Baron folders
The Baron folders are Japanese 6×6 cameras made by Chūō Seiki, later Baron Camera, from 1952 to 1956.[1]
Contents
Common features
All the Baron cameras are horizontal folders, taking 6×6cm as well as 4.5×6cm exposures. The folding struts are inspired from the Ikonta. The back is hinged to the right, as seen by the photographer, and has two red windows, one for each format. The upper one is engraved 4.5X6 and the other 6X6.
The Baron Six
The Baron Six (バロンシックス) has no rangefinder. The viewfinder is half-contained in the top housing, at the centre. The advance knob is at the top left and has an arrow to indicate the winding direction. There is a decorative film flange at the top right. The body release and accessory shoe are to the right of the viewfinder and the folding bed release is to the left, with the indication OPEN engraved next to it. The name Baron is engraved on the top housing, to the left of the finder. The serial number is inscribed in front of the accessory shoe. The initials CSK are engraved in the folding struts, perhaps for Chūō Seiki. The name BARON–SIX is also embossed in the back leather, under the red windows, and a CHUO BARON logo is embossed in the leather of the folding bed.
The lens is a Ciskol Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 and the shutter is an NKS (B, 1–200) with a self-timer and an ASA bayonet synch post.
The camera was announced in the summer of 1952 and advertised from early 1953.[2] An advertisement dated September 1953[3] shows a CHUO BARON logo and lists the distributors Misuzu Shōkai, Hattori Tokei-ten and Asanuma Shōkai, but does not give the full name of the manufacturing company.
The Baron Six was still advertised in September 1954,[4] alongwith the rangefinder models. The advertising picture shows a NKS-TB shutter (B, 1–200) with a PC synch post. The price was ¥10,300.
The Baron-RI and Baron-RII
The Baron-RI (バロン-RI) and Baron-RII (バロン-RII) have an uncoupled rangefinder.
The Baron-J and Baron-F
Notes
- ↑ Dates: advertisements and articles listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 359.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 359, says that it was featured in a column of the July 1952 issue of Ars Camera. The earliest advertisement listed is in Asahi Camera February 1953.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 161.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 161.
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 693–6.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 79 (brief mention only).
- 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. 111.
- 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 1279–82.
Links
In Japanese:
