Difference between revisions of "Doryu 2-16"
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| − | The '''Doryu 2-16''' is a pistol-shaped camera taking 16mm film, made from 1954 to 1956 by the [[ | + | The '''Doryu 2-16''' is a pistol-shaped camera taking 16mm film, made from 1954 to 1956 by the [[Doryu]] company, later called Nihon 16-senchi Shashin Kōgyō. |
== History == | == History == | ||
The Doryu 2-16 was developed for the police forces, to photograph protesters during demonstrations.<REF name="Nakajima 144"> Nakajima, p.144 of {{KKS}} no.35. </REF> (It was not designed for shooting training, despite what is said in some sources.)<REF> See for example Pritchard, p.146. </REF> It answered the same specifications as the [[Mamiya Pistol]], asking for a pistol-shaped camera, easy to use with a single hand (see [[Mamiya Pistol]]).<REF name="Nakajima 144" /> The Doryu lost the competition, which certainly took place in early 1954. (The Mamiya camera was delivered to the police forces in late April.) The camera was nonetheless produced for the civilian market, albeit it was hardly meeting any need. | The Doryu 2-16 was developed for the police forces, to photograph protesters during demonstrations.<REF name="Nakajima 144"> Nakajima, p.144 of {{KKS}} no.35. </REF> (It was not designed for shooting training, despite what is said in some sources.)<REF> See for example Pritchard, p.146. </REF> It answered the same specifications as the [[Mamiya Pistol]], asking for a pistol-shaped camera, easy to use with a single hand (see [[Mamiya Pistol]]).<REF name="Nakajima 144" /> The Doryu lost the competition, which certainly took place in early 1954. (The Mamiya camera was delivered to the police forces in late April.) The camera was nonetheless produced for the civilian market, albeit it was hardly meeting any need. | ||
| − | The Doryu is mentioned in Japanese magazines as early as July 1954.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.356. </REF> Advertisements are found in ''[[Sankei Camera]]'' from July 1955 to February 1956.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.356. </REF> The July 1955 advertisement, placed by [[ | + | The Doryu is mentioned in Japanese magazines as early as July 1954.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.356. </REF> Advertisements are found in ''[[Sankei Camera]]'' from July 1955 to February 1956.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.356. </REF> The July 1955 advertisement, placed by [[Doryu|Doryu Camera]], says that the "Doryu 2-16 Flash Camera" would be "available soon", with a Doryu 17/2.5 lens.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.153. </REF> The September 1955 advertisement mentions a choice of three Dorymar lenses: 15/2.2, 17/2.5 and 17/2.7.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.153. </REF> It mentions the maker [[Doryu|Doryu Camera]] and the company [[Komamura|Komamura Shōkai]], distributor for the Kansai area (Western Japan). The price is not mentioned in either document, but one recent source reports ¥12,500.<REF> Price: [http://www9.plala.or.jp/vintage/pistol.html this page] at Sepia World. </REF> |
It is said that the camera part was incompetently made. One author, who seems to have actually tried the camera, says that "the shutter is poor, the film planeity is not good, there are light leaks and the lens quality is bad".<REF> Nakajima, p.144 of {{KKS}} no.35, who seems to have actually taken pictures with the camera. </REF> These faults certainly explain the failure to meet the police specifications. The only advantage of the Doryu was arguably its built-in flash system, allowing to take pictures in the night. This relied on magnesium cartridges contained in the camera's handgrip and loaded by pulling the breech block. The shutter actually has no internal synchronization, and the flash exposures only work in <u>B</u>ulb setting, obviously detracting from the usability.<REF> Nakajima, p.144 of {{KKS}} no.35. </REF> Rumour says that the flash cartridges also used to explode in your face,<REF> This is reported in [http://www.subclub.org/shop/16mm.htm this page at Subclub.org]. </REF> making the camera a complete failure. | It is said that the camera part was incompetently made. One author, who seems to have actually tried the camera, says that "the shutter is poor, the film planeity is not good, there are light leaks and the lens quality is bad".<REF> Nakajima, p.144 of {{KKS}} no.35, who seems to have actually taken pictures with the camera. </REF> These faults certainly explain the failure to meet the police specifications. The only advantage of the Doryu was arguably its built-in flash system, allowing to take pictures in the night. This relied on magnesium cartridges contained in the camera's handgrip and loaded by pulling the breech block. The shutter actually has no internal synchronization, and the flash exposures only work in <u>B</u>ulb setting, obviously detracting from the usability.<REF> Nakajima, p.144 of {{KKS}} no.35. </REF> Rumour says that the flash cartridges also used to explode in your face,<REF> This is reported in [http://www.subclub.org/shop/16mm.htm this page at Subclub.org]. </REF> making the camera a complete failure. | ||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
| − | * Andō Katsuyasu (安藤勝康). " | + | * Andō Katsuyasu (安藤勝康). "Doriu 2–16 gata kamera" (ドリウ2–16型カメラ, Doryu 2-16 camera). In {{SK}} no.33 (March 1955). Pp.214–7. |
* {{Showa10}} Item 633 (see also the pictures on pp.19 and 438.) | * {{Showa10}} Item 633 (see also the pictures on pp.19 and 438.) | ||
* {{McKeown12}} P.250. | * {{McKeown12}} P.250. | ||
Revision as of 21:35, 25 October 2008
The Doryu 2-16 is a pistol-shaped camera taking 16mm film, made from 1954 to 1956 by the Doryu company, later called Nihon 16-senchi Shashin Kōgyō.
