Baby Semi First
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.
Contents
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
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 chrome finish. The camera gradually evolved, and four periods can be drawn, mainly distinguished by the back and red window features. In the three first periods, the back latch is covered by a leather handle and the back is opened by a button placed behind the latch cover.
Early period
Two models were available from the start, the Baby Semi First I and the Baby Semi First II. The model II differs by the addition of a 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.[3] In an advertisement dated August 1937,[4] both models were offered with a Toko 7.5cm f/4.5 lens (three elements) made by Tōkyō Kōgaku and a Licht shutter (T, B, 25–100, self-timer) made by Seikōsha. The price was ¥49.50 for the model I and ¥53 for the model II.
An advertisement dated September 1937 emphasized prominent features of the First folders,[5] among which were the patented brilliant finder of the Baby Semi First II and the patented red window covers.
The examples of the early period have two red windows near the top of the back, protected by covers retracted by a common lever. 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. On the Licht shutter, the release lever is attached to the front of the casing 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 they are selected by an index placed above.
A Baby Semi First II of the early period is pictured in this page at Japan Family Camera. It is the only example of the model II observed so far.
Medium and late periods
The Baby Semi First III was introduced in 1938, with an added body release.[6] An advertisement dated April 1938[7] offered the camera with a Toko f/4.5 lens and a New Licht shutter (新型リヒト) for ¥62. The models with no body release were not discontinued: in an advertisement dated January 1939,[8] they were offered with the (New) Licht and a choice of two lenses (the model III was absent):
- 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).[9] In advertisements dated June and July 1939, the same choices were offered for the models I and II, at slightly different prices, and the model III was offered for ¥100 with a First f/4.5 lens and a Wester I shutter (T, B, 1–200) by Nishida.[10]
On the New Licht, 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, the release lever is attached behind the turning rim and there is no SKS logo. These changes perhaps occurred to allow the fitting of a body release.
The introduction of the New Licht was perhaps simultaneous with the modification of the red window cover: the patented device of the early models was substituted by independent vertically sliding covers which were integrated more smoothly in the back. This feature, found on various examples of the model I, is characteristic of the second period.[11]
  
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| Baby Semi First I, third period, 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) | ||
The two red windows located at the top were replaced at some time by a single one located at the bottom, protected by a vertically sliding cover. This feature, found on one example of the model I, defines the third period.[12] The front embossing was modified at about the same time and it became Baby SEMI. Minor variations are known in the material of the advance knob, chromed brass or aluminium, perhaps because of shortages.
At a later time, a new type of the back latch was mounted, consisting of a long sliding bar with no handle. This is typical of the fourth period, exemplified by an example pictured in Sugiyama.[13]
No example of the model III has been observed so far.
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.[14] The "BB Baby Semi First I" (see below) is also listed for ¥80, whereas it is supposed to be a more expensive version.[15] 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".[16] These listings is quite incoherent and it is not known if the models I, II and III are the same as before or have a different lens and shutter equipment.
Tubular finder model
The folding viewfinder was replaced at some time by a tubular finder, similar to the finder of the late Semi First. It was copied from the finder of the Welta Perle, Weltax and Garant models released around 1938.
The body edges and viewfinder assembly were offered either in chrome finish or in black paint finish. 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,[17] but the chrome finish was perhaps offered as a more expensive alternative until the end.[18]
The model with tubular finder has always been observed with a Licht shutter. None has a body release. The following versions are known:
- chrome trim, Toko f/4.5 lens;[19]
- chrome trim, Rotte f/4.5 lens;[20]
- chrome trim, First f/4.5 lens;[21]
- black trim, Toko f/4.5 lens;[22]
- black trim, First f/4.5 lens.[23]
It is probable that the Rotte f/4.5 lens has three elements and was made by Tokiwa Kōgaku, as is confirmed for the Rotte f/3.5.[24]
The Baby Semi First is mentioned in the government inquiry listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. It certainly had the tubular finder at the time. 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.[25]
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.[26] Two versions are listed in the government inquiry of early 1943:[27]
- "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.[28] It corresponds to the BB Baby Semi First II, with a First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens[29] 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.[30]
Notes
- ↑ This is confirmed by the "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras").
- ↑ The earliest advertisement listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339, is dated June 1937.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.87.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ The earliest advertisement listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339, is dated January 1938.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.87.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.88. The same advertisement is reproduced in Furukawa, p.22 of Camera Collectors' News no.277.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lc2.
- ↑ June 1939: advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.87. July 1939: advertisement published in Asahi Camera, 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.
- ↑ Examples observed in online auctions.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1054.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, sections 3B, 6B and 7B.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, section 3B.
- ↑ "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, sections 3B, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7B.
- ↑ Baird, p.75.
- ↑ See the specific mention of "black finish" for a version of the Semi First listed in the government inquiry of early 1943.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1056.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1055.
- ↑ Example pictured in Tanaka, p.78 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8.
- ↑ Example pictured in Baird, pp.84–5 and in McKeown, p.576, and example observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Example pictured in this page at ksmt.com, and example observed in an online auction.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lb21.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 3, section 3B.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 8–9, lens item Lc2, shutter items 18-P-5 and 18-V-5.
- ↑ Baird, pp.86–7, McKeown, p.577.
- ↑ The lens is reported as a First f/3.5 in Baird, p.87, in contradiction with the picture.
- ↑ A similar shutter has been observed on examples of the Semi Rotte and BB Semi Rotte.
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. Items 203–5. (See also the advertisement for item 214.)
- Baird, John R. Collectors guide to Kuribayashi-Petri Cameras. Grantsburg, WI (USA): Centennial Photo Service, 1991. ISBN 0-931838-16-9. Pp.18, 28, 68, 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 Camera Collectors' News no.277 (July 2000). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.19–27.
- "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.
- 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). Pp.576–7.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. 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"). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.8, September 1986. No ISBN number. Supuringu kamera (スプリングカメラ, special issue on spring cameras). Pp.76–80.
Links
In Japanese:
- Baby Semi First II (early period) at Japan Family Camera
- Baby Semi First (tubular finder) and lens specs at ksmt.com
| Kuribayashi prewar and wartime cameras () | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
