Difference between revisions of "First plate folders"
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== Wooden models == | == Wooden models == | ||
| + | === Description === | ||
The early First cameras have a wooden main body. The split folding struts are the same as on the [[Mikuni]]; they were perhaps copied on [[Contessa-Nettel]] designs, such as the [[Adoro]]. The First has single extension bellows, a focusing wheel on the photographer's right, a distance scale and a [[brilliant finder]] on the left. The attachments for the top handle are clover-shaped and are fixed by three rivets each. | The early First cameras have a wooden main body. The split folding struts are the same as on the [[Mikuni]]; they were perhaps copied on [[Contessa-Nettel]] designs, such as the [[Adoro]]. The First has single extension bellows, a focusing wheel on the photographer's right, a distance scale and a [[brilliant finder]] on the left. The attachments for the top handle are clover-shaped and are fixed by three rivets each. | ||
| + | === Advertisements === | ||
The advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May, July, August and September 1929 were ostensibly placed by "First Camera Works". All four show the same illustration; the pictured camera has w [[Vario]] shutter, no wireframe finder, and the name ''FIRST'' is visible inside the folding bed, between the focusing rails. | The advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May, July, August and September 1929 were ostensibly placed by "First Camera Works". All four show the same illustration; the pictured camera has w [[Vario]] shutter, no wireframe finder, and the name ''FIRST'' is visible inside the folding bed, between the focusing rails. | ||
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|| ''Advertisements by "First Camera Works" in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May and September 1929. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | || ''Advertisements by "First Camera Works" in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May and September 1929. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | ||
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| − | The May and September advertisements are almost identical. They mention Trimer Anastigmat lenses, in f/3.5, f/4.5, f/6.3 and f/6.8 aperture, and [[Vario]], [[Ibsor]] and [[Compur]] shutters. The camera was supplied with three plate holders and one film pack holder; the exact lens and shutter combinations and prices are not given. | + | The May and September advertisements are almost identical. They mention Trimer Anastigmat lenses, in f/3.5, f/4.5, f/6.3 and f/6.8 aperture, and [[Vario]], [[Ibsor]] and [[Compur]] shutters. (The spelling "Trimer" is perhaps a mistake for "Trimar", which seems more plausible.)<REF> Baird, pp.49–50, and {{McKeown}}, p.575, mention "Trinar" lenses. [[Rodenstock]] Trinar lenses are found on other Japanese cameras of the time, but these cannot correspond to the "Trimer" or トリマー (''torimā'') lenses mentioned in the advertisements. </REF> The camera was supplied with three plate holders and one film pack holder; the exact lens and shutter combinations and prices are not given. |
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The advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' July and August 1929, again placed by "First Camera Works", show the same illustration.<REF> Advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' July 1929 (p.A27) and August 1929 (p.A30). </REF> Two versions are listed in July: | The advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' July and August 1929, again placed by "First Camera Works", show the same illustration.<REF> Advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' July 1929 (p.A27) and August 1929 (p.A30). </REF> Two versions are listed in July: | ||
| − | * Trimer f/6.3 lens, [[Vario]] shutter, {{yen|34|1929}}; | + | * Trimer or Trimar f/6.3 lens, [[Vario]] shutter, {{yen|34|1929}}; |
* same lens, [[Compur]] shutter, {{yen|48|1929}}. | * same lens, [[Compur]] shutter, {{yen|48|1929}}. | ||
| − | A third combination was added in August, consisting of a Trimer f/4.5 lens and a [[Vario]], for {{yen|42|1929}}. | + | A third combination was added in August, consisting of a Trimer or Trimar f/4.5 lens and a [[Vario]], for {{yen|42|1929}}. |
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|| ''Advertisement by [[Minagawa]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1930. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | || ''Advertisement by [[Minagawa]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1930. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | ||
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| − | The advertisement by [[Minagawa|Minagawa Kamera-ten]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1930 presents the First along with the [[Mikuni]]. The illustrated camera has a [[Vario]] shutter and a folding wireframe finder; the front wireframe has a complicated shape and there is a small pointed eyepiece on the rear. The versions with Trimer f/6.3 and f/4.5 lenses are listed, respectively priced at {{yen|34|1930}} and {{yen|42|1930}}. | + | The advertisement by [[Minagawa|Minagawa Kamera-ten]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1930 presents the First along with the [[Mikuni]]. The illustrated camera has a [[Vario]] shutter and a folding wireframe finder; the front wireframe has a complicated shape and there is a small pointed eyepiece on the rear. The markings on the lens rim are faintly legible as ''Kerman–Dresden Nr134969 * Trimar–Anastigmat 1:4.5 f=10.5cm''; this Kerman company is otherwise unknown. The versions with Trimer or Trimar f/6.3 and f/4.5 lenses are listed, respectively priced at {{yen|34|1930}} and {{yen|42|1930}}. |
| + | |||
| + | === Surviving example === | ||
| + | One wooden plate folder is pictured as a "First Hand Camera" in Baird and {{Sugiyama}}.<REF> Baird, pp.48 and 51, {{Sugiyama}}, item 1041, {{McKeown}}, p.575. The identification of the camera as a First is made on an unknown basis. </REF> Its shape differs from the illustrations in the advertisements reproduced above. The folding struts and the U-shaped front standard are markedly different; knobs are visible on the front standard to control vertical and horizontal movements. The camera has a [[Magna]] shutter by [[Hattori|Seikōsha]] and a Toko-Anastigmat 105/6.3 lens by [[Tōkyō Kōgaku]]. | ||
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| + | == Metal models == | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 00:58, 27 February 2008
The First or First Camera (ファーストカメラ) are Japanese 6.5×9cm plate folders, distributed by Minagawa in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and ostensibly made by "First Camera Works", another name for Kuribayashi.
Contents
Wooden models
Description
The early First cameras have a wooden main body. The split folding struts are the same as on the Mikuni; they were perhaps copied on Contessa-Nettel designs, such as the Adoro. The First has single extension bellows, a focusing wheel on the photographer's right, a distance scale and a brilliant finder on the left. The attachments for the top handle are clover-shaped and are fixed by three rivets each.
Advertisements
The advertisements in Asahi Camera May, July, August and September 1929 were ostensibly placed by "First Camera Works". All four show the same illustration; the pictured camera has w Vario shutter, no wireframe finder, and the name FIRST is visible inside the folding bed, between the focusing rails.
 
