Difference between revisions of "Bell 14"
Rebollo fr (talk | contribs) m (biblio +1) |
Rebollo fr (talk | contribs) (done) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | |||
{{Japanese subminiature}} | {{Japanese subminiature}} | ||
+ | The '''Bell 14''' is a Japanese subminiature taking 14×14mm pictures on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm, made around 1960 by an unknown company. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Description == | ||
+ | The Bell 14 is a cheap camera revisiting the [[Hit]] concept with a new design. The viewfinder is integrated in the top housing, which is much sleeker than on the traditional [[Hit]]. The front window is elongated, imitating the rangefinder cameras of the 1960s. The film is advanced by a wheel at the rear, moved by the photographer's left thumb. The back is hinged to the right, is locked by a sliding bar on the left, and has an uncovered red window in the middle. The lens has a fixed focus and aperture, and has no marking. The self-cocking shutter gives instant exposures only. The shutter plate is inscribed ''Bell'' at the top and ''MADE IN JAPAN'' at the bottom, with three stars on each side of the lens. The name ''BELL'' is repeated next to the viewfinder window. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Variations == | ||
+ | The '''Bell 14''' is identified by the name ''BELL'' next to the viewfinder window. Most examples have a blue area on the other side of the window, with the number ''14'', but some have an unmarked honeycomb pattern instead, faking a selenium meter.<REF> Honeycomb pattern: example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 5017. </REF> The shutter plate is inscribed ''Bell'' at the top and ''MADE IN JAPAN'' at the bottom, with three stars on each side of the lens. The name ''BELL–14'' is sometimes repeated on the camera's top, but not always.<REF> See the examples pictured in [http://www.submin.com/17.5mm/collection/bell14/engraved.htm this page] and [http://www.submin.com/17.5mm/collection/bell14/bell-14.htm this page] at Submin.com. </REF> Some examples have a lizard covering instead of black leatherette.<REF> Lizard covering: example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 5017. </REF> | ||
+ | |||
+ | The '''Sing 88''' is a name variant of the Bell 14, with the name ''SING–88'' engraved at the top, and ''SING 88'' inscribed around the viewfinder window. The shutter plate is inscribed ''MINI CAMERA'' at the top. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Notes == | ||
+ | <references /> | ||
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
Line 7: | Line 18: | ||
* {{Zukan}} Item 5017. | * {{Zukan}} Item 5017. | ||
The Bell 14 is not listed in {{Kokusan}}. | The Bell 14 is not listed in {{Kokusan}}. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Links == | ||
+ | In English: | ||
+ | * [http://www.submin.com/17.5mm/collection/bell14/index.htm Bell 14], [http://www.submin.com/17.5mm/collection/sing_88/index.htm Sing 88] and [http://www.submin.com/17.5mm/manuals/bell14.htm user manual of the Bell 14] at [http://www.submin.com/ Submin.com] | ||
+ | * Bell 14 and Sing 88 among [http://www.subclub.org/shop/175mm.htm 17.5mm film cameras] at [http://www.subclub.org/ Subclub.org] | ||
[[Category: Japanese 17.5mm film]] | [[Category: Japanese 17.5mm film]] | ||
[[Category: B]] | [[Category: B]] |
Revision as of 17:07, 13 September 2008
The Bell 14 is a Japanese subminiature taking 14×14mm pictures on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm, made around 1960 by an unknown company.
Description
The Bell 14 is a cheap camera revisiting the Hit concept with a new design. The viewfinder is integrated in the top housing, which is much sleeker than on the traditional Hit. The front window is elongated, imitating the rangefinder cameras of the 1960s. The film is advanced by a wheel at the rear, moved by the photographer's left thumb. The back is hinged to the right, is locked by a sliding bar on the left, and has an uncovered red window in the middle. The lens has a fixed focus and aperture, and has no marking. The self-cocking shutter gives instant exposures only. The shutter plate is inscribed Bell at the top and MADE IN JAPAN at the bottom, with three stars on each side of the lens. The name BELL is repeated next to the viewfinder window.
Variations
The Bell 14 is identified by the name BELL next to the viewfinder window. Most examples have a blue area on the other side of the window, with the number 14, but some have an unmarked honeycomb pattern instead, faking a selenium meter.[1] The shutter plate is inscribed Bell at the top and MADE IN JAPAN at the bottom, with three stars on each side of the lens. The name BELL–14 is sometimes repeated on the camera's top, but not always.[2] Some examples have a lizard covering instead of black leatherette.[3]
The Sing 88 is a name variant of the Bell 14, with the name SING–88 engraved at the top, and SING 88 inscribed around the viewfinder window. The shutter plate is inscribed MINI CAMERA at the top.
Notes
Bibliography
- 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.122.
- Pritchard, Michael and St. Denny, Douglas. Spy Cameras — A century of detective and subminiature cameras. London: Classic Collection Publications, 1993. ISBN 1-874485-00-3. P.74.
- 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. Item 5017.
The Bell 14 is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
Links
In English:
- Bell 14, Sing 88 and user manual of the Bell 14 at Submin.com
- Bell 14 and Sing 88 among 17.5mm film cameras at Subclub.org