Difference between revisions of "Idea A"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
(more)
m (Idea A: Replaced location of rebollo_fr image due to expected deletion of images on Flickr Feb.2019, /photos/rebollo_fr/2401596396)
 
(22 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Japanese plate folding bed
 
{{Japanese plate folding bed
|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/2511624561/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2511624561_54bfe3cc94_m_d.jpg]<br>''Laterally reversed image, from {{AR}} April 1922. {{public domain Japan old}}''
+
|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/32132711587/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7860/32132711587_41cd0ca027_m_d.jpg]<br>''Laterally reversed image, from {{AR}} April 1922. {{public domain Japan old}}''
 
}}
 
}}
{{WIP}}
+
The '''Pocket Idea A1''' (ポケットアイデアA一号), '''Idea A1''' (アイデアA一号) and '''Idea A''' (アイデアA号) are Japanese plate folders made by Rokuoh-sha, the manufacturing branch of Konishi or Konishiroku (predecessors of [[Konica]]). They exist in {{tefuda}} (8×10.5cm) and {{meishi}} (5.5×8cm) size (some sources say {{daimeishi}} or 6.5×9cm, see below). They replaced the [[Sakura Pocket Prano]] in 1909, and were replaced in 1923 by the [[Idea No.1]]. The cheaper [[Idea B and Idea Snap]], with single extension bellows, were offered simultaneously.
The '''Pocket Idea A1''', '''Idea A1''' and '''Idea A''' are Japanese plate folders made by Rokuoh-sha, the manufacturing branch of Konishi or Konishiroku (predecessors of [[Konica]]). They exist in {{tefuda}} (8×10.5cm) and {{daimeishi}} (6.5×9cm) size. They replaced the [[Sakura Pocket Prano]] in 1909, and were replaced in 1923 by the [[Idea No.1]]. The cheaper [[Idea B and Idea Snap]], with single extension bellows, were offered simultaneously.
 
  
 
''See also the other [[Idea]] models.''
 
''See also the other [[Idea]] models.''
 
== Common features ==
 
All the models have an all-wooden vertically folding body. The bellows have double extension and are driven by a knob on the photographer's right, with a distance scale on the left. The front standard has a U-shaped main part and horn-shaped handles to pull it forward. It allows vertical and horizontal movements. There is a handle above the main body, and a [[brilliant finder]] atop the front standard, to the photographer's left.
 
  
 
== The {{tefuda}} models ==
 
== The {{tefuda}} models ==
 
=== Description ===
 
=== Description ===
The Pocket Idea A1 and later Idea A {{tefuda}} models have a front standard allowing vertical and horizontal movements, and whose main parts are two masts supporting the lensboard. The [[brilliant finder]] has a retracting hood and a bubble level attached to the side.
+
The {{tefuda}} models have an all-wooden vertically folding body, with a handle at the top. The bellows have double extension and are driven by a knob on the photographer's right, with a distance scale on the left. Variations are known in the shape of the folding struts, of which at least two types exist — thinner or larger. The front standard has two masts supporting the lensboard, and allows vertical and horizontal movements. It has a [[brilliant finder]] at the top, to the photographer's left, with a retracting hood; this finder exists in silver finish with a bubble level attached to the side, or in black finish with no bubble level.
  
 
=== Pocket Idea A1 ===
 
=== Pocket Idea A1 ===
The '''Pocket Idea A1''' was reportedly introduced in August 1909.<REF> Chronology of the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10, and Kikuoka, p.27 of the same magazine. </REF> It is said that the lens and shutter combinations available at the time were as follows:<REF> Kikuoka, p.30 of {{KKS}} no.10, after the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen''. </REF>
+
The '''Pocket Idea A1''' was reportedly introduced in August 1909, together with the [[Idea B and Idea Snap|Pocket Idea B]].<REF> Chronology of the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10, and Kikuoka, p.27 of the same magazine. </REF> It is said that the lens and shutter combinations available at the time were as follows:<REF> Kikuoka, p.30 of {{KKS}} no.10, after the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen''. </REF>
* [[Bausch & Lomb]] RR lens, Junior shutter;
+
* [[Bausch & Lomb]] RR lens, [[Junior]] shutter;
 
