Toko f/4.5 lens ({{yen|65|1939}});
 +
* Baby Semi First II, Toko f/4.5 lens ({{yen|69|1939}});
 +
* Baby Semi First I, First f/4.5 lens ({{yen|60|1939}});
 +
* Baby Semi First II, First f/4.5 lens ({{yen|64|1939}}).
 +
The First f/4.5 was certainly a three-element lens made by [[Tokiwa Kōgaku]] (at least this was the case at a later date).<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Lc2. </REF>
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In the June and July 1939 advertisements in {{ACA}}, the same options are repeated for the models I and II, at slightly different prices, and the model III is listed at {{yen|100|1939}} with a First f/4.5 lens and a [[Nishida shutters|Wester I]] shutter (T, B, 1–200) by [[Nishida]].<REF> June 1939 advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.87; July 1939 advertisement reproduced in Furukawa, p.23 of {{CCN}} no.277. In the June advertisement, the prices for the models I and II are higher with the First lens than with the Toko, the reverse of the usual situation; this mistake was corrected in July. </REF> This shutter is necessarily in [[shutter size|#00 size]], because a larger model would not fit on the Baby Semi First. [[Nishida]]'s offering in #00 size was called [[Nishida shutters|Northter]] from about 1940, but this document seems to indicate that it was introduced in mid-1939 as the Wester, using the same brand name as the larger #0 size shutters. (It is equally possible that there is a mistake in the advertisements, and that the shutter was actually a Northter.)
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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|-
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| rowspan="2" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/32202863457/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7810/32202863457_8c84e6c2d6_m.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47092609972/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7802/47092609972_3a414e6386_m.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33273021258//in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7853/33273021258_f59d2c3ced_m.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33273058288/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7925/33273058288_2f316ece11_t.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/40183339513/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7823/40183339513_7c10422c45_t.jpg]
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|-
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| style="text-align: left;" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/40183365053/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7910/40183365053_bb4a8863d6_t.jpg]
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|-
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| colspan="3" | Baby Semi First I, First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens no.22811, [[Licht]] shutter, 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds.<br/>This particular example has an aluminium advance knob.<br/><small>Pictures courtesy of {{image author|eBayer ipruksleica}}.</small> {{with permission}}
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|}
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=== Later variants ===
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The '''second variant''' has different covers for the red windows: the patented device of the first variant was substituted by vertically sliding independent covers, which were integrated more smoothly in the back. This modification was perhaps simultaneous with the introduction of the [[Licht|New Licht]] in early 1938. Examples of the second variant (both model I and model II) are known with the New Licht and Toko lenses numbered in the 32xxx and 33xxx range.<REF> Examples observed in online auctions. </REF> The transition between nickel and chrome plating occurred during that period. At a later point, the two red windows located at the top of the back were replaced by a single one located at the bottom, protected by a vertically sliding cover. The embossing at the front became ''Baby–SEMI'' at about the same time.
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The '''third variant''' has a single red window, body release and sliding bar back latch.
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 +
The '''fourth variant''' has a sliding bar back latch with no handle and no body release. At least two examples are known, one with viewfinder parallax, one without, pictured in {{SUG}}.<REF> Examples pictured in {{SUG}}, items 1055, 1056; and in Furukawa, pp.19–20 of {{CCN}} no.277 (the camera is certainly the same). </REF>
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/42913427535/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm1.staticflickr.com/856/42913427535_e03c61f7c7_n.jpg
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|image2_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/43817115021/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image2= http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/43817115021_8b5cb138ee_n.jpg
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|image3_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/29947503428/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image3= http://farm1.staticflickr.com/851/29947503428_fbb3918579_n.jpg
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|image_align= center
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|image_text= Model III (body covering removed) with First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens no.23108 in a Wester Model-1 shutter marked <small>FIRST</small> and body release.
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|image_by= Eastwestphoto
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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=== Later documents ===
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The list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 mentions a "Baby Semi First I" (¥80), a "Baby Semi First II" (¥121), a "Baby Semi First III" (¥160) and a "III Baby Semi First" (¥121), with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 3, sections 3B, 6B and 7B. </REF> (The distinction between the latter two models is unexplained.) In the same document, the "BB Baby Semi First I" (see below) is strangely listed for ¥80, whereas it is supposed to be a more expensive version of the Baby Semi First.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 3, section 3B. </REF>
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A similar price list dated November 1941 mentions the same four models as well as a plain "Baby Semi First", a "Baby Semi First IV" and a "III Baby Semi First I".<REF> {{Kakaku1141_short}}, type 3, sections 3B, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7B. </REF> These listings are quite incoherent and the actual meaning of the model numbers is not known; it is not even certain if the models I, II and III are the same as before or have different features.
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== Tubular finder model ==
 +
The Baby Semi First with '''tubular finder''' certainly appeared in the early 1940s, and replaced the previous models. The distinction between models I, II and III was probably dropped by the time. The new finder is similar to that of the [[Semi First and First Six#Tubular finder models|late Semi First]], copied from the finder of the [[Welta]] [[Perle]], [[Weltax]] and [[Garant]] models released around 1938.
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 +
On the cameras with tubular finder, the body edges and viewfinder assembly are either chrome-plated or black-painted. The '''chrome finders''' have parallax compensation, controlled by a small sliding button on the right of the finder's base and similar to the [[Welta]] units. The '''black finders''' have no such device and certainly correspond to cheaper models. It is sometimes said that the black finish was adopted because of a shortage of materials,<REF> Baird, p.75. </REF> but the chrome finish was perhaps offered as a more expensive alternative until the end.<REF> See the specific mention of "black finish" for a version of the [[Semi First and First Six|Semi First]] listed in the government inquiry of early 1943. </REF>
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 +
The Baby Semi First mentioned in the April 1943 government inquiry listing Japanese camera production certainly corresponds to the model with tubular finder. Two versions are listed: the usual one with a First f/4.5 lens and a Licht shutter and another one with a First f/3.5 three-element lens by [[Tokiwa Kōgaku]] and a Hit-Rapid shutter (T, B, 1–500) made by the same company.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 10–1, lens items Lb18 and Lc2, shutter items 12-V-4 and 18-R-1. </REF>
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 +
The Baby Semi First with tubular finder has always been observed with a [[Licht]] shutter, and none has a body release or an additional brilliant finder. Actual examples are known with the following combinations:
 +
* chrome trim, Toko f/4.5 lens;<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1056. </REF>
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* chrome trim, Rotte Anastigmat f/4.5 lens;<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1055. </REF>
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* chrome trim, First Anastigmat f/4.5 lens;<REF> Example pictured in Tanaka, p.78 of {{KKS}} no.8. </REF>
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* black trim, Toko f/4.5 lens;<REF> Example pictured in Baird, pp.84–5 and in {{MK}}, p.576, and example observed in an online auction. </REF>
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* black trim, First Anastigmat f/4.5 lens.<REF> Example pictured in [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/eos_nikki_body7.htm#060201 this page at ksmt.com], and example observed in an online auction. </REF>
 +
It is probable that the Rotte f/4.5 lens has three elements and was made by [[Tokiwa Kōgaku]], as the Rotte f/3.5.<REF> Rotte f/3.5: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Lb21. </REF>
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 +
== BB Baby Semi First ==
 +
The '''BB Baby Semi First''' has the same dual finders as the [[Semi First and First Six#Late BB Semi First|late BB Semi First]] and the [[Semi Rotte|BB Semi Rotte]], with an eye-level finder on the left and a [[brilliant finder]] on the right, grouped in an L-shaped housing. It also has a body release on the left of the finder unit. The name ''B.B. BABY SEMI FIRST'' is inscribed above the eye-level finder.
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 +
As said above, the BB Baby Semi First was already mentioned in late 1940 in the official price list.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 3, section 3B. </REF> Two versions are listed in the April 1943 government inquiry:<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 8–9, lens item Lc2, shutter items 18-P-5 and 18-V-5. </REF>
 +
* "BB Baby Semi First I", First 75/4.5 lens, Vic II shutter (T, B, 25–150) by [[Miyoshi]];
 +
* "BB Baby Semi First II", First 75/4.5 lens, Rotte shutter (T, B, 1–200) by [[Petri|Kuribayashi]] itself.
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 +
Only one example of the camera has been observed so far, pictured in Baird and in {{MK}}.<REF> Baird, pp.86–7, {{MK}}, p.577. </REF> It corresponds to the BB Baby Semi First II, with a First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens<REF> The lens is reported as a First f/3.5 in Baird, p.87, but the picture shows f/4.5 maximal aperture. </REF> and a Rotte Model-1 shutter giving 200–1, B, T speeds. The speed settings are inscribed on the shutter plate in that order. The shutter plate also has ''ROTTE MODEL–1'' at the top and ''ROTTE'' at the bottom, with waveline drawings on both sides.<REF> A similar shutter has been observed on examples of the [[Semi Rotte|Semi Rotte and BB Semi Rotte]]. </REF>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 25: Line 116:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
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* {{Showa10}} Items 203&ndash;5. (See also the advertisement for item 214.)
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=== Original documents ===
 +
* {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, sections 3B, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7B.
 +
* {{Inquiry1943}} Items 8–11.
 +
* {{Kakaku0141}} Type 3, sections 3B, 6B, 7B.
 +
 
