Difference between revisions of "Camel, Comex 35, Kikuca 35 and Rolex 35 III"
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== Common features == | == Common features == | ||
| − | All the models share the same octogonal body. The back is removed together with the bottom plate for film loading. The viewfinder is contained in a short top housing, which also supports an accessory shoe on the right. The advance and rewind knob, exposure counter, shutter release and rewind unlock lever are shaped as on the early Leica or Canon rangefinder cameras. There is a thin metal casing around the lens, with a characteristic shape | + | All the models share the same octogonal body. The back is removed together with the bottom plate for film loading. The viewfinder is contained in a short top housing, which also supports an accessory shoe on the right. The advance and rewind knob, exposure counter, shutter release and rewind unlock lever are shaped as on the early Leica or Canon rangefinder cameras. There is a thin metal casing around the lens, with a characteristic shape. The body release linkage probably runs through this casing, and an axis protrudes at the bottom to connect it with the shutter itself. |
== The Camel == | == The Camel == | ||
The '''Camel''' has a focusing helical with a focusing tab at the base of the lens barrel. The distance is visible in a window placed above the barrel. | The '''Camel''' has a focusing helical with a focusing tab at the base of the lens barrel. The distance is visible in a window placed above the barrel. | ||
| − | It was ostensibly made by a company called [[Tōhōkōken]]: the top housing is engraved ''Camel mode II'' and ''Tōhōkōken camera'' in smaller letters. There is a typo, and it is not known if the intended engraving was "model I" or "model II". | + | It was ostensibly made by a company called [[Tōhōkōken]]: the top housing is engraved ''Camel mode II'' and ''Tōhōkōken camera'' in smaller letters. There is a typo, and it is not known if the intended engraving was "model I" or "model II". The front metal casing is engraved ''24X36'' at the top. |
The lens is a Camel Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5, with a "C" for coating. The shutter is engraved ''NIPPOL'' at the base of the speed rim. It has B, 1–200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA bayonet synch post. | The lens is a Camel Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5, with a "C" for coating. The shutter is engraved ''NIPPOL'' at the base of the speed rim. It has B, 1–200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA bayonet synch post. | ||
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The '''Comex''' is a name variant of the Camel. It was announced in the April 1953 issue of ''[[Ars Camera]]'' as the '''Sanon 35''' (サノン35) by the distributor [[Takasago|Takasago Shōkai]].<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 352. </REF> It seems that the June 1953 issue of the same magazine says that the name was changed to '''Comex 35''' (コメックス35), and the camera was advertised as such until October of the same year.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 352. </REF> In an advertisement dated June 1953,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Photo Art]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 138. </REF> the camera was offered for {{yen|12,000|1953}} with a Comex 45/3.5 lens and a synchronized Purax shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer): the name ''PURAX'' is engraved at the base of the speed rim. | The '''Comex''' is a name variant of the Camel. It was announced in the April 1953 issue of ''[[Ars Camera]]'' as the '''Sanon 35''' (サノン35) by the distributor [[Takasago|Takasago Shōkai]].<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 352. </REF> It seems that the June 1953 issue of the same magazine says that the name was changed to '''Comex 35''' (コメックス35), and the camera was advertised as such until October of the same year.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 352. </REF> In an advertisement dated June 1953,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Photo Art]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 138. </REF> the camera was offered for {{yen|12,000|1953}} with a Comex 45/3.5 lens and a synchronized Purax shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer): the name ''PURAX'' is engraved at the base of the speed rim. | ||
| − | The only actual example observed so far is pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, where it is attributed to | + | The only actual example observed so far is pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, where it is attributed to "Akimoto Co., Ltd." for an unknown reason.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 3224. </REF> Its body shows no apparent difference. The top housing is engraved ''Comex'' and ''mode II'' or ''model II''.<REF> The picture in {{Sugiyama}}, item 3224, is not legible enough. </REF> The ''24X36'' engraving is absent. The lens is a Comex Anastigmat 45mm f/3.5. The shutter is engraved ''WACO'' at the base of the speed rim, it has the same features as the Nippol mounted on the Camel. |
| + | |||
| + | == The Kikuca 35 == | ||
| + | The '''Kikuca 35''' is a rangefinder version of the Camel, attributed to [[Tōhōkōken]] by some sources.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 3290, {{McKeown}}, p. 922. </REF> The top housing contains a coupled rangefinder, with two additional round windows and a separate eyepiece on the left. The name ''Kikuca 35'' and the serial number are engraved above. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The lens barrel is wider and the focusing helical has a more usual arrangement: the distance ring is fully visible and there are depth-of-field indications. The focusing tab has a different shape. The lens is a Kikuca Anastigmat 45mm f/3.5 and the shutter is engraved ''K.O.C.'' at the base of the speed rim. It has B, 1– 200 speeds, a self-timer and a PC synch post. The aperture is set by a lever at the top of the lens barrel. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Two actual examples have been observed so far.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 3290 (lens no.6141), example observed in an online auction (body no. 5071, lens no. 6024). </REF> | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
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== Links == | == Links == | ||
| − | * [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/NAZO_ROLEX35.htm Page about the Rolex 35] at [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/ Japan Family Camera], | + | * [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/NAZO_ROLEX35.htm Page about the Rolex 35] (mentioning the Camel and the Comex) at [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/ Japan Family Camera], with [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~RD2H-ARI/BUN_ROLEX35.htm repair notes] |
[[Category: Japanese 35mm viewfinder]] | [[Category: Japanese 35mm viewfinder]] | ||
[[Category: C]] | [[Category: C]] | ||
Revision as of 10:51, 19 May 2007
The Camel, Comex, Kikuca 35 and Rolex 35 are Japanese 35mm viewfinder cameras with a leaf shutter, made in the first half of the 1950s.