* Extra Rapid lens, [[Pronto]] shutter;
 
* Extra Rapid lens, [[Pronto]] shutter;
 
* [[Dallmeyer]] Carfac lens, [[Ibsor]] shutter;
 
* [[Dallmeyer]] Carfac lens, [[Ibsor]] shutter;
Line 27: Line 23:
 
* [[Bausch & Lomb]] Symmetrical lens, Auto shutter, {{yen|36|1911}};
 
* [[Bausch & Lomb]] Symmetrical lens, Auto shutter, {{yen|36|1911}};
 
* [[Carl Zeiss]] Tessar Ser.IIB No.4 (136mm f/6.3)<REF> Lens details: p.40 of the same December 1911 catalogue by [[Konica|Konishi Honten]]. </REF> lens, [[Koilos]] shutter, {{yen|105|1911}}.
 
* [[Carl Zeiss]] Tessar Ser.IIB No.4 (136mm f/6.3)<REF> Lens details: p.40 of the same December 1911 catalogue by [[Konica|Konishi Honten]]. </REF> lens, [[Koilos]] shutter, {{yen|105|1911}}.
The camera was supplied with three double-sided plate holders. In the illustration, the camera has a pointed lensboard, and the locking screw of the rise movement is to the photographer's left.
+
The camera was supplied with three double-sided plate holders. In the illustration, the camera has a pointed lensboard, the locking screw for the rise movement is to the photographer's left, and the bubble level is present next to the viewfinder; the shape of the folding struts is not visible.
  
 
Another catalogue extract lists the following versions at an unknown date:<REF> Catalogue extract reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
 
Another catalogue extract lists the following versions at an unknown date:<REF> Catalogue extract reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
* '''''' (甲), ¥23.50;
+
* "" (甲), ¥23.50;
* '''Otsu''' (乙), with a [[Pronto]] shutter, ¥33.50;
+
* "Otsu" (乙), with a [[Pronto]] shutter, ¥33.50;
* '''Hei''' (丙), [[Voigtländer]] Dynar lens, [[Compound]] shutter, ¥76.
+
* "Hei" (丙), [[Voigtländer]] Dynar lens, [[Compound]] shutter, ¥76.
 +
The version names "Kō", "Otsu", "Hei" were probably not officially given by [[Konica|Konishi]] but attributed by the distributor.<REF> ''Kō'' (甲), ''otsu'' (乙), ''hei'' (丙) are the three first characters of a sequence used to count from one to ten. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestial_stem this Wikipedia page]. </REF>
  
 
At least one document shows the model names Pocket Idea A1, A2 and A3, but nothing else is known about the latter two.<REF> Catalogue extract reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], with a black background. </REF>
 
At least one document shows the model names Pocket Idea A1, A2 and A3, but nothing else is known about the latter two.<REF> Catalogue extract reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], with a black background. </REF>
  
An advertisement dated 1914 in ''Shashin Geppō'' presents the '''Idea Camera A1''' (アイデアカメラA一號), along with the {{nimaigake}} and {{kabine}}-size [[Sakura Prano and Idea (4×5in and larger)|No.2 and No.4]] (二號 and 四号).<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], near the bottom. </REF> The A1 is listed with a Rapid Aplanat lens and a Single shutter, for {{yen|26|1914}}, and with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens and a [[Pronto]] shutter, for {{yen|36|1914}}. The illustration is the same as in the December 1911 catalogue.
+
An advertisement dated 1914 in ''Shashin Geppō'' presents the '''Idea Camera A1''' (アイデアカメラA一號), along with the {{nimaigake}} and {{kabine}}-size [[Sakura Prano and Idea|No.2 and No.4]] (二號 and 四号).<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], near the bottom. </REF> The A1 is listed with a Rapid Aplanat lens and a Single shutter, for {{yen|26|1914}}, and with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens and a [[Pronto]] shutter, for {{yen|36|1914}}. The illustration is the same as in the December 1911 catalogue.
  