 +
=== Recent sources ===
 +
* {{Showa10}} Items 203–5. (See also the advertisement for item 214.)
 +
* {{Baird Petri}} Pp.18, 28, 84–8.
 +
* Furukawa Haruo (古川保男). "Bebī Semi Fāsuto 'Kore ha bebī wo nanotta semi-ki da'" (ベビーセミファースト"これはベビーを名乗ったセミ機だ", Baby Semi First, this is a Semi camera called Baby). In {{CCN}} no.277 (July 2000). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.19–27.
 +
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.576–7.
 +
* {{Zukan}} Items 1054–6.
 +
* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Sonota no nihon no supuringu-kamera" (その他の日本のスプリングカメラ, "Other Japanese folding cameras"). {{KKS008}} Pp.76–80.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
−
* [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/eos_nikki_body7.htm#060201 Baby Semi First] and [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/classic2.htm#45 lens specs] at [http://www.ksmt.com/ ksmt.com]
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*[https://w.atwiki.jp/petri/pages/96.html Baby Semi First page] at [https://w.atwiki.jp/petri/ petri @ ウィキ]
 +
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20040906102312/http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JA_SEMI_FIRST_LIGHT_PIC.htm Baby Semi First II (first variant)] (archive) at [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/ Japan Family Camera]
 +
* [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/eos_nikki_body7.htm#060201 Baby Semi First (tubular finder)] and [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/classic2.htm#45 lens specs] at [http://www.ksmt.com/ ksmt.com]
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{{Kuribayashi prewar}}
  
