Difference between revisions of "Japanese 3×4 and 4×4 pseudo TLR"
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There is a variety of names, but they can be arranged in three groups. Inside a group, the various models seem to differ only by the nameplate, attached by two screws and easily interchanged, and by the lens and shutter markings. It is probable that these cameras were all produced in the same sub-contracting factories. | There is a variety of names, but they can be arranged in three groups. Inside a group, the various models seem to differ only by the nameplate, attached by two screws and easily interchanged, and by the lens and shutter markings. It is probable that these cameras were all produced in the same sub-contracting factories. | ||
− | The body is made of black bakelite body. | + | The body is made of black bakelite body. The film is advanced by a knob on the right hand side. The film advance is controlled by two red windows in the back, placed one above the other, with the probable exception of the 4×4 model of the Pilot Ref. The right hand side plate is pulled out for film loading and is locked by a button on the left hand side. This side plate also supports the advance knob, engraved with an arrow indicating the winding direction. All the models have a 50/6.3 lens and B, 25, 50, 75, 100 shutter speeds unless noted. |
In the following, the models are described in alphabetical order inside a group. It seems that the Clover Baby Ref was the earliest model, released in 1937, and that the last model was the Alma Baby Ref sold until 1943. | In the following, the models are described in alphabetical order inside a group. It seems that the Clover Baby Ref was the earliest model, released in 1937, and that the last model was the Alma Baby Ref sold until 1943. | ||
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The '''Pilot Ref''' (パイロットレフ) exists in two models. The '''3×4 model''' was advertised between 1938 and 1942, and the '''4×4 model''' was added in 1941 and 1942.<REF> Dates: advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p. 338–9. </REF> The camera was distributed by [[Tachibana|Tachibana Shōkai]].<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> | The '''Pilot Ref''' (パイロットレフ) exists in two models. The '''3×4 model''' was advertised between 1938 and 1942, and the '''4×4 model''' was added in 1941 and 1942.<REF> Dates: advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p. 338–9. </REF> The camera was distributed by [[Tachibana|Tachibana Shōkai]].<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> | ||
− | It seems that the advertising pictures observed so far only display the 3×4 model, and no example of the 4×4 model has been seen. There are two nameplate variants for the 3×4 camera, one is marked ''Pilott Ref'' in lowercase letters (with two "t") and the other is marked ''PILOT REF'' in uppercase letters (normal orthography). In the advertisements, the lens is called Clear | + | It seems that the advertising pictures observed so far only display the 3×4 model, and no example of the 4×4 model has been seen. There are two nameplate variants for the 3×4 camera, one is marked ''Pilott Ref'' in lowercase letters (with two "t") and the other is marked ''PILOT REF'' in uppercase letters (normal orthography). In the advertisements, the lens is called Clear Anastigmat and the shutter plate is written ''Perfection'' at the top and ''Durable'' at the bottom, with a ''KS'' logo on the left, like the Baby Ref and Mario Ref. |
The 3×4 model was offered for {{yen|18|1938}} (case ¥3.50 extra) in an advertisement dated October 1938, with the ''Pilott Ref'' nameplate.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> In a January 1941 advertisement,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> the price was {{yen|23|1941}} (case included) and the nameplate was ''PILOT REF.'' In a September 1941 advertisement,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> the 3×4 model cost {{yen|16|1941}} (case ¥4.60) and the 4×4 model cost {{yen|19|1941}} (case ¥5.70). In a February 1942 advertisement,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> the prices were respectively {{yen|18.95|1942}} (case ¥5.51) and {{yen|22.50|1942}} (case ¥6.76), and the old 1938 picture was reused, with the ''Pilott Ref'' nameplate. | The 3×4 model was offered for {{yen|18|1938}} (case ¥3.50 extra) in an advertisement dated October 1938, with the ''Pilott Ref'' nameplate.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> In a January 1941 advertisement,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> the price was {{yen|23|1941}} (case included) and the nameplate was ''PILOT REF.'' In a September 1941 advertisement,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> the 3×4 model cost {{yen|16|1941}} (case ¥4.60) and the 4×4 model cost {{yen|19|1941}} (case ¥5.70). In a February 1942 advertisement,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 83. </REF> the prices were respectively {{yen|18.95|1942}} (case ¥5.51) and {{yen|22.50|1942}} (case ¥6.76), and the old 1938 picture was reused, with the ''Pilott Ref'' nameplate. | ||
