Difference between revisions of "Dan 35 I and II"

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{{Japanese Bolta}}
 
{{Japanese Bolta}}
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The '''Dan 35 I''' (ダン35Ⅰ型) and '''Dan 35 II''' (ダン35Ⅱ型) are Japanese cameras taking twelve exposures on [[Bolta film]], released in 1948. They are evolutions of the [[Boltax]] and [[Silver]].
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The '''Silver''' (シルバー), '''Dan 35''' (ダン35) and '''Minon 35''' (ミノン35) are Japanese cameras using [[Bolta film]]. They are postwar evolutions of the [[Boltax]]. All the models are related together, but the chronology and attribution to specific companies are not completely clear.
 
  
−
== The Silver ==
+
== Origin ==
−
=== Description ===
+
The Dan 35 was launched by Hagimoto Danji, who founded a camera shop in Ginza in 1945. He set up a plant in Suwa to manufacture the Dan 35, sold for ¥3,000.<REF> [https://web.archive.org/web/20041124210507/http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm This page at Out of Focus] (archived) quotes an interview of Hagimoto Danji's wife in a TV program, mentioning the plant in Suwa. The price is quoted as ¥3,000, but Takesaki, p.95 of {{KKS}} no.21, says that the camera was perhaps priced at ¥1,700 in 1947. </REF><REF> [https://web.archive.org/web/20160305154608/http://www.katsumido-camera.com/special01/index.html Katsumido's history page] (archived) has an interview of Fujimoto Katsumi, former manager of Hagimoto Kamera-ten, talking about the Dan 35. </REF> He certainly bought the design of the [[Boltax]] and [[Silver]] to the [[Miyagawa]] company. It seems that the name Dan was forged after the first name <U>Dan</U>ji, and the cameras have an ''H DAN'' logo certainly standing for <U>H</U>agimoto <U>Dan</U>ji. From the advertisements observed so far, the distributor of the Dan 35 was called [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōkai]] in 1948 and [[Hagimoto|Dan Shashin-yōhin]] in 1949–50.<REF> Hagimoto Shōkai: advertisement on p.5 of {{NSKT}}, April 20, 1948, reproduced on p.83 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku''. Dan Shashin-yōhin: advertisements dated November 1949 and March 1950 reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.147 and in [https://web.archive.org/web/20041124210507/http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm this page at Out of Focus] (archived). </REF> It is said that Hagimoto's plans failed in 1950.<REF> See [https://web.archive.org/web/20041124210507/http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm this page at Out of Focus] (archived). </REF>
−
The '''Silver''' is a derivative of the [[Boltax]]. It has the same body with rounded edges, the same focusing helical graduated in metres down to <sup>2</sup>/<small>3</small>m, and the same back door hinged to the left, used to make film loading easier and to set the position of the first exposure. The main metal parts are nickel-plated, the same as on the Boltax I and early Boltax III. The name ''Silver'' is embossed in the covering of the back door.
 
  
−
The shutter is the same as on the Boltax I. The shutter plate is black, has the speeds engraved at the top in the order 100, 50, 25, B, silver stripes on the sides and the name ''PICNY D'' inscribed at the bottom. The shutters were perhaps taken from old stocks of parts. The lens is a Silver Anastigmat 40mm f/4.5. Old stocks of Picner Anastigmat 40mm f/4.5 lenses originally made for the Boltax were perhaps reused after changing the lens bezel only.
+
The Dan 35 models are attributed to [[Yamato|Yamato Kōki]] in some sources.<REF> {{SUG}}, items 4196–9; Takesaki, p.95 of {{KKS}} no.21; Lewis, p.60. The attribution of the Dan 35 II and IV to "Daiwa Koki" in Lewis, p.66, is certainly a translation mistake for Yamato Kōki: 大和光機. </REF> Yamato is known for sure to have made the [[Minon 35]], a derivative of the [[Dan 35 III]], and the [[Pax 35]], a derivative of the Super Dan 35. It is not known if the manufacturer was already called Yamato Kōki in the Hagimoto period, or if the production of the cameras was transferred to Yamato after the 1950 bankruptcy. The words ''Dan Camera Works'' are engraved on the [[Dan 35 III]]. This has been interpreted by some sources as the name of a company, maker of all the Dan models and predecessor of Yamato Kōki.<REF> {{MK}}, pp.241–2. </REF> However this name probably does not correspond to any actual company, as many other names ending in [[Camera Works]].
  
