Difference between revisions of "Gokoku and Ricohl"

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{{Japanese Baby and Four
 
{{Japanese Baby and Four
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47878918791/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47878918791_37a77b30c1_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}''
 
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The '''Gokoku''' (ゴコク) and '''Ricohl''' (リコール) are Japanese cameras taking 3×4cm pictures on [[127 film]], made by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]] (the predecessor of [[Ricoh]]) and originally announced in 1938 as the '''Riken No.1''' . They have a focal plane shutter and look like the [[Leica]] screw models, without a rangefinder. (It is said that the [[Roico]] 4×4cm camera with leaf shutter used the body of the Gokoku and Ricohl in a slightly modified form.)<REF> "Senzen no rikō kamera — hoi", p.21 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF>
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The '''Gokoku''' (ゴコク) and '''Ricohl''' (リコール) are Japanese cameras taking 3×4cm pictures on [[127 film]], made by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]] (the predecessor of [[Ricoh]]) and originally announced in 1938 as the '''Riken No.1'''. They have a focal plane shutter and look like the [[Leica]] screw models, without a rangefinder. (It is said that the [[Roico]] 4×4cm camera with leaf shutter used the body of the Gokoku and Ricohl in a slightly modified form.)<REF> "Senzen no rikō kamera — hoi", p.21 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> These cameras were manufactured in Riken's Ōji plant.<REF> Arimura, p.6 of {{KKS}} no.14, says this of the Gokoku, and this surely applies to the Ricohl as well. </REF>
  
 
== Context and possible predecessors ==
 
== Context and possible predecessors ==
The Gokoku was preceded by the [[Lausar and Baika]] with the same features, made c.1937 by [[Tomioka]] in small quantities. The general aspect and the layout of the controls are very similar to the Riken No.1 and Gokoku but the body is more angular and it seems that no part is shared with Riken's models. The striking design similarity nonetheless leads to the hypothesis that [[Ricoh|Riken]] took over the Lausar project from Tomioka and developed it into the Gokoku.
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The Gokoku was preceded by the [[Lausar and Baika]] with the same features, made c.1937 in small quantities by [[Tomioka]] and perhaps [[Sankyō Kōgaku]]. The general aspect and the layout of the controls are very similar to the Riken No.1 and Gokoku but the body is more angular and it seems that no part is shared with Riken's models. The striking design similarity nonetheless leads to the hypothesis that [[Ricoh|Riken]] took over the Lausar or Baika project from Tomioka or Sankyō and developed it into the Gokoku.
  
These Japanese models were not the only 3×4cm cameras with a focal plane shutter: other examples are the [[Foth]] [[Derby]], the [[Houghton and Ensign|Ensign]] [[Multex]] or the French [[Lumière]] [[Elax]], [[Gallus]] [[Derlux]] and [[Pontiac]] [[Lynx II]]. However they were perhaps the only ones with an exposure counter and film advance fully coupled to the shutter winding.
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These Japanese models were not the only 3×4cm cameras with a focal plane shutter: other examples are the [[Foth]] [[Derby]], the [[Houghton and Ensign|Ensign]] [[Multex]] or the French [[Lumière]] [[Elax]], [[Gallus]] [[Derby-Lux and Derlux|Derlux]] and [[Pontiac]] [[Lynx II]]. However they were perhaps the only ones with an exposure counter and film advance fully coupled to the shutter winding.
  
 
== The Riken No.1 ==
 
== The Riken No.1 ==
The Gokoku itself was first announced by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]] as the '''Riken No.1''' (理研NO.1) or '''Riken Camera''' (理研カメラ) in advertisements and articles dated October 1938.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Salon]]'' October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.4 of {{CCN}} no.39. Advertisement published in {{ACA}} October 1938, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.102 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. (The advertisements in {{SSA}} and in {{ACA}} are exactly the same.) ''Atarashii kikai to zairyō'' (new products column) of {{ACA}} October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.5 of {{CCN}} no.39. {{Kokusan}}, p.343, also mentions an advertisement in {{AR}}. </REF> The pictured camera is identical to the Gokoku but it seems to have no markings above the top plate. The shutter speed range goes from 1/20 to 1/500.<REF> The article in {{ACA}} October 1938 says 20, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500, bulb. The absence of 1/30 is perhaps a mistake. </REF> The lens looks like it is interchangeable but this is not mentioned anywhere in the original documents.<REF> The Leica thread mount mentioned in Pont / Princelle, p.198, is unconfirmed. The bayonet mount mentioned as a variant in the same source is implausible. </REF> It has a large focusing tab, different from the part normally found on the Gokoku lenses. The lens was said to be a Ukas Anastigmat f/3.5 in the October 1938 {{ACA}} article but it was announced as a Riken Kōgaku Anastigmat f/3.5 in the advertisements and the pictures show the engraving ''RIKEN 1:3.5 F=50mm''.
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The Gokoku camera was first announced by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]] as the '''Riken No.1''' (理研NO.1) or '''Riken Camera''' (理研カメラ). The first mention of the camera found so far is a column in the August 1938 issue of {{SGR}}, reproduced below. The document contains no picture. It merely says that the camera, planned for release in early September, would be a "Japanese Leica" with focal-plane shutter, 3×4cm frame size and an f/3.5 lens made by Riken itself. The price is mentioned as {{yen|195|1938}} (same as the [[Weha Chrome Six]] or [[Auto Semi Minolta]]).
  
The Riken No.1 was available for {{yen|195|1938}} to subscribers only (the same price as the [[Weha Chrome Six]] and [[Auto Semi Minolta]]).<REF> Advertisements cited above. {{Kokusan}}, p.343, mentions an article in ''Asahi Shinbun'' 28 August 1938 and it seems that the subscription was already open at that date. </REF> It seems that the camera was never produced under that name and no surviving example has surfaced so far. It is said that the delivery was delayed and that this caused complaints.<REF> Awano, p.1 of {{CCN}} no.39 and p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF>
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| ''Column on the Riken No.1 in {{SGR}} August 1938. {{public domain Japan old}}''
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From late August, the Riken No.1 was offered to subscribers,<REF> Article in ''Asahi Shinbun'' 28 August 1938, mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.343. </REF> whereas the camera was not yet ready for production. This was certainly a big mistake on the part of the manufacturer.
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The camera was announced and advertised in major photography magazines in October.<REF> Advertisement in {{SSA}} October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.4 of {{CCN}} no.39; advertisement in {{ACA}} October 1938 (exactly identical to that in {{SSA}}), reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.102 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14; column in {{ACA}} October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.5 of {{CCN}} no.39. An advertisement in {{AR}} October 1938 is also listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.343. </REF> The camera pictured in these documents is identical to the later Gokoku, but seems to have no markings above the top cover. The range of shutter speeds reportedly goes from 1/20 to 1/500 and B.<REF> The column in {{ACA}} October 1938 says 20, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500, B. The absence of 1/30 is perhaps a mistake. </REF> The lens looks like it is interchangeable but this is not mentioned anywhere in the documents.<REF> The Leica thread mount mentioned in Pont / Princelle, p.198, is unconfirmed. The bayonet mount mentioned as a variant in the same source is implausible. </REF> It is described as a Riken Kōgaku Anastigmat f/3.5 in the advertisements, and as a Ukas Anastigmat f/3.5 in the column in {{ACA}}. The advertising picture shows the marking ''RIKEN 1:3.5 F=50mm'' on the front rim, but may have been retouched. The focusing tab is much larger than that normally found on the Gokoku lenses.
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It is usually believed that the Riken No.1 project was launched by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]], but the column in {{ACA}} says that the camera was developed "at [[Asahi Bussan|Asahi Kōgaku]]".<REF> Column in {{ACA}} October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.5 of {{CCN}} no.39: 旭光学に於て、理研の名を冠して発表した最初の製品である. </REF> This subsidiary of Riken was the successor of [[Asahi Bussan]], and was making Olympic cameras in the Ōji plant. Its relations with the parent company are not completely understood, and its degree of involvement in the project is unknown.
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The camera was not mentioned again after that date. The company certainly faced technical problems with the auto-stop advance and shutter cocking mechanism,<REF> These problems are mentioned for the Gokoku in Awano, p.2 of {{CCN}} no.39, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF> and the release was delayed as a consequence. The company had to refund the subscribers,<REF> ''Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato'' (Feb. 1939), p.13 of {{NSKT}} July 20, 1967, reproduced on p.231 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku'': 予告発売をして製品が完成せず申込金返済と言う醜態を演じた理研光学. </REF> and was sued by dissatisfied customers on June 1939.<REF> Awano, p.1 of {{CCN}} no.39 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF> It seems that the camera was never produced as the "Riken No.1", and no surviving example has surfaced so far.
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{{br}}
  