History
The Doryu 2-16 was developed for the police forces, to photograph protesters during demonstrations.[1] (It was not designed for shooting training, despite what is said in some sources.)[2] It answered the same specifications as the Mamiya Pistol, asking for a pistol-shaped camera, easy to use with a single hand (see Mamiya Pistol).[1] The Doryu lost the competition, which certainly took place in early 1954. (The Mamiya camera was delivered to the police forces in late April.) The camera was nonetheless produced for the civilian market, albeit it was hardly meeting any need.
The Doryu is mentioned in Japanese magazines as early as July 1954.[3] Advertisements are found in Sankei Camera from July 1955 to February 1956.[4] The July 1955 advertisement, placed by Doryu Camera, says that the "Doryu 2-16 Flash Camera" would be "available soon", with a Doryu 17/2.5 lens.[5] The September 1955 advertisement mentions a choice of three Dorymar lenses: 15/2.2, 17/2.5 and 17/2.7.[6] It mentions the maker Doryu Camera and the company Komamura Shōkai, distributor for the Kansai area (Western Japan). The price is not mentioned in either document, but one recent source reports ¥12,500.[7]
It is said that the camera part was incompetently made. One author, who seems to have actually tried the camera, says that "the shutter is poor, the film planeity is not good, there are light leaks and the lens quality is bad".[8] These faults certainly explain the failure to meet the police specifications. The only advantage of the Doryu was arguably its built-in flash system, allowing to take pictures in the night. This relied on magnesium cartridges contained in the camera's handgrip and loaded by pulling the breech block. The shutter actually has no internal synchronization, and the flash exposures only work in Bulb setting, obviously detracting from the usability.[9] Rumour says that the flash cartridges also used to explode in your face,[10] making the camera a complete failure.
Description
The device is shaped as an automatic pistol, with a handgrip and a trigger. The rear part is very realistic, with a predominantly black finish. The handgrip contains a magazine, just as the bullet magazine of a real pistol, loaded with six magnesium cartridges.[11] The magazines are locked by a latch and are easily recognized by the name DORYU 2–16 engraved at the bottom. The breechblock can be pulled to the rear, apparently extracting the magnesium cartridges and erecting them in firing position. The left-hand side is inscribed DORYU 2 FLASH CAMERA MADE IN JAPAN. The trigger both trips the shutter and fires the magnesium cartridge. It is locked by a lever on the left, next to the handgrip.
The camera part is placed at the front end, instead of the gun barrel. It can be separated from the rear part,[12] apparently by fully unscrewing the round knob visible on the right, in front of the trigger. The left-hand side plate is removable for film loading: it is apparently unlocked by turning the same knob by 180 degrees. The film cassettes are the same as on the Mamiya 16, and the camera nominally takes thirty exposures in 10×10mm format.[13] The film door supports an exposure counter, graduated from 0 to 35, and a small fixed knob.
There is a lever at the rear of the camera part, actuated by the right thumb, used to advance the film and cock the shutter. There is an accessory shoe on the same side, whose function is unclear: the shutter has no synch socket, and attaching an external viewfinder or rangefinder would be little practical in that position. The camera's built-in viewfinder consists of a single folding frame at the top. The name DORYU 2–16 and serial number are repeated under the accessory shoe.