−
The film is loaded through the bottom plate, the reverse of the regular [[Boltax]]. The bottom plate has two film flanges, a tripod thread and a locking key with ''O'' and ''L'' indications (for <U>O</U>pen and <U>L</U>ocked), shaped about the same as the top opening key of the Boltax.
+
== Common features ==
 +
The '''Dan 35 I''' (ダン35Ⅰ型) and '''Dan 35 II''' (ダン35Ⅱ型) are evolutions of the [[Boltax]] and [[Silver]]. They have the same body with rounded edges, and a new type of focusing helical, turning in the reverse direction. The distance scale is engraved in metres down to 1m or in feet down to 4ft. The main metal parts are chrome-plated and the name ''Dan 35'' is embossed at the bottom of the back.
  
−
The top plate is attached by four screws. It has a torpedo-shaped optical finder offset to the right, as seen by the photographer, the same as on the [[Boltax]]. There is a film flange further to the right, with no accessory shoe, the same as on the Boltax I. The film is advanced by a knob at the top left, placed above a small metal casing containing an auto-stop mechanism. Frame numbers ''1'' to ''12'' are engraved on the base of the advance knob, facing an index on the metal casing. There is a small lever protruding to the rear of the casing, used to unlock the film advance after each exposure.
+
The shutter is a Silver-B, similar to the Picny D shutter mounted on the [[Silver]] camera. It has the release lever on one side and the winding lever on the other. The shutter plate is black, has the speeds engraved at the top in the order 100, 50, 25, B, silver stripes on the sides and the name ''SILVER–B'' inscribed at the bottom. The lens is a Dan Anastigmat 40mm f/4.5, probably the same as the Silver Anastigmat lens of the [[Silver]] camera, except for the name. One source says that the lens is coated on the Dan 35 II.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.354. </REF>
  
−
=== Advertisements, origin of the camera ===
+
== The Dan 35 I ==
−
The Silver was advertised in Japanese magazines from May 1947 to March 1948.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.352. </REF> The December 1947 advertisement in ''[[Kohga Gekkan]]'' was placed by the distributor [[Kenko|Murakami Shōkai]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.140. </REF> It shows absolutely no detail, and does not mention the name of the manufacturer.
+
The Dan 35 I has no auto-stop advance. The top plate is removable for film loading, and is very similar to the top plate of the [[Boltax]]. It is locked by a key with ''O'' and ''L'' indications, whose direction is reversed when compared to the locking key of the Boltax. The advance knob is at the left end of the top plate. It is surrounded by a disc with frame numbers engraved in black on a silver background, for manual control of the film advance. The torpedo-shaped viewfinder is placed on a small hump, absent from all the other models. There is a logo engraved on this hump, to the right of the viewfinder, and reading ''H DAN''.
  
−
The maker of the Silver is not known for sure but there are two plausible candidates. The first candidate is [[Miyagawa|Miyagawa Seisakusho]], the maker of the [[Boltax]]. It is known to have released a complete redesign of the Boltax called the [[Picny B]] in late 1948, distributed by [[Chiyoda Shōkai]], and it was certainly the owner of the "Picny" brand. The Silver is attributed in {{Sugiyama}} and {{McKeown}} to Miyagawa, perhaps because of the "Picny D" shutter name.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 4262, {{McKeown}}, p.693. </REF> The other candidate is the maker of the Dan 35, whose model II (described below) is very similar to the Silver. This maker is related to the [[Hagimoto]] sales company, and is perhaps [[Yamato|Yamato Kōki]] (see below about the Dan 35).
+
The bottom plate is attached by four screws and has a hump at each end. The hump on the supply side contains the tripod thread. The back has a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover, and used to set the position of the first exposure.
 +
{{br}}
  