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding]]
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[[Category:120 film]]
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[[Category: Kuribayashi]]
 
[[Category: B]]
 
[[Category: B]]
 
[[Category: S|Semi First, Baby]]
 
[[Category: S|Semi First, Baby]]
 
[[Category: F|First, Baby Semi]]
 
[[Category: F|First, Baby Semi]]
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[[Category: 1937]]

Latest revision as of 04:51, 7 July 2023

32202863457_8c84e6c2d6_m.jpg
Picture courtesy of eBayer ipruksleica. (Image rights)
Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
folding
Semi Ace | Semi Adler | Adler III | Adler A | Adler B | Adler C | Semi Ako | Ami | Bakyna | Semi Chrome | Semi Clover | Collex | Semi Condor | Semi Dymos | Semi Elega | Semi First | Auto Semi First | Baby Semi First | Gaica | Semi Gelto | Semi Germa | Hansa Semi Rollette | Heil | Hokoku | Hope | Kadera | Kankyu | Kelly | Kiko Semi | Semi Kinka | Semi Konter | Semi Kreis | Semi Kulax | Semi Lead | Semi Leotax | Semi Lester | Loyal | Semi Lucky | Semi Lyra | Semi Makinet | Semi Metax | Semi Minolta (I) and II | Auto Semi Minolta | Semi Miss | Mizuho | Semi Mulber | Semi National | New Gold | Okaco | Oko Semi | Semi Olympus | Semi Olympus II | Semi Osamo | Semi Pearl | Primo | Semi Prince | Semi Proud | Semi Prux | Roavic | Semi Rody | Rondex | Semi Rosen | Semi Rotte | Seica | Seves | Semi Shiks | Sintax | Semi Sixteenth | Semi Solon | Semi Sport | Star Semi | Semi-Tex | Tsubasa Kiko Three | Tsubasa Nettar | Tsubasa Super Semi | Ugein | Vester-Lette | Victor | Waltax | Wester | Zeitax
collapsible
Semi Kinsi | Lord | Lyrax | Nippon | New Olympic | Semi Olympic | Semi Renky | Auto Victor | Well Super
stereo
Sun Stereo
unknown
Semi Elka | Semi Keef | Napoleon
Postwar models ->
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo ->
Japanese 3×4, 4×4, 4×5, 4×6.5, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Baby Semi First is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, made by Kuribayashi[1] from 1937 and distributed by Minagawa Shōten. It was sold as a more compact alternative to the Semi First made by the same company.