At least one example of the camera is known with the pointed lensboard and the locking screw to the left.<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.28 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> (The two cameras identified as "Pocket Idea A-1" in {{SUG}} are actually [[Idea B and Idea Snap|Pocket Idea B]].)<REF> {{SUG}}, items 1083–4. </REF>
+
At least one example of the camera is known with the pointed lensboard and the locking screw to the left.<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.28 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It has the large folding struts and the silver brilliant finder with bubble level. (The two cameras identified as "Pocket Idea A-1" in {{SUG}} are actually [[Idea B and Idea Snap|Pocket Idea B]].)<REF> {{SUG}}, items 1083–4. </REF>
  
One illustration from an original document shows a square lensboard and the locking screw to the right.<REF> Illustration reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], where the camera is identified as a Pocket Idea A1. </REF> This seems to suggest that the Pocket Idea A1 was modified at some time, before the introduction of the Idea A. At least one camera is known with this type of lensboard, pictured in {{SUG}}.<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1086. </REF> It has a round ''<small>The</small> Idea'' nameplate on the right of the body, and reportedly has a [[Bausch & Lomb]] RR f/8 lens and an unmarked shutter with T, B, I settings.
+
One illustration from an original document, reportedly corresponding to the Pocket Idea A1, shows a square lensboard and the locking screw to the right, suggesting that the camera was modified at some time before the name became Idea A.<REF> Illustration reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], where the camera is identified as a Pocket Idea A1. </REF> The folding struts are of the thinner type and the bubble level is present. At least one camera is known with this type of lensboard, pictured in {{SUG}}.<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1086. </REF> It has the thinner folding struts and the silver finder, and there is a round ''<small>The</small> Idea'' nameplate on the right of the body. The camera reportedly has a [[Bausch & Lomb]] RR f/8 lens and an unmarked shutter with T, B, I settings.
  
 
=== Idea A ===
 
=== Idea A ===
It is said that the Pocket Idea A1 became the '''Idea A''' (アイデアA号) in July 1920.<REF> Kikuoka, pp.27 and 31 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It was reportedly available in 1920 with an RR or Voltas lens and a Victo shutter.<REF> Kikuoka, p.31 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> The new model has yet another lens standard, with a slightly rounded shape, and has the locking screw on the right. Most examples have the round nameplate on the body's left-hand side. Surviving examples are known with the following lens and shutter combinations:
+
{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=160px style="text-align: center;"
* RR 13.5cm f/8 lens, Ultro shutter (T, B, I);<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1087. </REF>
+
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33044475438/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/33044475438_4acdcd15bf_m_d.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
|| ''Advertisement in {{AR}} April 1922. {{public domain Japan old}}''
 +
|}
 +
It is said that the Pocket Idea A1 became the '''Idea A''' (アイデアA号) in July 1920;<REF> Kikuoka, pp.27 and 31 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> however the name "Idea Camera A1" found in the 1914 advertisement cited above suggests that the name change was gradual rather than sudden.<REF> Advertisement dated 1914 in ''Shashin Geppō'', reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], near the bottom. </REF> The Idea A was reportedly available in 1920 with an RR or Voltas lens and a Victo shutter.<REF> Kikuoka, p.31 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> The new model has yet another lens board, with a slightly rounded shape, and has the locking screw on the right.
 +
 
 +
The Idea appears in the advertisement in {{AR}} April 1922, also showing the "[[Lily (horizontal)|Lily]]" and "[[Pearl (for plates and rollfilm)|Pearl]]", with almost no detail. The illustration shows a {{tefuda}}-size Idea A; it is laterally reversed, obviously a mistake in the advertisement.
 +
 
 +
Surviving examples of this model are known with the following lens and shutter combinations:
 +
* RR 13.5cm f/8 lens, Ultro shutter (T, B, I);<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1087 (lens type reported only). </REF>
 