−
The decisive factor is probably the release date of the Dan 35. Some sources say that the Dan 35 I was released in 1946.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 4196, Lewis, p.60. </REF> If they are right, then it is likely that the production of the simple Boltax derivatives was transferred from [[Miyagawa]] to the maker of the Dan 35 immediately after the end of the war. It would have developed the auto-stop device found on the Dan 35 II, and released the Silver as a rebadged version.
+
== The Dan 35 II ==
 +
The Dan 35 II has a fixed top plate, similar to that of the [[Silver]]. There is an auto-stop advance mechanism contained in a small metal casing on the left, with the name ''DAN 35'' and the body serial number inscribed above.<REF> The only serial number known so far is 2438. </REF> Frame numbers ''1'' to ''12'' are engraved on the base of the advance knob, facing an index on the metal casing. There is a small lever protruding to the rear, used to unlock the film advance after each exposure. The torpedo-shaped finder is directly attached to the top plate, and the hump visible on the Dan 35 I has disappeared. The film flange at the right end has the same ''H DAN'' logo as on the model I.
  
−
However, no advertisement for the Dan 35 I is known before February 1948, and the camera was featured in the new products column of the February 1948 issue of ''[[Kohga Gekkan]]''.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.354. </REF> Moreover construction details and the better finish of the Dan seem to indicate that it was made after the Silver. It is thus possible that Miyagawa made the Silver as a derivative of the [[Boltax]] with auto-stop advance and "Picny D" shutter in 1947, before developing the [[Picny B]] camera. The design of the Boltax and Silver would have been sold to the [[Hagimoto]], but not the trademarks. The design would be developed as the Dan 35, with the new "Silver-B" shutter name.
+
The bottom plate is removable for film loading. It is locked in place by a key and has film flanges at both ends. One of the film flanges contains the tripod thread, and the other is sometimes engraved ''<small>[[Made in Occupied Japan|MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN]]</small>''. The back has no red window but a screwed metal part, perhaps used to used to fine tune the infinity focusing during assembly or repair.
  
−
== The Dan 35 I and II ==
+
Some cameras, but not all, have a single strap lug at the right end of the top plate. This was probably added during the production run.
−
=== Origin ===
 
−
The Dan 35 was launched by Hagimoto Danji, who founded a camera shop in Ginza in 1945. The testimonies of his wife and of Fujimoto Katsumi, former manager of the Ginza shop, confirm that he set up a plant in Suwa to manufacture the Dan 35, sold for ¥3,000.<REF> Wife of Hagimoto Danji: [http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm this page at Out of Focus], quoting an interview in a TV program. Fujimoto Katsumi: [http://www.katsumido-camera.com/special01/index.html history page of Katsumido]. </REF> It seems that the name Dan was forged after the first name <U>Dan</U>ji, and the cameras have an ''H DAN'' logo certainly standing for <U>H</U>agimoto <U>Dan</U>ji. From the advertisements observed so far, the distributor of the Dan 35 was called [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōkai]] in 1948 and Dan Shashin-yōhin in 1949–50.<REF> Hagimoto Shōkai: advertisement on p.5 of ''Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin'', April 20, 1948, reproduced on p.83 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku''. Dan Shashin-yōhin: advertisements dated November 1949 and March 1950 reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.147. </REF> It is said that Hagimoto's plans failed in 1950.<REF> See [http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm this page at Out of Focus]. </REF>
 
  
−
The Dan 35 models are attributed to [[Yamato|Yamato Kōki]] in some sources.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, items 4196–9, Lewis, p.60. The attribution of the Dan 35 II and IV to "Daiwa Koki" in Lewis, p.66, is certainly a translation mistake for Yamato Kōki: 大和光機. </REF> Yamato is known for sure to have made the Minon 35, a derivative of the Dan 35 III described below, and the Pax 35, a derivative of the Super Dan 35. It is not known if the manufacturer was already called Yamato Kōki in the Hagimoto period, or if the production of the cameras was transferred to Yamato after the 1950 bankruptcy. The words ''Dan Camera Works'' are engraved on the Dan 35 III. This has been interpreted by some sources as a company, maker of all the Dan models and predecessor of Yamato Kōki.<REF> {{McKeown}}, pp.241–2. </REF> However this name is probably not the name of any actual company, as for many other names ending in [[Camera Works]].
+
== Commercial life ==
−
 
+
{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=250px style="text-align: center;"
−
=== Common features ===
+
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/46066844554/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7852/46066844554_16c5a44ea4_m.jpg]
−
The '''Dan 35 I''' (ダン35Ⅰ型) and '''Dan 35 II''' (ダン35Ⅱ型) are evolutions of the [[Boltax]]. They have a new type of focusing helical, turning in the reverse direction. The distance scale is engraved in metres down to 1m or in feet down to 4ft. The main metal parts are chrome-plated and the name ''Dan 35'' is embossed at the bottom of the back.
+
|-
 +
|| ''Advertisement by [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōten]] in {{AR}} February 1949. {{public domain Japan new}}''
 +
|}
 +
The Dan 35 I was advertised in Japanese magazines from February 1948 to December 1949, and the Dan 35 II was advertised from September 1948 to May 1950.
  