General description

The Baby Semi First is a copy of the German Baldax 4.5×6 folder. Two versions of the 4.5×6 Baldax exist, a large one for #0 size shutters and a small one for #00 size shutters, and the Baby Semi First is a copy of the latter.

On all the models, the viewfinder is in the middle of the top plate, with the folding bed release to the right — as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The advance knob is at the bottom right and the back is hinged to the left.

Folding finder models

General description

The Baby Semi First was released in mid 1937.[2] The first models have a folding optical finder, with the front part folding over the rear one. The body edges have a bright finish, first nickel-plated, then chrome-plated.

Commercial documents mention three models: the basic Baby Semi First I, the Baby Semi First II with an additional brilliant finder on the lens standard, and the Baby Semi First III with body release, introduced in early 1938.[3]

The camera gradually evolved, and four variants can be distinguished, mainly recognized by features of the back and red windows. These variants theoretically apply to all the models, but the model I is by far the most common. The only known surviving example of the model III is owned by Eastwestphoto and is pictured below.

Early documents

The models I and II were featured in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of Asahi Camera.[4] The August 1937 advertisement in the same magazine lists the two cameras with a three-element Toko 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, made by Tōkyō Kōgaku, and a Licht shutter (T, B, 25–100, self-timer), made by Seikōsha.[5] It gives the price of ¥49.50 for the model I and ¥53 for the model II.

First variant

The examples of the first variant have two red windows near the top of the back, protected by covers retracted by a common lever. The back latch is covered by a leather handle, and the back is opened by a button placed behind the latch cover. The name Semi First is embossed in cursive style in the front leather, and the brand FIRST is also embossed in capital letters in the leather of the folding bed.

An advertisement dated September 1937 emphasized prominent features of the First folders,[6] among which were the patented brilliant finder of the Baby Semi First II and the patented red window covers.

This variant has the early type of Licht shutter, with the release lever attached to the front by a screw. The shutter plate is inscribed LICHT at the top and SEIKOSHA at the bottom with an SKS logo on the right. The T, B, 100, 50, 25 speed settings are written in that order on the shutter plate itself, and are selected by an index placed above.

Examples of the first variant are known with Toko lenses numbered in the 30xxx and 31xxx range, for the model I and model II.[7]

16892189863_dae8c85634_z.jpg
Baby Semi First II, first variant
image by Petri@wiki (Image rights)

Intermediate documents

The April 1938 advertisement in Asahi Camera shows the Baby Semi First III, along with the First Six III and Semi First III.[8] The camera is offered with a Toko f/4.5 lens and a New Licht shutter (新型リヒト) for ¥62. On the New Licht, the speeds are set by turning the rim, and the speed settings are engraved on the rim itself in the 25, 50, 100, B, T order. The release lever is now attached behind the turning rim, and the front plate is slightly redesigned with no SKS logo. The picture in the April 1938 document clearly shows the body release and New Licht shutter. However, none of the New Licht observed so far have a linkage on the back for a body release,[9] and the pictured combination is quite mysterious.

The January 1939 advertisement in the same magazine lists the models I and II, offered with the (New) Licht and a choice of two lenses (the model III is absent):[10]

  • Baby Semi First I, Toko f/4.5 lens (¥65);
  • Baby Semi First II, Toko f/4.5 lens (¥69);
  • Baby Semi First I, First f/4.5 lens (¥60);
  • Baby Semi First II, First f/4.5 lens (¥64).

The First f/4.5 was certainly a three-element lens made by Tokiwa Kōgaku (at least this was the case at a later date).[11]

In the June and July 1939 advertisements in Asahi Camera, the same options are repeated for the models I and II, at slightly different prices, and the model III is listed at ¥100 with a First f/4.5 lens and a Wester I shutter (T, B, 1–200) by Nishida.[12] This shutter is necessarily in #00 size, because a larger model would not fit on the Baby Semi First. Nishida's offering in #00 size was called Northter from about 1940, but this document seems to indicate that it was introduced in mid-1939 as the Wester, using the same brand name as the larger #0 size shutters. (It is equally possible that there is a mistake in the advertisements, and that the shutter was actually a Northter.)