* unknown lens, Ultex shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25);<REF> Example pictured in [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j431.html this page of Neco's camera collection]. </REF>
 
* unknown lens, Ultex shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25);<REF> Example pictured in [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j431.html this page of Neco's camera collection]. </REF>
* RR f/8 lens, Deltax shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25);<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1089. The example pictured in [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j432.html this page of Neco's camera collection] also has a Deltax shutter. </REF>
+
* RR f/8 lens, Deltax shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25);<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1089 (lens type reported only). The example pictured in [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j432.html this page of Neco's camera collection] also has a Deltax shutter. </REF>
* RR 13.5cm f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10);<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1088. </REF>
+
* RR 13.5cm f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10);<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1088. </REF>
* Voltas 13.5cm f/8 lens, Gammax shutter (T, B, 100–10);<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1090. </REF>
+
* Voltas 13.5cm f/8 lens, Gammax shutter (T, B, 100–10);<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1090, and in ''Kamera no ayumi'', p.78, belonging to the Pentax Gallery (lens type reported only). </REF>
* Idea Anastigmat 13.5cm f/7.5 lens, Gammax No.1 shutter (T, B, 100–10);<REF> {{SUG}}, item 1091. </REF>
+
* Idea Anastigmat 13.5cm f/7.5 lens, Gammax No.1 shutter (T, B, 100–10);<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1091 (lens type reported only). </REF>
 
* unknown lens, Betax No.1 shutter (T, B, 100–2).<REF> Example pictured in [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmfolding/idea.htm this page at Asacame]. </REF>
 
* unknown lens, Betax No.1 shutter (T, B, 100–2).<REF> Example pictured in [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmfolding/idea.htm this page at Asacame]. </REF>
 +
These cameras have the thinner or larger folding struts, and the silver or black viewfinder, but no pattern has been detected so far. Most examples have the round nameplate on the body's left-hand side.
 +
 +
== The {{meishi}} models ==
 +
=== Description ===
 +
The smaller models have the same general body shape and focusing mechanism. The front standard is very different from that of the {{tefuda}} models. It consists of a stamped metal part, with two handles at the bottom, and has no movement ability. (Similar parts were used for the 1916 {{meishi}}-size [[Pearl (for plates and rollfilm)|Pearl No.3]].) There is a small [[brilliant finder]] at the top, on the photographer's left, with no bubble level. All the cameras known so far have large folding struts.
 +
 +
=== Evolution ===
 +
It is said that the {{meishi}} model was introduced in August 1915 as the '''Idea A1''' (アイデアA1号), and was renamed '''Idea A''' (アイデアA号) in 1916 or 1917, with no apparent change.<REF> Idea A1 in August 1915: chronology of the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10, and Kikuoka, p.29 of the same magazine. Idea A: Kikuoka says January 1917 on p.29 but lists a March 1916 catalogue with the so-called {{daimeishi}} Idea A on p.31. </REF> Some sources say that the format is {{daimeishi}} (6.5×9cm), and that the camera was the first [[Konica|Konishi]] camera to use this film size.<REF> Kikuoka, pp.29 and 31 of {{KKS}} no.10, says {{daimeishi}} for the Idea A and {{meishi}} for the [[Idea B and Idea Snap]]. The {{daimeishi}} format is mentioned by mistake for the three models in the chronology of the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10, and this is repeated in Lewis, p.23. </REF> However this is unlikely: the advertisement in {{AR}} April 1922 reproduced above mentions {{meishi}} size, not {{daimeishi}}, and the [[Idea No.1]], successor of the Idea A, was first released in {{meishi}} size, and switched to {{daimeishi}} in 1927 only.<REF> See [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
 +
 +
Various lenses were reportedly available on the {{meishi}} model: Rapid Rectilinear, Vinco-Anastigmat, [[Dallmeyer]] Ser.IV, Voltas f/8, Deltas f/6.8, Trinar f/6.3, Velostigmat f/4.5.<REF> Rapid Rectilinear, Vinco-Anastigmat, [[Dallmeyer]] Ser.IV: Kikuoka, p.31 of {{KKS}} no.10. Voltas f/8, Deltas f/6.8, Trinar f/6.3, Velostigmat f/4.5: Lewis, p.23. </REF>
 +
 +
Actual examples are known with the following equipment:
 +
* unknown lens, Gammax No.0 (T, B, 100–10) shutter;<REF> Examples pictured in Kikuoka, p.29 of {{KKS}} no.10, and in Lewis, p.45. </REF>
 +
* unknown lens, Victo (T, B, 100–10) shutter;<REF> Example pictured in [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j433.html this page of Neco's camera collection]. </REF>
 +
* unknown lens, [[Pronto]] (T, B, 100, 50, 25) shutter.<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.29 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 57: Line 78:
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 
* {{AR}}. Advertisement by [[Konica|Konishiroku Honten]] in April 1922. No page number.
 