 
== The Gokoku ==
 
== The Gokoku ==
 
The Riken No.1 was actually sold in 1939 and 1940 under the name '''Gokoku''' (or '''Gokoku No.1'''). The word ''gokoku'' (written 護国) means "protector of the country", it is an example of the "patriotic" wartime names often used by [[Ricoh|Riken]].
 
The Riken No.1 was actually sold in 1939 and 1940 under the name '''Gokoku''' (or '''Gokoku No.1'''). The word ''gokoku'' (written 護国) means "protector of the country", it is an example of the "patriotic" wartime names often used by [[Ricoh|Riken]].
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|image_text= Gokoku No.1 <br><small>images by eBayer digitalman</small>
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=== Description ===
 
=== Description ===
The camera has a metal body, leather covered with chrome top and bottom plates. The viewfinder is offset to the left and is contained in a short top housing. The name ''GOKOKU N°1'' is engraved above the finder (with a stylized G) together with the ''R.K.K'' initials of <U>R</U>iken <U>K</U>ōgaku <U>K</U>ōgyō. The accessory shoe, speed dial and shutter release are above the top housing, to the right of the viewfinder. The speed dial has Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500 settings. The serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe. At the left end of the top plate there is a fake rewind knob what looks like a rewind knob: the camera does not need rewind and it is only there to look like the Leica. The advance knob is at the right end, it turns in the counter-clockwise direction and is surrounded by the exposure counter. The film is advanced and the shutter is wound in the same movement.<REF> Awano, p.11 of {{CCN}} no.40 and p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> Because of the absence of perforations, the film advance mechanism only relies on feeler-rollers and it was plagued with reliability problems.<REF> Awano, p.2 of {{CCN}} no.39 and p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF>
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The camera has a metal body with leather covering and chrome-plated top and bottom plates. The viewfinder is offset to the left, as seen by the photographer, and is contained in a casing extending to the right. The name ''GOKOKU N°1'' is engraved above the finder (with a stylized G) together with the ''R.K.K'' initials of <U>R</U>iken <U>K</U>ōgaku <U>K</U>ōgyō. The accessory shoe, speed dial and shutter release are above the top casing, to the right of the viewfinder. The speed dial has Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500 settings. The serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe.
  
The back and bottom plate are removable together and they are locked by keys at both ends. The bottom plate also has a tripod thread. The back contains a single red window at the left end, used to set the position of the first exposure. It is protected by a cover that is retracted by a thumbwheel surrounding the red window.
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The advance knob is at the right end, it turns in the counter-clockwise direction and is surrounded by the exposure counter. The film is advanced and the shutter is wound in the same movement.<REF> Awano, p.11 of {{CCN}} no.40, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF> Because of the absence of perforations, the film advance mechanism only relies on feeler-rollers, and was plagued with reliability problems.<REF> Awano, p.2 of {{CCN}} no.39, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF> There is a fake rewind knob at the left end of the top plate: the camera does not need rewind and it is only there to mimic the [[Leica]].
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The back is removable together with the bottom plate for film loading. It is locked by keys at both ends, and the bottom plate also has a tripod thread. There is a single red window at the left end of the back, used to set the position of the first exposure. It is protected by a cover that is retracted by a thumbwheel surrounding the red window.
  
 
=== Original documents ===
 
=== Original documents ===
In an advertisement dated February 1939 by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]], the Gokoku was listed among the camera range for {{yen|195|1939}} (the name was written 護国).<REF> [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/R1.jpg Advertisement for the Riken camera range] published in the 26 February 1939 issue of ''[[Sunday Mainichi]]'', reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> A full advertisement for the Gokoku was inserted in the October 1939 issue of ''[[Shinkō Graph]]''. The camera was presented with a fixed Gokoku Anastigmat f/3.5 lens and the price was {{yen|170|1939}}.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in Tanaka, p.9 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> The Gokoku was listed again in another advertisement dated October 1940 in {{ACA}}.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.336. </REF> It was also listed for ¥190 in the list of set prices compiled on October 1940 and published in January 1941.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 5, section 1. </REF>
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In an advertisement dated February 1939 by [[Ricoh|Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō]], the Gokoku was listed among the camera range for {{yen|195|1939}} (the name was written 護国).<REF> Advertisement for the Riken camera range published in the 26 February 1939 issue of ''[[Sunday Mainichi]]'', formerly reproduced in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20060207204747/http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website] (archived). </REF> A full advertisement for the Gokoku was inserted in the October 1939 issue of {{SGR}}. The camera was presented with a fixed Gokoku Anastigmat f/3.5 lens and the price was {{yen|170|1939}}.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in Tanaka, p.9 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> The Gokoku was listed again in another advertisement dated October 1940 in {{ACA}}.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.336. </REF> It was also listed for ¥190 in the list of set prices compiled on October 1940 and published in January 1941.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 5, section 1. </REF>
  
 
=== Variations ===
 
=== Variations ===
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==== With interchangeable lens ====
 
==== With interchangeable lens ====
One example of the Gokoku is known with an '''interchangeable lens'''; it has body no.1887 and comes with an Ofunar 50mm f/3.5 lens (no.48010).<REF> Example pictured in Awano, {{CCN}} no.39 and p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14, and in {{SUG}}, item 3022. </REF> It is not known if a small batch of interchangeable-lens cameras were made, or if that particular example is an isolated prototype or an aftermarket conversion. The lens mount is the standard [[39mm screw lenses|Leica thread mount]]; it is said that the camera can take regular Leica lenses but that they end up in the upside down position, with the infinity setting at the bottom.<REF> Awano, p.1 of {{CCN}} no.39 and p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF>
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One example of the Gokoku is known with an '''interchangeable lens'''; it has body no.1887 and comes with an Ofunar 50mm f/3.5 lens (no.48010).<REF> Example pictured in Awano, {{CCN}} no.39, p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37, and in {{SUG}}, item 3022. </REF> It is not known if a small batch of interchangeable-lens cameras were made, or if that particular example is an isolated prototype or an aftermarket conversion. The lens mount is the standard [[39mm screw lenses|Leica thread mount]]; it is said that the camera can take regular Leica lenses but that they end up in the upside down position, with the infinity setting at the bottom.<REF> Awano, p.1 of {{CCN}} no.39, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14, p.123 of {{KKS}} no.32 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF>
  
 
The Ofunar 50mm f/3.5 lens found with the camera is the only example of its kind observed so far. The collapsible barrel is closely copied on the [[Leitz]] Elmar 5cm f/3.5. The focusing mount is driven by a tab with an infinity lock, and goes down to 1&nbsp;metre. The front rim is engraved ''Ofunar 1:3.5 f=50mm N°xxxxx''. The diaphragm is controlled by an index around the front element, and the aperture scale goes from 3.5 to 18. It seems that the lens has a rangefinder coupling cam;<REF> Picture in Awano, p.2 of {{CCN}} no.39 and p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14. Nothing is said in the main text. </REF> this is useless on the Gokoku, and it is not known for sure if it is properly adjusted for Leica-mount rangefinder cameras.
 