− | + | Two surviving examples of the 3×4 model have been observed, both with the ''Pilott Ref'' nameplate. One of them corresponds to the advertisements described above, with the Clear Anastigmat lens and the Perfection Durable shutter.<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> The other has different lens and shutter markings. The lens is a Simpu Anastigmat 50mm f/6.3. (The "Simpu" lens name is also found on the [[Semi-Tex]] 4.5×6 folder.) The shutter has a 70 setting instead of 75, the shutter plate is marked ''Rapid'' at the top, ''Shutter'' at the bottom and there is an ''N.S'' logo in a circle on the right.<REF> Example sold as lot no. 44 in the 30 September 2006 auction by Auction Team Köln. It is pictured in [http://auction-team.de/new_highlights/2006_03/O0064385.html this page of the Auction Team Köln website], for a previous auction where it was presumably unsold. </REF> | |
== The Baby Roll Ref == | == The Baby Roll Ref == |
Revision as of 22:25, 7 May 2007
This page deals with the prewar and wartime cameras. See also the Herlight 4×4cm pseudo TLR made in 1947 by Ofuna.
Contents
Concept and description
Some pseudo TLR cameras taking 3×4cm pictures on 127 film were sold between 1937 and 1943 by Japanese companies. Their shape imitates a twin lens reflex but the finder is nothing more than a big brilliant finder, and they are fixed-focus.
There is a variety of names, but they can be arranged in three groups. Inside a group, the various models seem to differ only by the nameplate, attached by two screws and easily interchanged, and by the lens and shutter markings. It is probable that these cameras were all produced in the same sub-contracting factories.
The body is made of black bakelite body. The film is advanced by a knob on the right hand side. The film advance is controlled by two red windows in the back, placed one above the other, with the probable exception of the 4×4 model of the Pilot Ref. The right hand side plate is pulled out for film loading and is locked by a button on the left hand side. This side plate also supports the advance knob, engraved with an arrow indicating the winding direction. All the models have a 50/6.3 lens and B, 25, 50, 75, 100 shutter speeds unless noted.
In the following, the models are described in alphabetical order inside a group. It seems that the Clover Baby Ref was the earliest model, released in 1937, and that the last model was the Alma Baby Ref sold until 1943.
First group
The cameras of the first group have a plain silver viewing hood. The whole side plate is removable and there are no strap lugs. The advance knob has three knurled rows and is attached by a screw visible in the middle.
The Clover Baby Ref
The Clover Baby Ref (クロバーベビーレフ) was advertised from August to October 1937 and featured in the new products column of Asahi Camera in November.[1] The company name that appears in the August 1937 advertisement[2] is Hagi Kōgyō Bōeki, and the cost was ¥18.50.
The camera has a Clover Baby Ref nameplate, the lens is reported as an Argus Anastigmat and the shutter plate is engraved ARGUS in capital letters. (This lens and shutter equipment is similar to the Prince Baby Ref and Alma Baby Ref.) One surviving example is pictured in Sugiyama.[3]
The Prince Baby Ref
The Prince Baby Ref (プリンスベビーレフ) was advertised in 1939 and 1940.[4] Its price was ¥21 in October 1939, April and August 1940.[5] The company name that appears in the advertisements is the distributor Fukada Shōkai.[6]
The Prince Baby Ref has an Argus lens and shutter, like the Clover Baby Ref and Alma Baby Ref. It is identical to the Clover Baby Ref but for the Prince Baby Ref nameplate. One surviving example is pictured in Sugiyama.[7]
Second group
The second group is the most numerous. The cameras have a black viewing hood with an X-shaped rib. The top part of the side plate is fixed and there are strap lugs on both sides of the body. The advance knob has two knurled rows and no visible screw, except on the Baby Roll Ref which has other small differences.