−
The shutter is a Silver-B, similar to the Picny D shutter mounted on the Silver. It only differs by the name ''SILVER–B'' inscribed at the bottom of the shutter plate. The lens is a Dan Anastigmat 40mm f/4.5, supposedly the same as the Silver Anastigmat lens of the Silver camera, except for the name.
+
The 20 April 1948 advertisement in {{NSKT}} shows a drawing of the Dan 35 I in front of a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes.<REF> Advertisement on p.5 of {{NSKT}}, April 20, 1948, reproduced on p.83 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku''. </REF> The camera is simply called "Dan 35", and the picture size is mentioned as 25×25mm. The advertisement, placed by the distributor [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōkai]], makes no mention of the price, and gives a list of seven authorized dealers.<REF> The authorized dealers are [[Ueda|Ueda Shōten]], [[Yamashita|Yamashita Shōten]], Haruna Shōkai, [[Chiyoda Shōkai]], [[Asanuma Shōkai]], [[Ōmiya|Ōmiya Sangyō]] and [[Misuzu Shōkai]]. </REF> In {{AR}} February 1949, an advertisement placed by [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōten]] only mentions the Dan 35 cameras in passing and gives a list of related products:<REF> Advertisement in {{AR}} February 1949, p.28. </REF>
 +
* the guide book ''Dan kamera no tsukaikata'' by Suzuki Hachirō (鈴木八郎);
 +
* the Dan 35 processing tank;
 +
* the Dan 35 close-up lens, for pictures down to ½m;
 +
* the Dan chemicals.
  
−
=== The Dan 35 I ===
+
The November 1949 advertisement in {{ACA}} shows the Dan 35 I, Dan 35 II and [[Dan 35 III]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.147 and in [http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm this page at Out of Focus]. </REF> It was placed by the company [[Dan|Dan Shashin-yōhin]], and displays the ''H DAN'' logo. The models I and II are also briefly mentioned in the March 1950 advertisement in the same magazine, mainly showing the [[Dan 35 III]] and [[Dan 35 M]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.147 and in [http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm this page at Out of Focus]. </REF>
−
The Dan 35 I has no auto-stop advance. The top plate is removable for film loading, and is very similar to the top plate of the [[Boltax]]. It is locked by a key with ''O'' and ''L'' indications, whose direction is reversed when compared to the locking key of the Boltax. The advance knob is at the left end of the top plate. It is surrounded by a disc with frame numbers engraved in black on a silver background, for manual control of the film advance. The torpedo-shaped viewfinder is placed on a small hump, absent from all the other models. There is a logo engraved on this hump, to the right of the viewfinder, and reading ''H DAN''.
 
−
 
 
−
The bottom plate is attached by four screws and has a hump at each end. The hump on the supply side contains the tripod thread. The back has a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover, and used to set the position of the first exposure.
 
−
 
 
−
=== The Dan 35 II ===
 
−
The Dan 35 II has a fixed top plate, similar to that of the Silver camera, with an auto-stop advance mechanism contained in a small metal casing. The name ''DAN 35'' and the body serial number are engraved on this casing. The torpedo-shaped finder is directly attached to the top plate, and the hump visible on the Dan 35 I has disappeared. The film flange at the right end has the same ''H DAN'' logo as on the model I.
 
−
 
 
−
The bottom plate is removable for film loading. It is locked in place by a key and has film flanges at both ends. One of the film flanges contains the tripod thread, and the other is sometimes engraved ''<small>MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN</small>''. The back has no red window but a screwed metal part, perhaps used to used to fine tune the infinity focusing during assembly or repair.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Commercial life ===
 
−
The Dan 35 I was advertised in Japanese magazines from February 1948 to December 1949, and the Dan 35 II was advertised from September 1948 to May 1950.
 