The Ofunar 50mm f/3.5 lens found with the camera is the only example of its kind observed so far. The collapsible barrel is closely copied on the [[Leitz]] Elmar 5cm f/3.5. The focusing mount is driven by a tab with an infinity lock, and goes down to 1&nbsp;metre. The front rim is engraved ''Ofunar 1:3.5 f=50mm N°xxxxx''. The diaphragm is controlled by an index around the front element, and the aperture scale goes from 3.5 to 18. It seems that the lens has a rangefinder coupling cam;<REF> Picture in Awano, p.2 of {{CCN}} no.39 and p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14. Nothing is said in the main text. </REF> this is useless on the Gokoku, and it is not known for sure if it is properly adjusted for Leica-mount rangefinder cameras.
  
 
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|| ''Rangefinder for the Gokoku. Picture courtesy of eBayer facemin. {{with permission}}''
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| ''Rangefinder for the Gokoku. Picture courtesy of eBayer facemin. {{with permission}}''
 
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|| ''Ricohl I no.3309, Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens no.11275.''<br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}''
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| ''Ricohl I no.3309, Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens no.11275.''<br>''Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}''
 
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Riken launched the '''Ricohl''', successor of the Gokoku, around late 1940. It is said that Ichimura Kiyoshi (the founder of Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō) sought the help of Fujimoto Sakae (藤本栄), who would later design the [[Ricohflex|Ricohflex III]], to make the camera more reliable.<REF> [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera/cameralist/gokoku-ricohl.html Page about the Gokoku and Ricohl] at the Ricoh official website. </REF>
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Riken launched the '''Ricohl''', successor of the Gokoku, around late 1940. It is said that Ichimura Kiyoshi (the founder of Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō) sought the help of Fujimoto Sakae (藤本栄), who would later design the [[Ricohflex|Ricohflex III]], to make the camera more reliable.<REF> [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/gokoku-ricohl.html Page about the Gokoku and Ricohl] at the Ricoh official website. </REF>
  
 
=== Description ===
 
=== Description ===
 
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The Ricohl has a longer top housing covering the whole top plate. The finder is larger and the fake rewind knob has been suppressed. The accessory shoe, speed dial and release button are similar to the parts mounted on the Gokoku. The advance knob is different, it turns in the clockwise direction and contains the exposure counter. There is an index next to the advance knob, pointing to the frame number. The advance mechanism was completely reworked: it is said that the shutter is wound first and the film is advanced next, and that this needs about three turns of the knob.<REF> Awano, p.11 of {{CCN}} no.40 and p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> The feeler roller was again modified too.<REF> {{KKS}} no.14, p.21. </REF>
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The Ricohl has a longer top housing covering the whole top plate. The finder is larger and the fake rewind knob has been suppressed. The accessory shoe, speed dial and release button are similar to the parts mounted on the Gokoku. The advance knob is different, it turns in the clockwise direction and contains the exposure counter. There is an index next to the advance knob, pointing to the frame number. The advance mechanism was completely reworked, and the knob is now turned clockwise. It is said that the shutter is wound first and the film is advanced next, and that this needs about three turns of the knob.<REF> Awano, p.11 of {{CCN}} no.40, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.58 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF> The auto-stop mechanism still relies on feeler rollers, but now works reasonably well.<REF> Awano, p.11 of {{CCN}} no.40 and pp.58–9 of {{KKS}} no.37.. </REF>
  
 
The name ''Ricohl'' is engraved above the viewfinder, together with the model number and the initials ''R.K.K'' for <U>R</U>iken <U>K</U>ōgaku <U>K</U>ōgyō. The serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe.
 
The name ''Ricohl'' is engraved above the viewfinder, together with the model number and the initials ''R.K.K'' for <U>R</U>iken <U>K</U>ōgaku <U>K</U>ōgyō. The serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe.
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/46971123985/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46971123985_6aa0d0709a_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47835250232/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47835250232_6925b49040_m_d.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|| ''Ricohl I no.3522, Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens no.11168. {{with permission}}''
 
|| ''Ricohl I no.3522, Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens no.11168. {{with permission}}''
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Versions ===
+
=== The Ricohl I ===
The '''Ricohl I''' (リコールⅠ型) has the same fixed mount Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens as the Gokoku. The aperture scale usually goes from 3.5 to 18, but at least one advertising picture shows f/22 minimum aperture.<REF> F/22 minimum aperture: advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1941 reproduced in Awano, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.40. </REF>
+
The '''Ricohl I''' (リコールⅠ型) has the same fixed-mount Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens as the Gokoku. The aperture scale usually goes from 3.5 to 18, but at least one advertising picture shows f/22 minimum aperture.<REF> F/22 minimum aperture: advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1941 reproduced in Awano, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.40. </REF>
  
Examples of the Ricohl I have been observed with body numbers ranging from 2750 to 4143 and lens numbers ranging from 10642 to 12285. It seems that the serial number sequence continues the sequence of the Gokoku, with some overlap at the beginning of the production, and that about 1,000 to 1,500 examples of the Ricohl I were produced.
+
The Ricohl (I) already appears in the list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, at ¥190.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 5, section 1. </REF> Advertisements appear in the February, March and October 1941 issues of ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'', showing the same price of {{yen|190|1941}}.<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1941, reproduced in Awano, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.40 and p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14; advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' March 1941, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103; advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' October 1941, reproduced in Tanaka, p.10 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> The camera was also featured in the new products column of the April 1941 issue of {{ACA}}.<REF> Column in {{ACA}} April 1941, reproduced in Awano, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.40. </REF>
 +
 
 +
Examples of the Ricohl I have been observed with body numbers ranging from 2750 to 4218 and lens numbers ranging from 10642 to 12285. (The lenses were not matched to the bodies in strict ascending order.) It seems that the serial number sequence continues the sequence of the Gokoku, with some overlap at the beginning of the production, and that about 1,000 to 1,500 examples of the Ricohl I were produced.
  
