Difference between revisions of "Clover-Six and Vester-Six"
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| − | The '''Clover-Six''' (クロバーシックス) and '''Vester-Six''' (ベスターシックス) are Japanese 6×6 folding cameras. The Clover-Six was made by [[Ginrei|Ginrei Kōki]] and distributed by [[Hagi|Hagi Kōgyō Bōeki]] between 1937 and 1943.<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> Even if an advertisement dated December 1937 seems to state that Hagi was both the maker and the distributor,<REF> Advertisement for the Clover-Six published in ''Asahi Camera'' | + | The '''Clover-Six''' (クロバーシックス) and '''Vester-Six''' (ベスターシックス) are Japanese 6×6 folding cameras. The Clover-Six was made by [[Ginrei|Ginrei Kōki]] and distributed by [[Hagi|Hagi Kōgyō Bōeki]] between 1937 and 1943.<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> Even if an advertisement dated December 1937 seems to state that Hagi was both the maker and the distributor,<REF> Advertisement for the Clover-Six published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 69. The words "製造発売元" are faintly visible besides the company name. </REF> the ''GRC'' markings found on the body's folding struts clearly indicates its origin. The lenses and shutters were made by Ginrei Kōki too. |
| − | The Vester-Six is nearly identical except for the name, and its distributor is not known. | + | The Vester-Six is nearly identical except for the name, and its distributor is not known (it was perhaps sold by Ginrei itself). |
== General description == | == General description == | ||
The Clover-Six and Vester-Six are horizontal folders. The viewfinder is contained in a short housing that also supports the accessory shoe. The advance knob is at the left end of the top plate, and there is usually another knob at the right end. The advance knob has three rows of knurls and an arrow engraved on the top. The back is hinged to the right and film advance is controlled by red window. The folding struts are engraved ''GRC''. | The Clover-Six and Vester-Six are horizontal folders. The viewfinder is contained in a short housing that also supports the accessory shoe. The advance knob is at the left end of the top plate, and there is usually another knob at the right end. The advance knob has three rows of knurls and an arrow engraved on the top. The back is hinged to the right and film advance is controlled by red window. The folding struts are engraved ''GRC''. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Most models have Venner lenses and Vester shutters made by [[Ginrei|Ginrei Kōki]].<REF> Made by Ginrei: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Lb4, shutter item 18-P-2. These names appear on various other Ginrei products, sometimes in direct conjunction with the company name. </REF> | ||
== The Clover-Six == | == The Clover-Six == | ||
| Line 13: | Line 15: | ||
=== The original Clover-Six === | === The original Clover-Six === | ||
| − | The '''original Clover-Six''' appeared at the end of 1937. It has no body release and has a [[brilliant finder]] attached to the shutter housing. It is said that there are three red windows in the back.<REF> Three red windows: {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> An advertisement dated December 1937<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'' | + | The '''original Clover-Six''' appeared at the end of 1937. It has no body release and has a [[brilliant finder]] attached to the shutter housing. It is said that there are three red windows in the back.<REF> Three red windows: {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> An advertisement dated December 1937<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 69. </REF> offered this version for {{yen|68|1937}} with a Venner 78/4.5 lens and a Vester 1 shutter (10–200, T, B). The shutter plate is black and is marked ''GRC Co'' at the top and ''VESTER 1'' at the bottom. The right knob seems to be decorative only and has a smooth rim. |
=== The Clover-Six 2 === | === The Clover-Six 2 === | ||
| Line 24: | Line 26: | ||
The '''Clover-Six 2''' replaced the previous model in mid 1938. It has a body release and no [[brilliant finder]]. The right knob has a knurled rim and the back has a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. | The '''Clover-Six 2''' replaced the previous model in mid 1938. It has a body release and no [[brilliant finder]]. The right knob has a knurled rim and the back has a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. | ||
| − | The shutter is the same Vester 1 as on the previous model. The shutter plate has similar markings but the speed scale is sometimes chrome instead of black. An advertisement dated June 1939<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'' | + | The shutter is the same Vester 1 as on the previous model. The shutter plate has similar markings but the speed scale is sometimes chrome instead of black. An advertisement dated June 1939<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 69. </REF> only calls the camera "Clover-Six" and lists two variants: |
* Venner f/4.5 lens ({{yen|85|1939}}); | * Venner f/4.5 lens ({{yen|85|1939}}); | ||
* Venner f/3.5 lens, newly available ({{yen|98|1939}}). | * Venner f/3.5 lens, newly available ({{yen|98|1939}}). | ||
| − | An intermediate version is pictured with no body release and no brilliant finder in the ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' exhibition catalogue.<REF> ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' | + | An intermediate version is pictured with no body release and no brilliant finder in the ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' exhibition catalogue.<REF> ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten,'' p. 16. </REF> It has the Vester 1 shutter and an Anastigmat Venner 80mm f/4.5 lens. |