|
| Advertisements by "First Camera Works" in Asahi Camera May and September 1929. (Image rights) |
The May and September advertisements are almost identical. They mention Trimer Anastigmat lenses, in f/3.5, f/4.5, f/6.3 and f/6.8 aperture, and Vario, Ibsor and Compur shutters. (The spelling "Trimer" is perhaps a mistake for "Trimar", which seems more plausible.)[1] The camera was supplied with three plate holders and one film pack holder; the exact lens and shutter combinations and prices are not given.
 
|
| Advertisements by "First Camera Works" in Asahi Camera July and August 1929. (Image rights) |
The advertisements in Asahi Camera July and August 1929, again placed by "First Camera Works", show the same illustration.[2] Two versions are listed in July:
A third combination was added in August, consisting of a Trimer or Trimar f/4.5 lens and a Vario, for ¥42.
 
|
| Advertisement by Minagawa in Asahi Camera February 1930. (Image rights) |
The advertisement by Minagawa Kamera-ten in Asahi Camera February 1930 presents the First along with the Mikuni. The illustrated camera has a Vario shutter and a folding wireframe finder; the front wireframe has a complicated shape and there is a small pointed eyepiece on the rear. The markings on the lens rim are faintly legible as Kerman–Dresden Nr134969 * Trimar–Anastigmat 1:4.5 f=10.5cm; this Kerman company is otherwise unknown. The versions with Trimer or Trimar f/6.3 and f/4.5 lenses are listed, respectively priced at ¥34 and ¥42.
Surviving example
One wooden plate folder is pictured as a "First Hand Camera" in Baird and Sugiyama.[3] Its shape differs from the illustrations in the advertisements reproduced above. The folding struts and the U-shaped front standard are markedly different; knobs are visible on the front standard to control vertical and horizontal movements. The camera has a Magna shutter by Seikōsha and a Toko-Anastigmat 105/6.3 lens by Tōkyō Kōgaku.
Metal models
Notes
- ↑ Baird, pp.49–50, and McKeown, p.575, mention "Trinar" lenses. Rodenstock Trinar lenses are found on other Japanese cameras of the time, but these cannot correspond to the "Trimer" or トリマー (torimā) lenses mentioned in the advertisements.
- ↑ Advertisements in Asahi Camera July 1929 (p.A27) and August 1929 (p.A30).
- ↑ Baird, pp.48 and 51, Sugiyama, item 1041, McKeown, p.575. The identification of the camera as a First is made on an unknown basis.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera. Advertisement by "First Camera Works" in May 1929 (p.A29), July 1929 (p.A27), August 1929 (p.A30), September 1929 (p.A26), and by Minagawa Kamera-ten in February 1930 (p.A36).
- 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 193–4.
- Baird, John R. Collectors guide to Kuribayashi-Petri Cameras. Grantsburg, WI (USA): Centennial Photo Service, 1991. ISBN 0-931838-16-9. Pp.15–9 and 48–53.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). Pp.44 and 46.
- 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.575.
- 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 1041–3.
Links
In Japanese:
| Kuribayashi prewar and wartime cameras () | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rollfilm folders | ||||
| Eagle | Speed Pocket | First Roll | First Center | Semi First | First Six | Baby Semi First | Semi Rotte | Hokoku | Mizuho | ||||
| plate folders | rigid | SLR | TLR | unknown |
| Mikuni | First | First Etui | Kokka | Romax | Tokiwa | Molby | Speed Reflex | First Reflex | Baby First |