* {{AR}}. Advertisement by [[Konica|Konishiroku Honten]] in April 1922. No page number.
 +
* {{Ayumi}} P.78.
 
* Kikuoka Sei (菊岡清). "Konica history 3. Meiji 41-nen – Taishō 12-nen." (Konica history 3. 明治41年–大正12年. From Meiji year 41 (1908) to Taishō year 12 (1923).) {{KKS010}} Pp.24–32.
 
* Kikuoka Sei (菊岡清). "Konica history 3. Meiji 41-nen – Taishō 12-nen." (Konica history 3. 明治41年–大正12年. From Meiji year 41 (1908) to Taishō year 12 (1923).) {{KKS010}} Pp.24–32.
 
* [[Konica|Konishi Honten]]. ''Saishin Shashin Kikai Mokuroku'' (最新写真器械目録, Latest catalogue of photographic apparatus). Published on December 18, 1911. Recent reprint.
 
* [[Konica|Konishi Honten]]. ''Saishin Shashin Kikai Mokuroku'' (最新写真器械目録, Latest catalogue of photographic apparatus). Published on December 18, 1911. Recent reprint.
* {{Lewis}} P.23.
+
* {{Lewis}} Pp.23 and 45 (with a picture of a {{meishi}} Idea A).
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.538 and 544.
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.538 and 544.
* {{Zukan}} Items 1086–91.
+
* {{Zukan}} Items 1086–91. (Item 1083–4 are wrongly identified as "Pocket Idea A-1", but actually correspond to the [[Idea B and Idea Snap|Pocket Idea B]].)
 
* Tanaka Yoshirō<!-- or Yoshio --> (田中芳郎). "Meiji–Taishō jidai no Konishi Honten no kamera wo shiru tame no hon" (明治・大正時代の小西本店のカメラを知るための本, Books about the Konishi Honten cameras of the Meiji and Taishō eras). {{KKS010}} Pp.92–4.
 
* Tanaka Yoshirō<!-- or Yoshio --> (田中芳郎). "Meiji–Taishō jidai no Konishi Honten no kamera wo shiru tame no hon" (明治・大正時代の小西本店のカメラを知るための本, Books about the Konishi Honten cameras of the Meiji and Taishō eras). {{KKS010}} Pp.92–4.
  
Line 69: Line 91:
 
** [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j431.html Idea A] (tefuda, Ultex shutter)
 
** [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j431.html Idea A] (tefuda, Ultex shutter)
 
** [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j432.html Idea A] (tefuda, Deltax shutter)
 
** [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j432.html Idea A] (tefuda, Deltax shutter)
** [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j433.html Idea A] (daimeishi, Victo shutter)
+
** [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/sakura/j433.html Idea A] (meishi, Victo shutter)
 
* [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmfolding/idea.htm Idea A (tefuda)] at [http://asacame.fc2web.com/ Asacame]
 