 
The ''Z'' indication on the speed dial was substituted by ''B'' soon after the beginning of the production run.<REF> The transition occurred between body no.2750 and 3309. </REF> A few examples are known with maroon leather covering, which is perhaps original.<REF> Examples pictured in [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.3.htm#ino this page of the AJCC] and in [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera/cameralist/gokoku-ricohl.html this page of the Ricoh official website]. </REF>
 
The ''Z'' indication on the speed dial was substituted by ''B'' soon after the beginning of the production run.<REF> The transition occurred between body no.2750 and 3309. </REF> A few examples are known with maroon leather covering, which is perhaps original.<REF> Examples pictured in [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.3.htm#ino this page of the AJCC] and in [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera/cameralist/gokoku-ricohl.html this page of the Ricoh official website]. </REF>
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|-
 
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|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/1888866106/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/1888866106_8849953586_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/1888866112/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2093/1888866112_4ac97f598d_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/1888866142/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/1888866142_e506a39f44_m_d.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47879997991/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47879997991_dde4734342_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47090581634/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47090581634_e14be38e58_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47880016131/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47880016131_d89fb9c749_m_d.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| ''More pictures of the Ricohl I no.3309.''<br>''Pictures courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}''
+
| ''More pictures of the Ricohl I no.3309.''<br>''Pictures courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{with permission}}''
 
|}
 
|}
The '''Ricohl II''' (リコールⅡ型) was perhaps a rangefinder version. It was briefly advertised (see below) but no picture is known and no surviving example has ever surfaced.
 
  
The '''Ricohl IIB''' (リコールⅡB型) has an interchangeable lens using a specific screw mount, with 40mm diameter, 32 threads per inch and 27.9mm flange to film distance.<REF> Specifications of the lens mount: Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> Very few examples have been observed so far, and the only observed serial number is in the 44xx range.<REF> The example pictured in Awano, p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14 and in {{SUG}} (item 3048) perhaps has body no.4410. </REF>
+
=== The Ricohl II ===
 +
The '''Ricohl II''' (リコールⅡ型) is a more expensive version, about which little is known. It was briefly announced but no picture has been found yet, and no surviving example has ever surfaced.
  
The standard lens is a collapsible four-element<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14, and advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.14 of {{CCN}} no.40. </REF> Neutar 50mm f/3.5, seemingly made by [[Ricoh|Riken]] itself.<REF> The Neutar lens is decsribed as the result of research by Riken Kōgaku in the advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> It is probable that no other lens was made for the camera. The diaphragm is controlled by a ring around the front element, and the aperture scale goes from 3.5 to 18. The front rim is engraved ''NEUTAR 1:3.5 F=50mm'', sometimes with two dots around the ''NEUTAR'' name.<REF> Two dots: example in Ricohl mount pictured in Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14, and example in Leica mount pictured in Awano, p.124 of {{KKS}} no.32. No dots: example in Ricohl mount pictured in  </REF> No lens number is visible. Variations are known in the size and shape of the focusing tab: it is either small with a striated tip, or large with a smooth tip (reminiscent of the focusing tab visible on the pictures of the Riken No.1).<REF> Small tab: example pictured on body no.4419 in Awano, p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14 and in {{SUG}}, item 3048. Large tab: example pictured in Awano, p.25 of the same magazine, example pictured in Hayashi, p.85 of the same magazine, and incomplete Neutar lens sold as [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=18901&acat=18901&offset=2&_ssl=off lot no.675] of Westlicht Photographica Auction no.5. </REF>
+
The Ricohl II already appears in the list of set prices published in January 1941, at ¥335 with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 5, section 2. </REF> The price was set according to the camera characteristics, and is on par with the original [[Leotax]] and with the rangefinder versions of the [[Canon rangefinder|Canon]], perhaps indicating that it was equipped with a rangefinder too. The camera was also advertised for {{yen|314|1942}} in 1942, along with the Ricohl IIB at ¥256.<REF> [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/automat42_l.jpg Advertisement] reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura. </REF>
  
 +
=== The Ricohl IIB ===
 +
The '''Ricohl IIB''' (リコールⅡB型) has an interchangeable lens using a specific screw mount, with 40mm diameter, 32 threads per inch and 27.9mm flange to film distance.<REF> Specifications of the lens mount: Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.59 of {{KKS}} no.37. </REF> Very few examples have been observed so far, and the only observed serial number is in the 44xx range.<REF> The example pictured in Awano, p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.59 of {KKS}} no.37, and in {{SUG}}, item 3048, has body no.4419. </REF>
 +
 +
The Ricohl IIB was offered for {{yen|256|1942}} in various advertisements dated February 1942.<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103, in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14; the same advertisement is visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page of Xylocopal's photolog], apparently from {{ACA}} February 1942. See also [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/welsupper42_l.jpg this advertisement] and [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/automat42_l.jpg this other advertisement] reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura. </REF> The price later rose to ¥291.48,<REF> Price set in March 1943 according to Awano, p.12 of {{CCN}} no.40. An advertisement showing the Ricohl IIB at that price is reproduced in Awano, p.14 of the same magazine, where it is mistakenly said to be dated June 1941. </REF> and the camera was advertised until mid 1943.<REF> The last advertisement listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.343, is dated August 1943. </REF> The Ricohl is still mentioned in a government inquiry listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, with no specification of a model name.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, item 160. </REF> In that document, the focal plane shutter is said to give B, 1–500 speeds, surely by mistake.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item F-4. </REF>
 +
 +
=== Neutar 50mm f/3.5 lens ===
 +
The standard lens of the Ricohl IIB is a collapsible four-element<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14, and advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.14 of {{CCN}} no.40. </REF> Neutar 50mm f/3.5, seemingly made by [[Ricoh|Riken]] itself.<REF> The Neutar lens is described as the result of research by Riken Kōgaku in the advertisement in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> It is probable that no other lens was made for the camera. The diaphragm is controlled by a ring around the front element, and the aperture scale goes from 3.5 to 18. The front rim is engraved ''NEUTAR 1:3.5 F=50mm'', sometimes with two dots around the ''NEUTAR'' name.<REF> Two dots: example in Ricohl mount pictured in Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14, example in Leica mount pictured in Awano, p.124 of {{KKS}} no.32, and incomplete example sold as lot no.675 of Westlicht Photographica Auction no.5 (see the links below). No dots: example in Ricohl mount pictured in Awano, p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.59 of {{KKS}} no.37, and in {{SUG}}, item 3048. </REF> No lens number is visible. Variations are known in the size and shape of the focusing tab: it is either small with a striated tip, or large with a smooth tip (reminiscent of the focusing tab visible on the pictures of the Riken No.1).<REF> Small tab: example pictured on body no.4419 in Awano, p.23 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.59 of {{KKS}} no.37, and in {{SUG}}, item 3048. Large tab: examples pictured in Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14, in Hayashi, p.85 of the same magazine, and incomplete example sold as lot no.675 of Westlicht auction no.5 (see links below). </REF>
 +
 +
One isolated example of the Neutar 50mm f/3.5 lens is known in genuine [[39mm screw lenses|Leica screw mount]].<REF> Lens pictured and described in Awano, p.124 of {{KKS}} no.32. </REF> It is equipped with an oblique coupling cam at the rear, made to fit a rangefinder camera, perhaps the hypothetical Ricohl II. It differs from the above lenses by the slightly larger fairing for the focusing helix, and by an infinity lock replacing the stopping screw. It has the small focus tab and the two dots around the ''NEUTAR'' name.
 +
 +
=== Case ===
 
{| class="plainlinks floatright" style="text-align: center"
 
{| class="plainlinks floatright" style="text-align: center"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/411898354/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/411898354_1e55d12199_m_d.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47835270802/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47835270802_0f21005f1a_m_d.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| ''Case with ''Riken'' embossing. {{with permission}}''
+
| ''Case with ''Riken'' embossing. {{with permission}}''
 
|}
 
|}
Two models of ever-ready case are known. One is hinged to the back and is embossed ''Riken'' at the front and the other is hinged at the bottom and is embossed ''Ricohl''.<REF> The two case models are pictured in Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF>
+
Two models of ever-ready case are known for the Ricohl. One is hinged to the back and is embossed ''Riken'' at the front and the other is hinged at the bottom and is embossed ''Ricohl''.<REF> The two case models are pictured in Awano, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF>
 
 
=== Advertising ===
 
The camera was already listed in the list of set prices compiled in October 1940, in two versions: the Ricohl for ¥190 and the Ricohl II for ¥335, with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 5, sections 1 and 2. </REF> These prices were set according the camera characteristics, and the price of the Ricohl II is on par with the original [[Leotax]] and with the rangefinder versions of the [[Canon rangefinder|Canon]]. This might indicate that the Ricohl II was a rangefinder version.
 