The Alma Baby Ref
The Alma Baby Ref (アルマベビーレフ) was advertised in 1942 and 1943.[8] The company name that appears in an advertisement dated May 1943[9] is Banno Bōeki, which was probably only the distributor.[10] The price at the time was ¥23.50.
The Alma Baby Ref has an Argus lens and shutter, like the Clover Baby Ref and Prince Baby Ref. The nameplate is only inscribed Alma. One surviving example is pictured in Sugiyama.[11]
The Baby Ref
Baby Ref and Union Ref leaflet.
(Image rights)
The Baby Ref (ベビーレフ) is known from a leaflet dating aroung 1937[12] where it is presented together with the Union Ref as an affordable reflex camera. No company name is indicated, and the price was ¥15.
The Baby Ref has no nameplate. The lens is advertised as a Clear Anastigmat. The shutter plate is optimistically marked Perfection at the top and Durable at the bottom, with a KS logo on the left. It is thus identical to the Mario Ref and Pilot Ref, except for the nameplate. One surviving example is pictured in Sugiyama, where it is called "Mario Ref (Without Name)".[13]
The Chukon Ref
The Chukon Ref (チューコンレフ)[14] was sold by Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō (today Ricoh). It was offered for ¥20 in advertisements dated February and May 1939[15] and was featured in the new products column of Asahi Camera in August 1939.[16]
The lens is written CHUKON ANASTIGMAT and the shutter plate is marked Chukon Ref at the top and R.K.K. at the bottom (for Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō). Various surviving examples are known.[17]
The Mario Ref
The Mario Ref (マリオレフ) appears in Sugiyama and in an exhibition catalogue of the JCII. The nameplate reads MARIO REF, the lens is a Clear Anastigmat 50/6.3 and the shutter plate is marked Perfection at the top and Durable at the bottom, with a KS logo on the left. The only difference with the Baby Ref and the Pilot Ref is the nameplate. The sources attribute the camera to Tachibana Shōkai.[18]
The Pilot Ref 3×4 and 4×4
The Pilot Ref (パイロットレフ) exists in two models. The 3×4 model was advertised between 1938 and 1942, and the 4×4 model was added in 1941 and 1942.[19] The camera was distributed by Tachibana Shōkai.[20]
It seems that the advertising pictures observed so far only display the 3×4 model, and no example of the 4×4 model has been seen. There are two nameplate variants for the 3×4 camera, one is marked Pilott Ref in lowercase letters (with two "t") and the other is marked PILOT REF in uppercase letters (normal orthography). In the advertisements, the lens is called Clear Anastigmat and the shutter plate is written Perfection at the top and Durable at the bottom, with a KS logo on the left, like the Baby Ref and Mario Ref.
The 3×4 model was offered for ¥18 (case ¥3.50 extra) in an advertisement dated October 1938, with the Pilott Ref nameplate.[21] In a January 1941 advertisement,[22] the price was ¥23 (case included) and the nameplate was PILOT REF. In a September 1941 advertisement,[23] the 3×4 model cost ¥16 (case ¥4.60) and the 4×4 model cost ¥19 (case ¥5.70). In a February 1942 advertisement,[24] the prices were respectively ¥18.95 (case ¥5.51) and ¥22.50 (case ¥6.76), and the old 1938 picture was reused, with the Pilott Ref nameplate.