* [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmfolding/idea.htm Idea A (tefuda)] at [http://asacame.fc2web.com/ Asacame]
* Pages of the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/index.htm R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha website]:
+
* Pages of the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/camera.htm R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha website]:
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm Idea cameras], with enlarged illustrations of the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ida.htm Pocket Idea A1] and [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/IDEAA9.htm Idea A (tefuda)]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm Idea cameras], with enlarged illustrations of the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ida.htm Pocket Idea A1] and [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/IDEAA9.htm Idea A (tefuda)]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pocketideaA1.htm Pocket Idea A1], [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideaAtefuda.htm Idea A (tefuda)] and [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideafig.htm Idea Hand Camera] (including a mention of the Pocket Idea A1) in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm camera list]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pocketideaA1.htm Pocket Idea A1], [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideaAtefuda.htm Idea A (tefuda)] and [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideafig.htm Idea Hand Camera] (including a mention of the Pocket Idea A1) in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm camera list]

Latest revision as of 18:28, 12 February 2019

Japanese plate cameras, folding bed (edit)
No.0 (4×5cm) Alpha | Sweet | Pony Sweet | Taishō-shiki
atom (4.5×6cm) Monarch | Need | Palma
meishi (5.5×8cm) Eagle | Idea A | Idea B | Idea Snap | Idea No.1 | Iris | Lily (horizontal) | Pearl No.3 | Special Camera | Venis | X
daimeishi (6.5×9cm) Apollo | Arcadia | Crite | Special East | Eaton | Elliotte | First | First Etui | Gold | Happy | Hope | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Kinka | Kokka | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Tropical Lily | Lloyd | Lomax | Masnette | Mikuni | Need | Nifca Klapp | Nifca Sport | Ohca | Palma | Peter | Prince | Prince Peerless | Proud | Romax | Rosen | Rubies | Sirius | Sun | Super | Tokiwa | Venus | Weha Idea | Weha Light
tefuda (8×10.5cm) Eagle | Idea A | Idea B | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Iris | Lily (original) | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Palma | Pearl No.3, No.4 | Minimum Pearl | Special Pearl | Sakura Palace | Sakura Pocket Prano | Star | Tokiwa | Weha
nimaigake (8×12cm) Eagle | Idea | Idea Binocular | Sakura Prano | Sakura Binocular Prano | Star Premo
hagaki (8×14cm) Eagle | Noble | Pearl No.3, No.4 | Star
kabine (12×16.5cm) Idea | Noble | Sakura Prano | Star Premo
Japanese plate film: monocular, box, strut-folding and SLR ->
3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Pocket Idea A1 (ポケットアイデアA一号), Idea A1 (アイデアA一号) and Idea A (アイデアA号) are Japanese plate folders made by Rokuoh-sha, the manufacturing branch of Konishi or Konishiroku (predecessors of Konica). They exist in tefuda (8×10.5cm) and meishi (5.5×8cm) size (some sources say daimeishi or 6.5×9cm, see below). They replaced the Sakura Pocket Prano in 1909, and were replaced in 1923 by the Idea No.1. The cheaper Idea B and Idea Snap, with single extension bellows, were offered simultaneously.

See also the other Idea models.

The tefuda models

Description

The tefuda models have an all-wooden vertically folding body, with a handle at the top. The bellows have double extension and are driven by a knob on the photographer's right, with a distance scale on the left. Variations are known in the shape of the folding struts, of which at least two types exist — thinner or larger. The front standard has two masts supporting the lensboard, and allows vertical and horizontal movements. It has a brilliant finder at the top, to the photographer's left, with a retracting hood; this finder exists in silver finish with a bubble level attached to the side, or in black finish with no bubble level.

Pocket Idea A1

The Pocket Idea A1 was reportedly introduced in August 1909, together with the Pocket Idea B.[1] It is said that the lens and shutter combinations available at the time were as follows:[2]

The camera appears in a 1909 catalogue by Ueda Shashinki-ten, where it is called "Idea No.1".[3] It was priced at ¥25 with a Bausch & Lomb RR lens and a Gem shutter.