 
 
The Ricohl I was advertised in February, March and October 1941 for {{yen|190|1941}}<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' February 1941, reproduced in Awano, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.40 and p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' March 1941, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103. Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' October 1941, reproduced in Tanaka, p.10 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> It was also featured in the new products column of the April 1941 issue of {{ACA}}.<REF> ''Shashinkai topikku — Kokusan zairyō'' in {{ACA}} April 1941, reproduced in Awano, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.40. </REF>
 
 
 
The Ricohl IIB was offered for {{yen|256|1942}} in an advertisement dated February 1942.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.14. This advertisement is also visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page of Xylocopal's photolog]. See also [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/welsupper42_l.jpg this advertisement] reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura. </REF> In another advertisement dated 1942, the Ricohl II was listed for {{yen|314|1942}} and the IIB for {{yen|256|1942}}.<REF> [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/automat42_l.jpg Advertisement] reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura. </REF> The price of the Ricohl IIB later rose to ¥291.48.<REF> Price set in March 1943 according to Awano, p.12 of {{CCN}} no.40. An advertisement showing the Ricohl IIB at that price is reproduced in Awano, p.14 of the same magazine, where it is mistakenly said to be dated June 1941. </REF> The Ricohl IIB was advertised until mid 1943.<REF> The last advertisement listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.343, is dated August 1943. </REF> The Ricohl was mentioned in the {{Inquiry1943_short}}, listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, item 160. </REF> In that document, the focal plane shutter is said to give B, 1–500 speeds, probably by mistake.
 
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 116: Line 146:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 +
=== Original documents ===
 +
* {{Kakaku0141}} Type 5, sections 1 and 2.
 +
* {{SGR}} (新光グラフ) August 1938. "Orinpikku kamera nyūsu" (オリンピックカメラニュース, Olympic camera news). P.37.
 +
 +
=== Recent sources ===
 
* Arimura Katsumi (有村克巳). "Rikō Ryakushi" (リコー略史, Ricoh short history). {{KKS014}} Pp.6–7.
 
* Arimura Katsumi (有村克巳). "Rikō Ryakushi" (リコー略史, Ricoh short history). {{KKS014}} Pp.6–7.
 
* {{Showa10}} Items 105, 309 and 312–3. (See also the picture on p.14.)
 
* {{Showa10}} Items 105, 309 and 312–3. (See also the picture on p.14.)
Line 125: Line 160:
 
* Hayashi Taneomi (林胤臣). "Rikōru no omoide" (リコールの思い出, Records of the Ricohl). {{KKS014}} P.85.
 
* Hayashi Taneomi (林胤臣). "Rikōru no omoide" (リコールの思い出, Records of the Ricohl). {{KKS014}} P.85.
 
* {{KKS014}} Advertisement by Fujii Shōten on p.19.
 
* {{KKS014}} Advertisement by Fujii Shōten on p.19.
* {{Kakaku0141}} Type 5, sections 1 and 2.
 
 
* {{Lewis}} P.55.
 
* {{Lewis}} P.55.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.833.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.833.
 +
* {{NSKT}} July 20, 1967. "Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato" (業界三十年の足跡, Records of thirty years in the business). Pp.12–33. Reproduced in {{NSKT1000}} Pp.230–51.
 
* {{300LC}} Pp.198–9. (The drawings of the Gokoku are based on the pictures in Awano, {{CCN}} no.39, but with wrong serial numbers.)
 
* {{300LC}} Pp.198–9. (The drawings of the Gokoku are based on the pictures in Awano, {{CCN}} no.39, but with wrong serial numbers.)
 
* "Senzen no rikō kamera — hoi" (戦前のリコーカメラ・補遺, Prewar Ricoh cameras — appendix). {{KKS014}} Pp.21–2. (On the body of the Ricohl being recycled for the [[Roico]].)
 
* "Senzen no rikō kamera — hoi" (戦前のリコーカメラ・補遺, Prewar Ricoh cameras — appendix). {{KKS014}} Pp.21–2. (On the body of the Ricohl being recycled for the [[Roico]].)
Line 138: Line 173:
 
* [http://www.photographyhistory.com/CS01/gokoku.html The Gokoku], an article by David Silver from the issue #154 of Camera Shopper, in the [http://www.photographyhistory.com/ International Photographic Historical Organization website]
 
* [http://www.photographyhistory.com/CS01/gokoku.html The Gokoku], an article by David Silver from the issue #154 of Camera Shopper, in the [http://www.photographyhistory.com/ International Photographic Historical Organization website]
 
* [http://www.pbase.com/equipment/image/60842400 Ricohl I picture] by Pacific Rim Camera at pbase.com
 
* [http://www.pbase.com/equipment/image/60842400 Ricohl I picture] by Pacific Rim Camera at pbase.com
* [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=18901&acat=18901&offset=2&_ssl=off Neutar 50mm f/3.5], lot no.675 of [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=18879&_ssl=off&lang=3 auction no.5 (29 May 2004)] by [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/ Westlicht Photographica Auction] (this particular lens is missing the base mount and distance scale)
+
* [https://wlpa.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=5&inO=675 Neutar 50mm f/3.5], lot no.675 of the [https://wlpa.auction2000.se/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=5 fifth Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 29 May 2004) (this particular lens is missing the base mount and distance scale)
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
 
* Pages of the [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/ Ricoh official website]:
 
* Pages of the [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/ Ricoh official website]:
** [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera/cameralist/gokoku-ricohl.html Gokoku and Ricohl] in the [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera/cameralist/index.html Ricoh camera list], with pictures of a fixed lens Gokoku, a Ricohl I and a Ricohl IIB (from top to bottom), the page is copied in [http://navi.kitamura.jp/maker/maker.do?cmd=maker&makerId=17&startYear=1946 this page of the Kitamura Camera Museum]
+
** [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/gokoku-ricohl.html Gokoku and Ricohl] in the [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/index.html Ricoh camera list], with pictures of a fixed lens Gokoku, a Ricohl I and a Ricohl IIB (from top to bottom).
** [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera_lib/library/1938.html article about the Ricohl], with a technical drawing of the mechanism
+
** [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera_lib/library/1938.html article about the Ricohl], with a technical drawing of the mechanism
** [http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera_lib/column/war-camera.html article about the Riken wartime camera names]
+
** [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera_lib/column/war-camera.html article about the Riken wartime camera names]
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371071&APage=620 Gokoku] in the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/set_brws_01.php?id=1033 Camera database] of the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/ Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology] (the camera is identified as a "Riken Camera", but it seems to have the regular "Gokoku" markings)
+
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?no=103310371071&c=&y1=&y2=&id=103310371071 Gokoku] in the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/result.php?c=1033 Camera database] of the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/ Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology] (the camera is identified as a "Riken Camera", but it seems to have the regular "Gokoku" markings)
 