=== The Clover-Six 3, 4 and B === | === The Clover-Six 3, 4 and B === | ||
| − | The '''Clover-Six 3, 4 and B''' were advertised between 1941 and 1943.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> At the right end of the top plate, the decorative knob has been replaced by a depth-of-field dial, even if at least one camera has been observed with no dial at all, perhaps because it came loose.<REF> Example observed in an eBay auction. </REF> An advertisement dated April 1942<REF> Advertisement published in ''Hōdō Shashin'' | + | The '''Clover-Six 3, 4 and B''' were advertised between 1941 and 1943.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> At the right end of the top plate, the decorative knob has been replaced by a depth-of-field dial, even if at least one camera has been observed with no dial at all, perhaps because it came loose.<REF> Example observed in an eBay auction. </REF> An advertisement dated April 1942<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 69. </REF> gives the following characteristics: |
* '''Clover-Six 3''': f/4.5 lens, 1–200 shutter ({{yen|129|1942}}); | * '''Clover-Six 3''': f/4.5 lens, 1–200 shutter ({{yen|129|1942}}); | ||
* '''Clover-Six 4''': f/3.5 lens, 1–200 shutter ({{yen|151|1942}}); | * '''Clover-Six 4''': f/3.5 lens, 1–200 shutter ({{yen|151|1942}}); | ||
* '''Clover-Six B''': f/3.5 lens, 1–200 shutter, self-timer ({{yen|163|1942}}). | * '''Clover-Six B''': f/3.5 lens, 1–200 shutter, self-timer ({{yen|163|1942}}). | ||
| − | + | The self-timer equipped shutter is an Orient made by [[Tōyō Kōki]] and the others are Vester shutters.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 336, and {{Sugiyama}}, item 1034, say that the self-timer equipped shutter is an "Oriental" (オリエンタル), but this is invalidated by the {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-P-23. </REF> On these, the shutter plate is metal and is marked ''GINREI KOHKI'' at the top. | |
| − | + | The focal length of the various lenses is unclear. One source says that the lenses were a 78/4.5 and a 80/3.5.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> Examples of the Clover-Six 4 have been observed with a Venner Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens.<REF> Examples observed in online auctions. </REF> One example of the Clover-Six B is pictured in {{Sugiyama}} with a G.R.C. Venner 80mm f/3.5 lens.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1034. </REF> Another example of the Clover-Six B has been reported with an N.K.L. Venner 80mm f/3.5 lens, perhaps by mistake.<REF> Example reported in an eBay auction. </REF> | |
== The Vester-Six == | == The Vester-Six == | ||
The '''Vester-Six''' is identical to the Clover-Six 3, 4 and B, with a depth-of-field dial on the right end of the top plate. The only difference is that a metal plate engraved ''VESTER-SIX'' is screwed to the front of the finder housing and that ''VESTER-SIX'' is embossed in the back leather. | The '''Vester-Six''' is identical to the Clover-Six 3, 4 and B, with a depth-of-field dial on the right end of the top plate. The only difference is that a metal plate engraved ''VESTER-SIX'' is screwed to the front of the finder housing and that ''VESTER-SIX'' is embossed in the back leather. | ||
| − | No advertisement for the Vester-Six has been found yet. | + | No advertisement for the Vester-Six has been found yet. The actual examples observed of the Vester-Six have a Vester 3 shutter giving T, B, 1–200 speeds. The shutter plate is marked ''GINREI KOHKI'' at the top and ''Vester .3'' or ''VESTER .3'' at the bottom, with a logo on the right. Three types of lens engraving have been observed, in chronological order: |
| − | * G.R.C. | + | * ''Venner Anastigmat 1:3.5 F=75mm N°xxxxx''<REF> Example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p. 345, lens no. 36746. </REF> |
| − | + | * ''Venner G.R.C. 1:3.5 F=80mm N°xxxxx''<REF> Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction, lens no. 37815. </REF> | |
| − | + | * ''G.R.C. Venner N°xxxxx F=80mm 1:3.5''<REF> Examples pictured in [http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JA_VESTER_SIX_PIC.htm this page at Japan Family Camera] (lens no. 42214), in [http://club.test.pchome.net/topic.php?areaid=2&topicid=5&bbsid=89046&old= this post at a Chinese forum] (lens no. 42815) and for sale at a Chinese dealer (probably lens no. 40423). </REF> | |
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
| Line 55: | Line 57: | ||
* {{McKeown12}} Pp. 345–6 and 374. | * {{McKeown12}} Pp. 345–6 and 374. | ||
* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 16. | * ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 16. | ||
| + | * {{Zukan}} Item 1034. | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
Revision as of 18:41, 20 March 2007
The Clover-Six (クロバーシックス) and Vester-Six (ベスターシックス) are Japanese 6×6 folding cameras. The Clover-Six was made by Ginrei Kōki and distributed by Hagi Kōgyō Bōeki between 1937 and 1943.[1] Even if an advertisement dated December 1937 seems to state that Hagi was both the maker and the distributor,[2] the GRC markings found on the body's folding struts clearly indicates its origin. The lenses and shutters were made by Ginrei Kōki too.
The Vester-Six is nearly identical except for the name, and its distributor is not known (it was perhaps sold by Ginrei itself).