32202863457_8c84e6c2d6_m.jpg 47092609972_3a414e6386_m.jpg 33273021258_f59d2c3ced_m.jpg 33273058288_2f316ece11_t.jpg 40183339513_7c10422c45_t.jpg
40183365053_bb4a8863d6_t.jpg
Baby Semi First I, First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens no.22811, Licht shutter, 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds.
This particular example has an aluminium advance knob.
Pictures courtesy of eBayer ipruksleica. (Image rights)

Later variants

The second variant has different covers for the red windows: the patented device of the first variant was substituted by vertically sliding independent covers, which were integrated more smoothly in the back. This modification was perhaps simultaneous with the introduction of the New Licht in early 1938. Examples of the second variant (both model I and model II) are known with the New Licht and Toko lenses numbered in the 32xxx and 33xxx range.[13] The transition between nickel and chrome plating occurred during that period. At a later point, the two red windows located at the top of the back were replaced by a single one located at the bottom, protected by a vertically sliding cover. The embossing at the front became Baby–SEMI at about the same time.

The third variant has a single red window, body release and sliding bar back latch.

The fourth variant has a sliding bar back latch with no handle and no body release. At least two examples are known, one with viewfinder parallax, one without, pictured in Sugiyama.[14]


42913427535_e03c61f7c7_n.jpg 43817115021_8b5cb138ee_n.jpg 29947503428_fbb3918579_n.jpg
Model III (body covering removed) with First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens no.23108 in a Wester Model-1 shutter marked FIRST and body release.
images by Eastwestphoto (Image rights)

Later documents

The list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 mentions a "Baby Semi First I" (¥80), a "Baby Semi First II" (¥121), a "Baby Semi First III" (¥160) and a "III Baby Semi First" (¥121), with no further detail.[15] (The distinction between the latter two models is unexplained.) In the same document, the "BB Baby Semi First I" (see below) is strangely listed for ¥80, whereas it is supposed to be a more expensive version of the Baby Semi First.[16]

A similar price list dated November 1941 mentions the same four models as well as a plain "Baby Semi First", a "Baby Semi First IV" and a "III Baby Semi First I".[17] These listings are quite incoherent and the actual meaning of the model numbers is not known; it is not even certain if the models I, II and III are the same as before or have different features.

Tubular finder model

The Baby Semi First with tubular finder certainly appeared in the early 1940s, and replaced the previous models. The distinction between models I, II and III was probably dropped by the time. The new finder is similar to that of the late Semi First, copied from the finder of the Welta Perle, Weltax and Garant models released around 1938.

On the cameras with tubular finder, the body edges and viewfinder assembly are either chrome-plated or black-painted. The chrome finders have parallax compensation, controlled by a small sliding button on the right of the finder's base and similar to the Welta units. The black finders have no such device and certainly correspond to cheaper models. It is sometimes said that the black finish was adopted because of a shortage of materials,[18] but the chrome finish was perhaps offered as a more expensive alternative until the end.[19]

The Baby Semi First mentioned in the April 1943 government inquiry listing Japanese camera production certainly corresponds to the model with tubular finder. Two versions are listed: the usual one with a First f/4.5 lens and a Licht shutter and another one with a First f/3.5 three-element lens by Tokiwa Kōgaku and a Hit-Rapid shutter (T, B, 1–500) made by the same company.[20]

The Baby Semi First with tubular finder has always been observed with a Licht shutter, and none has a body release or an additional brilliant finder. Actual examples are known with the following combinations:

  • chrome trim, Toko f/4.5 lens;[21]
  • chrome trim, Rotte Anastigmat f/4.5 lens;[22]
  • chrome trim, First Anastigmat f/4.5 lens;[23]
  • black trim, Toko f/4.5 lens;[24]
  • black trim, First Anastigmat f/4.5 lens.[25]

It is probable that the Rotte f/4.5 lens has three elements and was made by Tokiwa Kōgaku, as the Rotte f/3.5.[26]

BB Baby Semi First

The BB Baby Semi First has the same dual finders as the late BB Semi First and the BB Semi Rotte, with an eye-level finder on the left and a brilliant finder on the right, grouped in an L-shaped housing. It also has a body release on the left of the finder unit. The name B.B. BABY SEMI FIRST is inscribed above the eye-level finder.