  
−
The 20 April 1948 advertisement in ''Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin'' shows a drawing of the Dan 35 I in front of a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes.<REF> Advertisement on p.5 of ''Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin'', April 20, 1948, reproduced on p.83 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku''. </REF> The camera is simply called "Dan 35", and the picture size is mentioned as 25×25mm. The advertisement was placed by the distributor [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōkai]], and a list of seven authorized dealers is provided.<REF> The authorized dealers are [[Ueda|Ueda Shōten]], [[Yamashita|Yamashita Shōten]], [[Haruna|Haruna Shōkai]], [[Chiyoda Shōkai]], [[Asanuma|Asanuma Shōkai]], [[Ōmiya|Ōmiya Sangyō]] and [[Misuzu Shōkai]]. </REF> No price is indicated.
+
It is said that Dan 35 cameras of an unspecified type were bought in July 1949 by the Okayama police department, an early use of such miniature cameras for police application in Japan.<REF> Lewis, p.68. </REF>
  
−
The November 1949 advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' shows the Dan 35 I, II and III.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.147. </REF> It was placed by the company [[Dan|Dan Shashin-yōhin]], and displays the ''H DAN'' logo. The models I and II are also briefly mentioned in the March 1950 advertisement in the same magazine.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.147. </REF>
+
The Dan 35 I and II certainly disappeared from the market in 1950, when Hagimoto's company went bankrupt.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 54: Line 50:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 +
* {{AR}}. Advertisement by [[Hagimoto|Hagimoto Shōten]] in February 1949 (p.28).
 
* {{Showa10}} Items 593–4. (See also the advertisement for items 595 and 597.)
 
* {{Showa10}} Items 593–4. (See also the advertisement for items 595 and 597.)
 
* {{Lewis}} Pp.60, 63, 66 and 68.
 
* {{Lewis}} Pp.60, 63, 66 and 68.
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.241–2.
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.241–2.
−
* ''Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin'' (日本写真興業通信). ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku'' (百号ごと十回の記録, Ten records, every hundred issues). Tokyo: Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin Sha (日本写真興業通信社), 1967. No ISBN number. Advertisement on p.83, corresponding to p.5 of the April 20, 1948 issue.
+
* {{NSKT1000}} Advertisement on p.83, corresponding to p.5 of the April 20, 1948 issue.
−
* Takezaki Harutoshi (竹崎春年). ''Boruta-han arekore'' (ボルタ判あれこれ, This and that Bolta-size camera.) In {{CCN}} no.34 (April 1980). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
+
* Takesaki Harutoshi (竹崎春年). ''Boruta-han arekore'' (ボルタ判あれこれ, This and that Bolta-size camera.) In {{CCN}} no.34 (April 1980). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
 +
* Takesaki Harutoshi (竹崎春年). "Boruta-han kamera no subete [katarogu]" (ボルタ判カメラのすべて[カタログ], All Bolta-size cameras [catalogue]). In {{KKS021}} Pp.95–105.
 
* {{Zukan}} Items 4196–7.
 
* {{Zukan}} Items 4196–7.
  
Line 64: Line 62:
 
In English:
 
In English:
 
* Pages at [http://www.submin.com/ submin.com]:
 
* Pages at [http://www.submin.com/ submin.com]:
−
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/index.htm Boltax, Dan 35, Silver and Minon 35 cameras]
+
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/index.htm Boltax, Silver, Dan 35 and Minon 35 cameras]
−
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/silver.htm Silver]
 
 
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/dan_35_i.htm Dan 35 I], actually showing a Dan 35 II
 
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/dan_35_i.htm Dan 35 I], actually showing a Dan 35 II
 
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/dan_35_ii.htm Dan 35 II], actually showing examples of the Dan 35 I
 
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/dan_35_ii.htm Dan 35 II], actually showing examples of the Dan 35 I
−
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/dan_35_iii.htm Dan 35 III]
 
−
** [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/boltax/cameras/minon_35.htm Minon 35]
 