* [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.3.htm#ino Ricohl I] at the [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/ All Japan Classic Camera Club website]
 
* [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.3.htm#ino Ricohl I] at the [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/ All Japan Classic Camera Club website]
 
* Picture of a Ricohl I in a [http://eco.goo.ne.jp/nature/unno/diary/200501/1105532930.html short page on the Ricoh Camera Museum] at [http://eco.goo.ne.jp/nature/unno/ Kazuo Unno's website]
 
* Picture of a Ricohl I in a [http://eco.goo.ne.jp/nature/unno/diary/200501/1105532930.html short page on the Ricoh Camera Museum] at [http://eco.goo.ne.jp/nature/unno/ Kazuo Unno's website]
  
 
=== Original documents ===
 
=== Original documents ===
* [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/R1.jpg Advertisement for the Riken range] (on the left, listing the Gokoku) published in the 26 February 1939 issue of ''[[Sunday Mainichi]]'', reproduced in the [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki-c.htm camera company page] of the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]
 
 
* Advertisements reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera], a page of old Japanese advertisements by Toshio Inamura:
 
* Advertisements reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera], a page of old Japanese advertisements by Toshio Inamura:
 
** [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/welsupper42_l.jpg Advertisement for the Ricohl IIB] dated 1942
 
** [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/welsupper42_l.jpg Advertisement for the Ricohl IIB] dated 1942
 
** [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/automat42_l.jpg Advertisement for the Heil C] dated 1942, also listing the Ricohl II and IIB
 
** [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/automat42_l.jpg Advertisement for the Heil C] dated 1942, also listing the Ricohl II and IIB
* Advertisement for the Ricohl IIB published in {{ACA}} February 1942, visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page about old camera magazines] of [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/ Xylocopal's photolog]
+
* Advertisement for the Ricohl IIB published in {{ACA}} February 1942, visible in [https://web.archive.org/web/20180125043728/https://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408/ this page about old camera magazines] of [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/ Xylocopal's photolog] (archived in January 2018)
  
  
Line 163: Line 197:
 
[[Category: R|Ricohl]]
 
[[Category: R|Ricohl]]
 
[[Category: 1938]]
 
[[Category: 1938]]
 +
[[Category: 127 film]]

Revision as of 03:35, 16 June 2022

Japanese Baby (3×4) and Four (4×4) (edit)
folding
3×4 Baby Balnet | Doris | Baby Doris | Baby Germa | Kinsi | Baby Leotax | Loren | Baby Lyra | Baby Pearl | Baby Pilot | Baby Rosen | Baby Suzuka | Walz
4×4 Adler Four | Rosen Four
rigid or collapsible
3×4 Baika | Baby Chrome | Comet | Cyclon | Gelto | Baby Germa | Gokoku | Hamond | Baby Hawk | Kinka Lucky | Lausar | Light | Baby Light | Molby | Mulber | Olympic | Baby Ōso | Peacock | Picny | Ricohl | Rorox | Shinko Baby | Slick | Baby Sport | Tsubasa Arawashi | Baby Uirus | Zessan
3.5×4 Kenko 35
4×4 Alma Four | Andes Four | Anny 44 | Arsen | Balnet Four | Bonny Four | Freude | Kalimar 44 | Auto Keef | Kraft | Letix | Mykey-4 | Olympic Four | Roico | Royal Senior | Seica | Terra Junior | Vero Four | Welmy 44 | Yashica Future 127
unknown
Baby First | Baby Lyra Flex
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Gokoku (ゴコク) and Ricohl (リコール) are Japanese cameras taking 3×4cm pictures on 127 film, made by Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō (the predecessor of Ricoh) and originally announced in 1938 as the Riken No.1. They have a focal plane shutter and look like the Leica screw models, without a rangefinder. (It is said that the Roico 4×4cm camera with leaf shutter used the body of the Gokoku and Ricohl in a slightly modified form.)[1] These cameras were manufactured in Riken's Ōji plant.[2]

Context and possible predecessors

The Gokoku was preceded by the Lausar and Baika with the same features, made c.1937 in small quantities by Tomioka and perhaps Sankyō Kōgaku. The general aspect and the layout of the controls are very similar to the Riken No.1 and Gokoku but the body is more angular and it seems that no part is shared with Riken's models. The striking design similarity nonetheless leads to the hypothesis that Riken took over the Lausar or Baika project from Tomioka or Sankyō and developed it into the Gokoku.

These Japanese models were not the only 3×4cm cameras with a focal plane shutter: other examples are the Foth Derby, the Ensign Multex or the French Lumière Elax, Gallus Derlux and Pontiac Lynx II. However they were perhaps the only ones with an exposure counter and film advance fully coupled to the shutter winding.

The Riken No.1

The Gokoku camera was first announced by Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō as the Riken No.1 (理研NO.1) or Riken Camera (理研カメラ). The first mention of the camera found so far is a column in the August 1938 issue of Shinkō Graph, reproduced below. The document contains no picture. It merely says that the camera, planned for release in early September, would be a "Japanese Leica" with focal-plane shutter, 3×4cm frame size and an f/3.5 lens made by Riken itself. The price is mentioned as ¥195 (same as the Weha Chrome Six or Auto Semi Minolta).

From late August, the Riken No.1 was offered to subscribers,[3] whereas the camera was not yet ready for production. This was certainly a big mistake on the part of the manufacturer.

The camera was announced and advertised in major photography magazines in October.[4] The camera pictured in these documents is identical to the later Gokoku, but seems to have no markings above the top cover. The range of shutter speeds reportedly goes from 1/20 to 1/500 and B.[5] The lens looks like it is interchangeable but this is not mentioned anywhere in the documents.[6] It is described as a Riken Kōgaku Anastigmat f/3.5 in the advertisements, and as a Ukas Anastigmat f/3.5 in the column in Asahi Camera. The advertising picture shows the marking RIKEN 1:3.5 F=50mm on the front rim, but may have been retouched. The focusing tab is much larger than that normally found on the Gokoku lenses.

It is usually believed that the Riken No.1 project was launched by Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō, but the column in Asahi Camera says that the camera was developed "at Asahi Kōgaku".[7] This subsidiary of Riken was the successor of Asahi Bussan, and was making Olympic cameras in the Ōji plant. Its relations with the parent company are not completely understood, and its degree of involvement in the project is unknown.

The camera was not mentioned again after that date. The company certainly faced technical problems with the auto-stop advance and shutter cocking mechanism,[8] and the release was delayed as a consequence. The company had to refund the subscribers,[9] and was sued by dissatisfied customers on June 1939.[10] It seems that the camera was never produced as the "Riken No.1", and no surviving example has surfaced so far.

The Gokoku

The Riken No.1 was actually sold in 1939 and 1940 under the name Gokoku (or Gokoku No.1). The word gokoku (written 護国) means "protector of the country", it is an example of the "patriotic" wartime names often used by Riken.