Contents
General description
The Clover-Six and Vester-Six are horizontal folders. The viewfinder is contained in a short housing that also supports the accessory shoe. The advance knob is at the left end of the top plate, and there is usually another knob at the right end. The advance knob has three rows of knurls and an arrow engraved on the top. The back is hinged to the right and film advance is controlled by red window. The folding struts are engraved GRC.
Most models have Venner lenses and Vester shutters made by Ginrei Kōki.[3]
The Clover-Six
The Clover-Six is marked CLOVER-SIX in front of the viewfinder housing but there is no marking in the leather covering.
The original Clover-Six
The original Clover-Six appeared at the end of 1937. It has no body release and has a brilliant finder attached to the shutter housing. It is said that there are three red windows in the back.[4] An advertisement dated December 1937[5] offered this version for ¥68 with a Venner 78/4.5 lens and a Vester 1 shutter (10–200, T, B). The shutter plate is black and is marked GRC Co at the top and VESTER 1 at the bottom. The right knob seems to be decorative only and has a smooth rim.
The Clover-Six 2
Clover-Six 2, f/4.5 lens, chrome speed scale
Pictures courtesy of www.monsterpawn.com. (Image rights)
The Clover-Six 2 replaced the previous model in mid 1938. It has a body release and no brilliant finder. The right knob has a knurled rim and the back has a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover.
The shutter is the same Vester 1 as on the previous model. The shutter plate has similar markings but the speed scale is sometimes chrome instead of black. An advertisement dated June 1939[6] only calls the camera "Clover-Six" and lists two variants:
An intermediate version is pictured with no body release and no brilliant finder in the Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten exhibition catalogue.[7] It has the Vester 1 shutter and an Anastigmat Venner 80mm f/4.5 lens.
The Clover-Six 3, 4 and B
The Clover-Six 3, 4 and B were advertised between 1941 and 1943.[8] At the right end of the top plate, the decorative knob has been replaced by a depth-of-field dial, even if at least one camera has been observed with no dial at all, perhaps because it came loose.[9] An advertisement dated April 1942[10] gives the following characteristics:
- Clover-Six 3: f/4.5 lens, 1–200 shutter (¥129);
- Clover-Six 4: f/3.5 lens, 1–200 shutter (¥151);
- Clover-Six B: f/3.5 lens, 1–200 shutter, self-timer (¥163).
The self-timer equipped shutter is an Orient made by Tōyō Kōki and the others are Vester shutters.[11] On these, the shutter plate is metal and is marked GINREI KOHKI at the top.
The focal length of the various lenses is unclear. One source says that the lenses were a 78/4.5 and a 80/3.5.[12] Examples of the Clover-Six 4 have been observed with a Venner Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens.[13] One example of the Clover-Six B is pictured in Sugiyama with a G.R.C. Venner 80mm f/3.5 lens.[14] Another example of the Clover-Six B has been reported with an N.K.L. Venner 80mm f/3.5 lens, perhaps by mistake.[15]
The Vester-Six
The Vester-Six is identical to the Clover-Six 3, 4 and B, with a depth-of-field dial on the right end of the top plate. The only difference is that a metal plate engraved VESTER-SIX is screwed to the front of the finder housing and that VESTER-SIX is embossed in the back leather.
No advertisement for the Vester-Six has been found yet. The actual examples observed of the Vester-Six have a Vester 3 shutter giving T, B, 1–200 speeds. The shutter plate is marked GINREI KOHKI at the top and Vester .3 or VESTER .3 at the bottom, with a logo on the right. Three types of lens engraving have been observed, in chronological order:
- Venner Anastigmat 1:3.5 F=75mm N°xxxxx[16]
- Venner G.R.C. 1:3.5 F=80mm N°xxxxx[17]
- G.R.C. Venner N°xxxxx F=80mm 1:3.5[18]
Notes
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Clover-Six published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 69. The words "製造発売元" are faintly visible besides the company name.
- ↑ Made by Ginrei: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lb4, shutter item 18-P-2. These names appear on various other Ginrei products, sometimes in direct conjunction with the company name.
- ↑ Three red windows: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 69.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 69.
- ↑ Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten, p. 16.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Example observed in an eBay auction.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Hōdō Shashin, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 69.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336, and Sugiyama, item 1034, say that the self-timer equipped shutter is an "Oriental" (オリエンタル), but this is invalidated by the "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-P-23.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Examples observed in online auctions.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1034.
- ↑ Example reported in an eBay auction.
- ↑ Example pictured in McKeown, p. 345, lens no. 36746.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction, lens no. 37815.
- ↑ Examples pictured in this page at Japan Family Camera (lens no. 42214), in this post at a Chinese forum (lens no. 42815) and for sale at a Chinese dealer (probably lens no. 40423).
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 79–83.
- 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. 345–6 and 374.
- Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 16.
- 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 1034.
Links
In Japanese:
- Clover-Six in a page of the AJCC
- Vester-Six at Japan Family Camera
In Chinese:
- Post about the Vester-Six in a Chinese forum