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
−
* [http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm Dan 35] in the [http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/tyyle-camera/tactile-camera.htm Out of Focus camera site]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041124210507/http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/camera%20story/DAN35.htm Dan 35] in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20041019025900/http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~outfocus/tyyle-camera/tactile-camera.htm Out of Focus camera site] (archived)
−
* [http://www.katsumido-camera.com/special01/index.html History page] of the [http://www.katsumido-camera.com/ Katsumido camera shop], mentioning the Dan 35 and picturing a Dan 35 III
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080723195150/http://www.katsumido-camera.com/special01/index.html History page] (archived) of the [http://www.katsumido-camera.com/ Katsumido camera shop], mentioning the Dan 35 and picturing an unknown Dan 35 model related to the [[Minon 35]]  
−
* Dan 35 III among [http://www.cameraguild.jp/nekosan/mame.htm subminiature cameras] at [http://www.cameraguild.jp/nekosan/ Nekosan's website]
 
  
 
[[Category: Japanese Bolta film]]
 
[[Category: Japanese Bolta film]]
 
[[Category: D]]
 
[[Category: D]]
 +
[[Category:Japanese viewfinder]]

Latest revision as of 05:27, 5 February 2023

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Japanese Bolta film cameras (edit)
Aruba 35 | Bolex | Boltax | Bolty | Dan 35 I and II | Dan 35 III | Dan 35 M | Hobix | Inoca Stereo | Maruso 35 | Maruso Patent Box | Mickey 35 | Mikker 35 | Minon 35 | Picny B | Silver | Start 35 | Sunny | Tanzer | Town | Youngflex
3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Dan 35 I (ダン35Ⅰ型) and Dan 35 II (ダン35Ⅱ型) are Japanese cameras taking twelve exposures on Bolta film, released in 1948. They are evolutions of the Boltax and Silver.

Origin

The Dan 35 was launched by Hagimoto Danji, who founded a camera shop in Ginza in 1945. He set up a plant in Suwa to manufacture the Dan 35, sold for ¥3,000.[1][2] He certainly bought the design of the Boltax and Silver to the Miyagawa company. It seems that the name Dan was forged after the first name Danji, and the cameras have an H DAN logo certainly standing for Hagimoto Danji. From the advertisements observed so far, the distributor of the Dan 35 was called Hagimoto Shōkai in 1948 and Dan Shashin-yōhin in 1949–50.[3] It is said that Hagimoto's plans failed in 1950.[4]

The Dan 35 models are attributed to Yamato Kōki in some sources.[5] Yamato is known for sure to have made the Minon 35, a derivative of the Dan 35 III, and the Pax 35, a derivative of the Super Dan 35. It is not known if the manufacturer was already called Yamato Kōki in the Hagimoto period, or if the production of the cameras was transferred to Yamato after the 1950 bankruptcy. The words Dan Camera Works are engraved on the Dan 35 III. This has been interpreted by some sources as the name of a company, maker of all the Dan models and predecessor of Yamato Kōki.[6] However this name probably does not correspond to any actual company, as many other names ending in Camera Works.

Common features

The Dan 35 I (ダン35Ⅰ型) and Dan 35 II (ダン35Ⅱ型) are evolutions of the Boltax and Silver. They have the same body with rounded edges, and a new type of focusing helical, turning in the reverse direction. The distance scale is engraved in metres down to 1m or in feet down to 4ft. The main metal parts are chrome-plated and the name Dan 35 is embossed at the bottom of the back.

The shutter is a Silver-B, similar to the Picny D shutter mounted on the Silver camera. It has the release lever on one side and the winding lever on the other. The shutter plate is black, has the speeds engraved at the top in the order 100, 50, 25, B, silver stripes on the sides and the name SILVER–B inscribed at the bottom. The lens is a Dan Anastigmat 40mm f/4.5, probably the same as the Silver Anastigmat lens of the Silver camera, except for the name. One source says that the lens is coated on the Dan 35 II.[7]

The Dan 35 I

The Dan 35 I has no auto-stop advance. The top plate is removable for film loading, and is very similar to the top plate of the Boltax. It is locked by a key with O and L indications, whose direction is reversed when compared to the locking key of the Boltax. The advance knob is at the left end of the top plate. It is surrounded by a disc with frame numbers engraved in black on a silver background, for manual control of the film advance. The torpedo-shaped viewfinder is placed on a small hump, absent from all the other models. There is a logo engraved on this hump, to the right of the viewfinder, and reading H DAN.

The bottom plate is attached by four screws and has a hump at each end. The hump on the supply side contains the tripod thread. The back has a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover, and used to set the position of the first exposure.