In the December 1911 catalogue by Konishi Honten, the camera is called "Idea Pocket Hand Camera" in English and "Pocket Idea A1 Hand Camera" (ポケット、アイデヤA壹號手提暗箱) in Japanese script.[4] The following lens and shutter combinations are listed:

The camera was supplied with three double-sided plate holders. In the illustration, the camera has a pointed lensboard, the locking screw for the rise movement is to the photographer's left, and the bubble level is present next to the viewfinder; the shape of the folding struts is not visible.

Another catalogue extract lists the following versions at an unknown date:[6]

The version names "Kō", "Otsu", "Hei" were probably not officially given by Konishi but attributed by the distributor.[7]

At least one document shows the model names Pocket Idea A1, A2 and A3, but nothing else is known about the latter two.[8]

An advertisement dated 1914 in Shashin Geppō presents the Idea Camera A1 (アイデアカメラA一號), along with the nimaigake and kabine-size No.2 and No.4 (二號 and 四号).[9] The A1 is listed with a Rapid Aplanat lens and a Single shutter, for ¥26, and with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens and a Pronto shutter, for ¥36. The illustration is the same as in the December 1911 catalogue.

At least one example of the camera is known with the pointed lensboard and the locking screw to the left.[10] It has the large folding struts and the silver brilliant finder with bubble level. (The two cameras identified as "Pocket Idea A-1" in Sugiyama are actually Pocket Idea B.)[11]

One illustration from an original document, reportedly corresponding to the Pocket Idea A1, shows a square lensboard and the locking screw to the right, suggesting that the camera was modified at some time before the name became Idea A.[12] The folding struts are of the thinner type and the bubble level is present. At least one camera is known with this type of lensboard, pictured in Sugiyama.[13] It has the thinner folding struts and the silver finder, and there is a round The Idea nameplate on the right of the body. The camera reportedly has a Bausch & Lomb RR f/8 lens and an unmarked shutter with T, B, I settings.

Idea A

It is said that the Pocket Idea A1 became the Idea A (アイデアA号) in July 1920;[14] however the name "Idea Camera A1" found in the 1914 advertisement cited above suggests that the name change was gradual rather than sudden.[15] The Idea A was reportedly available in 1920 with an RR or Voltas lens and a Victo shutter.[16] The new model has yet another lens board, with a slightly rounded shape, and has the locking screw on the right.

The Idea appears in the advertisement in Ars Camera April 1922, also showing the "Lily" and "Pearl", with almost no detail. The illustration shows a tefuda-size Idea A; it is laterally reversed, obviously a mistake in the advertisement.

Surviving examples of this model are known with the following lens and shutter combinations:

  • RR 13.5cm f/8 lens, Ultro shutter (T, B, I);[17]
  • unknown lens, Ultex shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25);[18]
  • RR f/8 lens, Deltax shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25);[19]
  • RR 13.5cm f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10);[20]
  • Voltas 13.5cm f/8 lens, Gammax shutter (T, B, 100–10);[21]
  • Idea Anastigmat 13.5cm f/7.5 lens, Gammax No.1 shutter (T, B, 100–10);[22]
  • unknown lens, Betax No.1 shutter (T, B, 100–2).[23]

These cameras have the thinner or larger folding struts, and the silver or black viewfinder, but no pattern has been detected so far. Most examples have the round nameplate on the body's left-hand side.

The meishi models

Description

The smaller models have the same general body shape and focusing mechanism. The front standard is very different from that of the tefuda models. It consists of a stamped metal part, with two handles at the bottom, and has no movement ability. (Similar parts were used for the 1916 meishi-size Pearl No.3.) There is a small brilliant finder at the top, on the photographer's left, with no bubble level. All the cameras known so far have large folding struts.