The shutter is behind the lens mount, and normally gives B, 25, 50, 100 speeds.[14] These are selected by turning a ring, driven by a tab at the bottom. The lens is interchangeable, and the camera takes C-mount cine lenses.
Variations on actual examples
One source says that about five or six hundred units were made, no more than 1,000.[15] The serial numbers observed on actual examples run from 10017 to 10542.
The early examples (observed from 10017 to 10133) have a non slip brown covering on both sides of the handgrip, whereas the late examples (observed from 10322 to 10490) have chrome plates instead, displaying a small DORYU logo. The cartridge magazines are nickel-finished on the early examples and chrome-finished on the late ones. Most cameras have the regular speed range (B, 25–100), but at least one camera reportedly has B, 50, 100, 200 engravings, perhaps without any actual internal change..[16]
The cameras are found with various lenses, including the Dorymar 17/2.5 or Hokutar 17/2.7.[17] Of these, the Dorymar was obviously specific to the Doryu. It is difficult to know for sure whether this was the case of other lenses as well.
The Doryu 2-16 sometimes comes in its presentation box, with a small plastic box containing flash cartridges.[18] Two types of leather cases are known: one is a closed zipped case, embossed with the DORYU logo,[19] and the other is a leather holster, probably made specifically for the camera.[20]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Nakajima, p.144 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.35.
- ↑ See for example Pritchard, p.146.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.153.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.153.
- ↑ Price: this page at Sepia World.
- ↑ Nakajima, p.144 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.35, who seems to have actually taken pictures with the camera.
- ↑ Nakajima, p.144 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.35.
- ↑ This is reported in this page at Subclub.org.
- ↑ Six cartridges: Sugiyama, item 5029, Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356.
- ↑ This is obvious from the instruction sheet reproduced in this page by Auction Team Breker.
- ↑ Mamiya cassettes: Nakajima, p.144 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.35. Thirty exposures: advertisement in Sankei Camera September 1955, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.153. 10×10mm format: McKeown, p.250, Sugiyama, item 5029, Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.356.
- ↑ B, 25, 50, 100: instruction sheet reproduced in this page by Auction Team Breker.
- ↑ Nakajima, p.144 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.35.
- ↑ Nakajima, p.144 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.35, mentioning the camera owned by the Pentax Gallery.
- ↑ The lens name "Dormar" given in Pritchard, p.147, is a mistake.
- ↑ The set is pictured in Pritchard, p.147.
- ↑ Camera sold as lot no.643 of Westlicht Photographica Auction no.3 (May 24, 2003).
- ↑ Camera sold as lot no.722 of Westlicht Photographica Auction no.9 (May 20, 2006).
Bibliography
- Andō Katsuyasu (安藤勝康). "Doriu 2–16 gata kamera" (ドリウ2–16型カメラ, Doryu 2-16 camera). In Shashin Kōgyō no.33 (March 1955). Pp.214–7.
- 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. Item 633 (see also the pictures on pp.19 and 438.)
- 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.250.
- Nakajima Akitoshi (中島章年). "Kenjū magai no yunīku na sutairu — Doryū 2-16" (拳銃まがいのユニークなスタイル・ドリュー2-16, The Doryu 2-16, with a unique pistol-like style). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.35, November 1995. Nihon no kamera 50nen (日本のカメラ50年, special issue on 50 years of Japanese cameras). P.144.
- 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. Pp.146–7.
- 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 5029.
Links
In English:
- Past sales by Westlicht Photographica Auction:
- Doryu 2-16, lot no.643 of auction no.3 (May 24, 2003)
- Doryu 2-16, lot no.722 of auction no.9 (May 20, 2006)
- Doryu 2-16 and film magazine, lots no.597–8 of auction no.13 (June 7, 2008)
- Doryu 2-16, lot no.278 of January 16, 2001 auction by Christies
- Doryu 2-16 among the highlights of the April 26, 2008 sale by Auction Team Breker
- Doryu 2-16 among 16mm film cameras at Subclub.org
In Japanese:
- Doryu 2-16 in the March 2005 Nikon Kenkyukai, at Red Book Nikkor
- Doryu 2-16 among Japanese pistol-shaped cameras at Sepia World
- Doryu 2-16 among pistol-shaped cameras at the JCII Camera Museum