As said above, the BB Baby Semi First was already mentioned in late 1940 in the official price list.[27] Two versions are listed in the April 1943 government inquiry:[28]

  • "BB Baby Semi First I", First 75/4.5 lens, Vic II shutter (T, B, 25–150) by Miyoshi;
  • "BB Baby Semi First II", First 75/4.5 lens, Rotte shutter (T, B, 1–200) by Kuribayashi itself.

Only one example of the camera has been observed so far, pictured in Baird and in McKeown.[29] It corresponds to the BB Baby Semi First II, with a First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens[30] and a Rotte Model-1 shutter giving 200–1, B, T speeds. The speed settings are inscribed on the shutter plate in that order. The shutter plate also has ROTTE MODEL–1 at the top and ROTTE at the bottom, with waveline drawings on both sides.[31]

Notes

  1. ↑ The attribution to Kuribayashi is confirmed by the "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 8–11.
  2. ↑ The earliest advertisement listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339, is dated June 1937.
  3. ↑ The earliest advertisement listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339, is dated January 1938.
  4. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339.
  5. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.87.
  6. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.86. See also the undated advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.68, which gives a similar list.
  7. ↑ Examples pictured in this page at Japan Family Camera (model II) (archived), and observed in online auctions.
  8. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.87.
  9. ↑ See for example the pictures in this page at ksmt.com.
  10. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.88, and in Furukawa, p.22 of Camera Collectors' News no.277.
  11. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lc2.
  12. ↑ June 1939 advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.87; July 1939 advertisement reproduced in Furukawa, p.23 of Camera Collectors' News no.277. In the June advertisement, the prices for the models I and II are higher with the First lens than with the Toko, the reverse of the usual situation; this mistake was corrected in July.
  13. ↑ Examples observed in online auctions.
  14. ↑ Examples pictured in Sugiyama, items 1055, 1056; and in Furukawa, pp.19–20 of Camera Collectors' News no.277 (the camera is certainly the same).
  15. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, sections 3B, 6B and 7B.
  16. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, section 3B.
  17. ↑ "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, sections 3B, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7B.
  18. ↑ Baird, p.75.
  19. ↑ See the specific mention of "black finish" for a version of the Semi First listed in the government inquiry of early 1943.
  20. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 10–1, lens items Lb18 and Lc2, shutter items 12-V-4 and 18-R-1.
  21. ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1056.
  22. ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1055.
  23. ↑ Example pictured in Tanaka, p.78 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8.
  24. ↑ Example pictured in Baird, pp.84–5 and in McKeown, p.576, and example observed in an online auction.
  25. ↑ Example pictured in this page at ksmt.com, and example observed in an online auction.
  26. ↑ Rotte f/3.5: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lb21.
  27. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, section 3B.
  28. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 8–9, lens item Lc2, shutter items 18-P-5 and 18-V-5.
  29. ↑ Baird, pp.86–7, McKeown, p.577.
  30. ↑ The lens is reported as a First f/3.5 in Baird, p.87, but the picture shows f/4.5 maximal aperture.
  31. ↑ A similar shutter has been observed on examples of the Semi Rotte and BB Semi Rotte.

Bibliography

Original documents

  • "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō" (カメラの公定価格官報発表, Official announcement of the set prices of the cameras), November 1941. Extract of a table listing Japanese camera production and setting the retail prices, reproduced in "Bebī Semi Fāsuto 'Kore ha bebī wo nanotta semi-ki da'" (ベビーセミファースト"これはベビーを名乗ったセミ機だ", Baby Semi First, 'this is a Semi camera called Baby'), an article by Furukawa Yasuo (古川保男) in Camera Collectors' News no. 277 (July 2000). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P. 27. Type 3, sections 3B, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7B.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Items 8–11.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku" (国産写真機の公定価格, Set prices of the Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of October 25, 1940 and setting the retail prices from December 10, 1940. Published in Asahi Camera January 1941 and reproduced in 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. Pp.108—9. Type 3, sections 3B, 6B, 7B.

Recent sources

Links

In Japanese:


Kuribayashi prewar and wartime cameras (edit)
rollfilm folders
Eagle | Speed Pocket | First Roll | First Center | Semi First | First Six | Baby Semi First | Semi Rotte | Hokoku | Mizuho
plate folders rigid SLR TLR unknown
Mikuni | First | First Etui | Kokka | Romax | Tokiwa Molby Speed Reflex First Reflex Baby First
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