The Dan 35 II

The Dan 35 II has a fixed top plate, similar to that of the Silver. There is an auto-stop advance mechanism contained in a small metal casing on the left, with the name DAN 35 and the body serial number inscribed above.[8] Frame numbers 1 to 12 are engraved on the base of the advance knob, facing an index on the metal casing. There is a small lever protruding to the rear, used to unlock the film advance after each exposure. The torpedo-shaped finder is directly attached to the top plate, and the hump visible on the Dan 35 I has disappeared. The film flange at the right end has the same H DAN logo as on the model I.

The bottom plate is removable for film loading. It is locked in place by a key and has film flanges at both ends. One of the film flanges contains the tripod thread, and the other is sometimes engraved MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN. The back has no red window but a screwed metal part, perhaps used to used to fine tune the infinity focusing during assembly or repair.

Some cameras, but not all, have a single strap lug at the right end of the top plate. This was probably added during the production run.

Commercial life

46066844554_16c5a44ea4_m.jpg
Advertisement by Hagimoto Shōten in Ars Camera February 1949. (Image rights)

The Dan 35 I was advertised in Japanese magazines from February 1948 to December 1949, and the Dan 35 II was advertised from September 1948 to May 1950.

The 20 April 1948 advertisement in Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin shows a drawing of the Dan 35 I in front of a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes.[9] The camera is simply called "Dan 35", and the picture size is mentioned as 25×25mm. The advertisement, placed by the distributor Hagimoto Shōkai, makes no mention of the price, and gives a list of seven authorized dealers.[10] In Ars Camera February 1949, an advertisement placed by Hagimoto Shōten only mentions the Dan 35 cameras in passing and gives a list of related products:[11]

  • the guide book Dan kamera no tsukaikata by Suzuki Hachirō (鈴木八郎);
  • the Dan 35 processing tank;
  • the Dan 35 close-up lens, for pictures down to ½m;
  • the Dan chemicals.

The November 1949 advertisement in Asahi Camera shows the Dan 35 I, Dan 35 II and Dan 35 III.[12] It was placed by the company Dan Shashin-yōhin, and displays the H DAN logo. The models I and II are also briefly mentioned in the March 1950 advertisement in the same magazine, mainly showing the Dan 35 III and Dan 35 M.[13]

It is said that Dan 35 cameras of an unspecified type were bought in July 1949 by the Okayama police department, an early use of such miniature cameras for police application in Japan.[14]

The Dan 35 I and II certainly disappeared from the market in 1950, when Hagimoto's company went bankrupt.

Notes

  1. ↑ This page at Out of Focus (archived) quotes an interview of Hagimoto Danji's wife in a TV program, mentioning the plant in Suwa. The price is quoted as ¥3,000, but Takesaki, p.95 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.21, says that the camera was perhaps priced at ¥1,700 in 1947.
  2. ↑ Katsumido's history page (archived) has an interview of Fujimoto Katsumi, former manager of Hagimoto Kamera-ten, talking about the Dan 35.
  3. ↑ Hagimoto Shōkai: advertisement on p.5 of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin, April 20, 1948, reproduced on p.83 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku. Dan Shashin-yōhin: advertisements dated November 1949 and March 1950 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.147 and in this page at Out of Focus (archived).
  4. ↑ See this page at Out of Focus (archived).
  5. ↑ Sugiyama, items 4196–9; Takesaki, p.95 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.21; Lewis, p.60. The attribution of the Dan 35 II and IV to "Daiwa Koki" in Lewis, p.66, is certainly a translation mistake for Yamato Kōki: 大和光機.
  6. ↑ McKeown, pp.241–2.
  7. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.354.
  8. ↑ The only serial number known so far is 2438.
  9. ↑ Advertisement on p.5 of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin, April 20, 1948, reproduced on p.83 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku.
  10. ↑ The authorized dealers are Ueda Shōten, Yamashita Shōten, Haruna Shōkai, Chiyoda Shōkai, Asanuma Shōkai, Ōmiya Sangyō and Misuzu Shōkai.
  11. ↑ Advertisement in Ars Camera February 1949, p.28.
  12. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.147 and in this page at Out of Focus.
  13. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.147 and in this page at Out of Focus.
  14. ↑ Lewis, p.68.

Bibliography

Links

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In Japanese:

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