Evolution

It is said that the meishi model was introduced in August 1915 as the Idea A1 (アイデアA1号), and was renamed Idea A (アイデアA号) in 1916 or 1917, with no apparent change.[24] Some sources say that the format is daimeishi (6.5×9cm), and that the camera was the first Konishi camera to use this film size.[25] However this is unlikely: the advertisement in Ars Camera April 1922 reproduced above mentions meishi size, not daimeishi, and the Idea No.1, successor of the Idea A, was first released in meishi size, and switched to daimeishi in 1927 only.[26]

Various lenses were reportedly available on the meishi model: Rapid Rectilinear, Vinco-Anastigmat, Dallmeyer Ser.IV, Voltas f/8, Deltas f/6.8, Trinar f/6.3, Velostigmat f/4.5.[27]

Actual examples are known with the following equipment:

  • unknown lens, Gammax No.0 (T, B, 100–10) shutter;[28]
  • unknown lens, Victo (T, B, 100–10) shutter;[29]
  • unknown lens, Pronto (T, B, 100, 50, 25) shutter.[30]

Notes

  1. Chronology of the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and Kikuoka, p.27 of the same magazine.
  2. Kikuoka, p.30 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, after the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen.
  3. Catalogue extract reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  4. December 1911 catalogue of Konishi Honten, p.9. A similar document is reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, towards the bottom.
  5. Lens details: p.40 of the same December 1911 catalogue by Konishi Honten.
  6. Catalogue extract reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  7. (甲), otsu (乙), hei (丙) are the three first characters of a sequence used to count from one to ten. See this Wikipedia page.
  8. Catalogue extract reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, with a black background.
  9. Advertisement reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, near the bottom.
  10. Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.28 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  11. Sugiyama, items 1083–4.
  12. Illustration reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, where the camera is identified as a Pocket Idea A1.
  13. Sugiyama, item 1086.
  14. Kikuoka, pp.27 and 31 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  15. Advertisement dated 1914 in Shashin Geppō, reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, near the bottom.
  16. Kikuoka, p.31 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  17. Sugiyama, item 1087 (lens type reported only).
  18. Example pictured in this page of Neco's camera collection.
  19. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1089 (lens type reported only). The example pictured in this page of Neco's camera collection also has a Deltax shutter.
  20. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1088.
  21. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1090, and in Kamera no ayumi, p.78, belonging to the Pentax Gallery (lens type reported only).
  22. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1091 (lens type reported only).
  23. Example pictured in this page at Asacame.
  24. Idea A1 in August 1915: chronology of the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and Kikuoka, p.29 of the same magazine. Idea A: Kikuoka says January 1917 on p.29 but lists a March 1916 catalogue with the so-called daimeishi Idea A on p.31.
  25. Kikuoka, pp.29 and 31 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, says daimeishi for the Idea A and meishi for the Idea B and Idea Snap. The daimeishi format is mentioned by mistake for the three models in the chronology of the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and this is repeated in Lewis, p.23.
  26. See this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  27. Rapid Rectilinear, Vinco-Anastigmat, Dallmeyer Ser.IV: Kikuoka, p.31 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10. Voltas f/8, Deltas f/6.8, Trinar f/6.3, Velostigmat f/4.5: Lewis, p.23.
  28. Examples pictured in Kikuoka, p.29 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and in Lewis, p.45.
  29. Example pictured in this page of Neco's camera collection.
  30. Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.29 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.

Bibliography

Links

In Japanese:


Konishiroku prewar and wartime cameras (edit)
plate hand cameras stereo hand cameras strut folders box telephoto SLR
Idea (original) | Idea A | Idea B | Idea Snap | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Lily (original) | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Tropical Lily | Noble | Ohca | Sakura Palace | Sakura Pocket Prano | Sakura Prano Idea Binocular | Sakura Binocular Prano Minimum Idea | Idea Spring | Korok Champion | Cherry | Sakura Army | Sakura Honor | Sakura Navy Idea Telephoto Idea Reflex (1910 and 1911) | Idea Reflex (1932) | Neat Reflex | Sakura Reflex Prano
rollfilm folders box or collapsible TLR
Pearlette | Special Pearlette | B Pearlette | Pearl (for plates and rollfilm) | Pearl No.2 | Pearl (Year 8) | Baby Pearl | Semi Pearl | Sakura Palace Record | Sakura (box) | Sakura (bakelite) Sakura-flex