Description

The camera has a metal body with leather covering and chrome-plated top and bottom plates. The viewfinder is offset to the left, as seen by the photographer, and is contained in a casing extending to the right. The name GOKOKU N°1 is engraved above the finder (with a stylized G) together with the R.K.K initials of Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō. The accessory shoe, speed dial and shutter release are above the top casing, to the right of the viewfinder. The speed dial has Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500 settings. The serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe.

The advance knob is at the right end, it turns in the counter-clockwise direction and is surrounded by the exposure counter. The film is advanced and the shutter is wound in the same movement.[11] Because of the absence of perforations, the film advance mechanism only relies on feeler-rollers, and was plagued with reliability problems.[12] There is a fake rewind knob at the left end of the top plate: the camera does not need rewind and it is only there to mimic the Leica.

The back is removable together with the bottom plate for film loading. It is locked by keys at both ends, and the bottom plate also has a tripod thread. There is a single red window at the left end of the back, used to set the position of the first exposure. It is protected by a cover that is retracted by a thumbwheel surrounding the red window.

Original documents

In an advertisement dated February 1939 by Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō, the Gokoku was listed among the camera range for ¥195 (the name was written 護国).[13] A full advertisement for the Gokoku was inserted in the October 1939 issue of Shinkō Graph. The camera was presented with a fixed Gokoku Anastigmat f/3.5 lens and the price was ¥170.[14] The Gokoku was listed again in another advertisement dated October 1940 in Asahi Camera.[15] It was also listed for ¥190 in the list of set prices compiled on October 1940 and published in January 1941.[16]

Variations

With fixed lens

The regular version of the Gokoku has a Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 fixed lens, with a collapsible barrel. The focusing helix is driven by a tab, and the lens focuses down to 0.5 metre. The front rim is engraved GOKOKU ANASTIGMAT 1:3.5 F=50mm and the lens number is engraved on the distance scale. The diaphragm is controlled by an index around the front element. On some lenses, the aperture scale is 3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5, 18; on others it is 3.5, 4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. The camera normally comes with a metal lens cap engraved RKK.

Variations are known in the feeler roller system advance system, presumably because of an attempt of making the troublesome mechanism more reliable. Some cameras have a roller attached to the back and facing the main roller inside the body. On others, there is a metal bridge forcing the film onto the main roller and the pressure plate is accordingly modified.[17]

Examples have been observed with body numbers ranging from 1168 to 2954 and lens numbers ranging from 10168 to 12043. The production of this version can be estimated at about 1,500 to 2,000 units.

With interchangeable lens

One example of the Gokoku is known with an interchangeable lens; it has body no.1887 and comes with an Ofunar 50mm f/3.5 lens (no.48010).[18] It is not known if a small batch of interchangeable-lens cameras were made, or if that particular example is an isolated prototype or an aftermarket conversion. The lens mount is the standard Leica thread mount; it is said that the camera can take regular Leica lenses but that they end up in the upside down position, with the infinity setting at the bottom.[19]

The Ofunar 50mm f/3.5 lens found with the camera is the only example of its kind observed so far. The collapsible barrel is closely copied on the Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5. The focusing mount is driven by a tab with an infinity lock, and goes down to 1 metre. The front rim is engraved Ofunar 1:3.5 f=50mm N°xxxxx. The diaphragm is controlled by an index around the front element, and the aperture scale goes from 3.5 to 18. It seems that the lens has a rangefinder coupling cam;[20] this is useless on the Gokoku, and it is not known for sure if it is properly adjusted for Leica-mount rangefinder cameras.

Little is known on that Ofunar lens. It is not certain that it was originally mounted on the camera, but the inverted mount makes this quite plausible. The Ofunar brand was used after World War II by the company Ōfuna Kōgaku, which started during the war as a factory of Tomioka in Ōfuna, near the city of Kamakura. The lens might have been manufactured in that factory, either during the war by Tomioka for Riken, or after the war by Ōfuna to fit a specially converted Gokoku — the serial number 48010 might indicate year 1948 and come in favour of that theory. The lens looks very similar to the Lausar 5cm f/3.5 made by Tomioka for the Lausar camera (see above), but the similarity between these two Elmar copies might be fortuitous.

Accessory rangefinder

An external rangefinder was available for the camera. It is marked RKK and GOKOKU RANGE-FINDER, and it was copied on the external rangefinder of the Leica Standard, with a shorter base.

The Ricohl

Riken launched the Ricohl, successor of the Gokoku, around late 1940. It is said that Ichimura Kiyoshi (the founder of Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō) sought the help of Fujimoto Sakae (藤本栄), who would later design the Ricohflex III, to make the camera more reliable.[21]

Description

The Ricohl has a longer top housing covering the whole top plate. The finder is larger and the fake rewind knob has been suppressed. The accessory shoe, speed dial and release button are similar to the parts mounted on the Gokoku. The advance knob is different, it turns in the clockwise direction and contains the exposure counter. There is an index next to the advance knob, pointing to the frame number. The advance mechanism was completely reworked, and the knob is now turned clockwise. It is said that the shutter is wound first and the film is advanced next, and that this needs about three turns of the knob.[22] The auto-stop mechanism still relies on feeler rollers, but now works reasonably well.[23]

The name Ricohl is engraved above the viewfinder, together with the model number and the initials R.K.K for Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō. The serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe.

The Ricohl I

The Ricohl I (リコールⅠ型) has the same fixed-mount Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens as the Gokoku. The aperture scale usually goes from 3.5 to 18, but at least one advertising picture shows f/22 minimum aperture.[24]

The Ricohl (I) already appears in the list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, at ¥190.[25] Advertisements appear in the February, March and October 1941 issues of Shashin Bunka, showing the same price of ¥190.[26] The camera was also featured in the new products column of the April 1941 issue of Asahi Camera.[27]

Examples of the Ricohl I have been observed with body numbers ranging from 2750 to 4218 and lens numbers ranging from 10642 to 12285. (The lenses were not matched to the bodies in strict ascending order.) It seems that the serial number sequence continues the sequence of the Gokoku, with some overlap at the beginning of the production, and that about 1,000 to 1,500 examples of the Ricohl I were produced.

The Z indication on the speed dial was substituted by B soon after the beginning of the production run.[28] A few examples are known with maroon leather covering, which is perhaps original.[29]

The Ricohl II

The Ricohl II (リコールⅡ型) is a more expensive version, about which little is known. It was briefly announced but no picture has been found yet, and no surviving example has ever surfaced.