Common features
All the models share the same octogonal body. The back is removed together with the bottom plate for film loading. The viewfinder is contained in a short top housing, which also supports an accessory shoe on the right. The advance and rewind knob, exposure counter, shutter release and rewind unlock lever are shaped as on the early Leica or Canon rangefinder cameras. There is a thin metal casing around the lens, with a characteristic shape. The body release linkage probably runs through this casing, and an axis protrudes at the bottom to connect it with the shutter itself.
The Camel
The Camel has a focusing helical with a focusing tab at the base of the lens barrel. The distance is visible in a window placed above the barrel.
It was ostensibly made by a company called Tōhōkōken: the top housing is engraved Camel mode II and Tōhōkōken camera in smaller letters. There is a typo, and it is not known if the intended engraving was "model I" or "model II". The front metal casing is engraved 24X36 at the top.
The lens is a Camel Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5, with a "C" for coating. The shutter is engraved NIPPOL at the base of the speed rim. It has B, 1–200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA bayonet synch post.
The only actual example observed so far is pictured in Sugiyama.[1]
The Comex
The Comex is a name variant of the Camel. It was announced in the April 1953 issue of Ars Camera as the Sanon 35 (サノン35) by the distributor Takasago Shōkai.[2] It seems that the June 1953 issue of the same magazine says that the name was changed to Comex 35 (コメックス35), and the camera was advertised as such until October of the same year.[3] In an advertisement dated June 1953,[4] the camera was offered for ¥12,000 with a Comex 45/3.5 lens and a synchronized Purax shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer): the name PURAX is engraved at the base of the speed rim.
The only actual example observed so far is pictured in Sugiyama, where it is attributed to "Akimoto Co., Ltd." for an unknown reason.[5] Its body shows no apparent difference. The top housing is engraved Comex and mode II or model II.[6] The 24X36 engraving is absent. The lens is a Comex Anastigmat 45mm f/3.5. The shutter is engraved WACO at the base of the speed rim, it has the same features as the Nippol mounted on the Camel.
The Kikuca 35
The Kikuca 35 is a rangefinder version of the Camel, attributed to Tōhōkōken by some sources.[7] The top housing contains a coupled rangefinder, with two additional round windows and a separate eyepiece on the left. The name Kikuca 35 and the serial number are engraved above.
The lens barrel is wider and the focusing helical has a more usual arrangement: the distance ring is fully visible and there are depth-of-field indications. The focusing tab has a different shape. The lens is a Kikuca Anastigmat 45mm f/3.5 and the shutter is engraved K.O.C. at the base of the speed rim. It has B, 1– 200 speeds, a self-timer and a PC synch post. The aperture is set by a lever at the top of the lens barrel.
Two actual examples have been observed so far.[8]
Notes
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 3137.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 352.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 352.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Photo Art, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 138.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 3224.
- ↑ The picture in Sugiyama, item 3224, is not legible enough.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 3290, McKeown, p. 922.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 3290 (lens no.6141), example observed in an online auction (body no. 5071, lens no. 6024).
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 520 and 523.
- 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. 44 and 922.
- 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 3137, 3224 and 3290.
Links
- Page about the Rolex 35 (mentioning the Camel and the Comex) at Japan Family Camera, with repair notes