The Ricohl II already appears in the list of set prices published in January 1941, at ¥335 with no further detail.[30] The price was set according to the camera characteristics, and is on par with the original Leotax and with the rangefinder versions of the Canon, perhaps indicating that it was equipped with a rangefinder too. The camera was also advertised for ¥314 in 1942, along with the Ricohl IIB at ¥256.[31]

The Ricohl IIB

The Ricohl IIB (リコールⅡB型) has an interchangeable lens using a specific screw mount, with 40mm diameter, 32 threads per inch and 27.9mm flange to film distance.[32] Very few examples have been observed so far, and the only observed serial number is in the 44xx range.[33]

The Ricohl IIB was offered for ¥256 in various advertisements dated February 1942.[34] The price later rose to ¥291.48,[35] and the camera was advertised until mid 1943.[36] The Ricohl is still mentioned in a government inquiry listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, with no specification of a model name.[37] In that document, the focal plane shutter is said to give B, 1–500 speeds, surely by mistake.[38]

Neutar 50mm f/3.5 lens

The standard lens of the Ricohl IIB is a collapsible four-element[39] Neutar 50mm f/3.5, seemingly made by Riken itself.[40] It is probable that no other lens was made for the camera. The diaphragm is controlled by a ring around the front element, and the aperture scale goes from 3.5 to 18. The front rim is engraved NEUTAR 1:3.5 F=50mm, sometimes with two dots around the NEUTAR name.[41] No lens number is visible. Variations are known in the size and shape of the focusing tab: it is either small with a striated tip, or large with a smooth tip (reminiscent of the focusing tab visible on the pictures of the Riken No.1).[42]

One isolated example of the Neutar 50mm f/3.5 lens is known in genuine Leica screw mount.[43] It is equipped with an oblique coupling cam at the rear, made to fit a rangefinder camera, perhaps the hypothetical Ricohl II. It differs from the above lenses by the slightly larger fairing for the focusing helix, and by an infinity lock replacing the stopping screw. It has the small focus tab and the two dots around the NEUTAR name.

Case

Two models of ever-ready case are known for the Ricohl. One is hinged to the back and is embossed Riken at the front and the other is hinged at the bottom and is embossed Ricohl.[44]

Notes

  1. "Senzen no rikō kamera — hoi", p.21 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.
  2. Arimura, p.6 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14, says this of the Gokoku, and this surely applies to the Ricohl as well.
  3. Article in Asahi Shinbun 28 August 1938, mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.
  4. Advertisement in Shashin Salon October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.4 of Camera Collectors' News no.39; advertisement in Asahi Camera October 1938 (exactly identical to that in Shashin Salon), reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.102 and in Awano, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14; column in Asahi Camera October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.5 of Camera Collectors' News no.39. An advertisement in Ars Camera October 1938 is also listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.
  5. The column in Asahi Camera October 1938 says 20, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500, B. The absence of 1/30 is perhaps a mistake.
  6. The Leica thread mount mentioned in Pont / Princelle, p.198, is unconfirmed. The bayonet mount mentioned as a variant in the same source is implausible.
  7. Column in Asahi Camera October 1938, reproduced in Awano, p.5 of Camera Collectors' News no.39: 旭光学に於て、理研の名を冠して発表した最初の製品である.
  8. These problems are mentioned for the Gokoku in Awano, p.2 of Camera Collectors' News no.39, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  9. Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato (Feb. 1939), p.13 of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin July 20, 1967, reproduced on p.231 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku: 予告発売をして製品が完成せず申込金返済と言う醜態を演じた理研光学.
  10. Awano, p.1 of Camera Collectors' News no.39 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  11. Awano, p.11 of Camera Collectors' News no.40, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  12. Awano, p.2 of Camera Collectors' News no.39, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  13. Advertisement for the Riken camera range published in the 26 February 1939 issue of Sunday Mainichi, formerly reproduced in the Gochamaze website (archived).
  14. Advertisement reproduced in Tanaka, p.9 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.
  15. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.336.
  16. "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 5, section 1.
  17. Comparative pictures are shown in Awano, p.3 of Camera Collectors' News no.39.
  18. Example pictured in Awano, Camera Collectors' News no.39, p.23 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37, and in Sugiyama, item 3022.
  19. Awano, p.1 of Camera Collectors' News no.39, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14, p.123 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.32 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  20. Picture in Awano, p.2 of Camera Collectors' News no.39 and p.23 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14. Nothing is said in the main text.
  21. Page about the Gokoku and Ricohl at the Ricoh official website.
  22. Awano, p.11 of Camera Collectors' News no.40, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.58 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  23. Awano, p.11 of Camera Collectors' News no.40 and pp.58–9 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37..
  24. F/22 minimum aperture: advertisement in Shashin Bunka February 1941 reproduced in Awano, p.13 of Camera Collectors' News no.40.
  25. "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 5, section 1.
  26. Advertisement in Shashin Bunka February 1941, reproduced in Awano, p.13 of Camera Collectors' News no.40 and p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14; advertisement in Shashin Bunka March 1941, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.103; advertisement in Shashin Bunka October 1941, reproduced in Tanaka, p.10 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.
  27. Column in Asahi Camera April 1941, reproduced in Awano, p.13 of Camera Collectors' News no.40.
  28. The transition occurred between body no.2750 and 3309.
  29. Examples pictured in this page of the AJCC and in this page of the Ricoh official website.
  30. "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 5, section 2.
  31. Advertisement reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura.
  32. Specifications of the lens mount: Awano, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.59 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37.
  33. The example pictured in Awano, p.23 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.59 of {KKS}} no.37, and in Sugiyama, item 3048, has body no.4419.
  34. Advertisement in Shashin Bunka February 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.103, in Awano, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14; the same advertisement is visible in this page of Xylocopal's photolog, apparently from Asahi Camera February 1942. See also this advertisement and this other advertisement reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura.
  35. Price set in March 1943 according to Awano, p.12 of Camera Collectors' News no.40. An advertisement showing the Ricohl IIB at that price is reproduced in Awano, p.14 of the same magazine, where it is mistakenly said to be dated June 1941.
  36. The last advertisement listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343, is dated August 1943.
  37. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), item 160.
  38. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item F-4.
  39. Advertisement in Shashin Bunka February 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14, and advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.14 of Camera Collectors' News no.40.
  40. The Neutar lens is described as the result of research by Riken Kōgaku in the advertisement in Shashin Bunka February 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.103 and in Awano, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.
  41. Two dots: example in Ricohl mount pictured in Awano, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14, example in Leica mount pictured in Awano, p.124 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.32, and incomplete example sold as lot no.675 of Westlicht Photographica Auction no.5 (see the links below). No dots: example in Ricohl mount pictured in Awano, p.23 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.59 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37, and in Sugiyama, item 3048.
  42. Small tab: example pictured on body no.4419 in Awano, p.23 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.59 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.37, and in Sugiyama, item 3048. Large tab: examples pictured in Awano, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14, in Hayashi, p.85 of the same magazine, and incomplete example sold as lot no.675 of Westlicht auction no.5 (see links below).
  43. Lens pictured and described in Awano, p.124 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.32.
  44. The two case models are pictured in Awano, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.

Bibliography

Original documents

  • "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku" (国産写真機の公定価格, Set prices of the Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of October 25, 1940 and setting the retail prices from December 10, 1940. Published in Asahi Camera January 1941 and reproduced in 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. Pp.108—9. Type 5, sections 1 and 2.
  • Shinkō Graph (新光グラフ) August 1938. "Orinpikku kamera nyūsu" (オリンピックカメラニュース, Olympic camera news). P.37.

Recent sources

Links

General links

In English:

In Japanese:

Original documents


Asahi Bussan and Riken prewar and wartime cameras (edit)
rigid or collapsible
Vest Adler | Gokoku | Semi Kinsi | Letix | Olympic | New Olympic | Regal Olympic | Semi Olympic | Super Olympic | Vest Olympic | Riken No.1 | Ricohl | Roico | Seica | Zessan
folders pseudo TLR TLR
Semi Adler | Adler III | Adler A | Adler B | Adler C | Adler Four | Adler Six | Gaica | Heil | Kinsi Chukon Ref Ricohflex | Ricohflex B