Two surviving examples of the 3×4 model have been observed, both with the Pilott Ref nameplate. One of them corresponds to the advertisements described above, with the Clear Anastigmat lens and the Perfection Durable shutter.[25] The other has different lens and shutter markings. The lens is a Simpu Anastigmat 50mm f/6.3. (The "Simpu" lens name is also found on the Semi-Tex 4.5×6 folder.) The shutter has a 70 setting instead of 75, the shutter plate is marked Rapid at the top, Shutter at the bottom and there is an N.S logo in a circle on the right.[26]
The Baby Roll Ref
The Baby Roll Ref has the same body as the cameras of the second group, from which it differs by details only. It appears in Sugiyama and McKeown, where it is attributed to Yuzawa Mfg. Co. (probably a translation of Yuzawa Seisakusho, 湯沢製作所).[27]
The advance knob has three knurled rows and a visible screw in the middle. The viewing hood is slightly different, with a larger central part. The shutter speeds are B, 25, 50, 100: unlike most other models, there is no 1/75 setting. Other minor differences are visible in the sideplate locking button.
Two variations are known. One is pictured in Sugiyama and McKeown. The name Baby Roll Ref is inscribed in cursive style on the viewing hood and on the black nameplate. There is a logo on the upper part of the nameplate, consisting of the letter Y inside a circle. The sideplate locking button is placed on the photographer's left, as on the other models, but it is surrounded by a small metal plate. The shutter plate is marked Special Shutter at the top and Baby Roll Ref at the bottom, and the Y logo is repeated on its right. The lens is reported as a Soft Anastigmat 50/6.3, a name that probably faithfully describes its picture-taking abilities.[28]
The other is pictured in Sugiyama only. The name BABY ROLL REF is inscribed in capital letters on the silver nameplate, from which the Y logo is absent. No marking is visible on the viewing hood. The sideplate locking button is placed on the photographer's right, in the middle of the removable sideplate itself. The shutter plate is black and chrome, it is inscribed STRAIGHT at the top and B.R.R. at the bottom (obviously for Baby Roll Ref), with the Y logo on the right. The lens is again reported as a Soft Anastigmat 50/6.3.[29]
Notes
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 69.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4032.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
- ↑ Advertisements published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi: October 1939 on p. 91, April and August 1940 on p. 80.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi attributes the Prince Baby Ref to Prince Camera Works, but this does not mean much for this camera.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4063.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 334.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Hōdō Shashin, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 59.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi attributes the Alma Baby Ref to Miyoshi Kōgaku, like the other Alma cameras, but this does not mean much for this model.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4018.
- ↑ Undated leaflet for the Victory, Semi Dymos, Reex, Baby Ref, Union Ref and Baby Chrome, published by an unknown company.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4053.
- ↑ The name Chūkon can be written 忠魂 and then it means "faithful spirit", sometimes in the sense of "loyal dead" or "war dead". Riken used such weird "patriotic" names during the war.
- ↑ February 1939: Advertisement published in Sunday Mainichi (26 February 1939), reproduced in the Gochamaze website. May 1939: advertisement published in Shinkō Graph, reproduced in Tanaka, p. 9 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 14.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 337.
- ↑ See for example the examples pictured in Sugiyama, item 4031, and in "Senzen no rikō kamera – hoi", p. 22 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 14. Another example has been observed for sale at a dealer.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4052, Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten, p. 25.
- ↑ Dates: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 338–9.
- ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 83.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 83.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 83.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 83.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 83.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Example sold as lot no. 44 in the 30 September 2006 auction by Auction Team Köln. It is pictured in this page of the Auction Team Köln website, for a previous auction where it was presumably unsold.
- ↑ Sugiyama, items 4065–6, McKeown, p. 1032.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4065, McKeown, p. 1032.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 4066.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Items 15, 78, 142, 175–6, 231. (See also the advertisements for items 155 and 177.)
- Leaflet for the Victory, Semi Dymos, Reex, Baby Ref, Union Ref and Baby Chrome, published by an unknown company. Date not indicated.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). Pp. 54–5.
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P. 1032.
- "Senzen no rikō kamera – hoi" (戦前のリコーカメラ・補遺, Prewar Ricoh cameras – appendix). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.14, October 1989. No ISBN number. Rikō kamera no subete (リコーカメラのすべて, special issue on Ricoh). Pp. 21–2.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Items 4018, 4031–2, 4052–3, 4063, 4065–6.
- Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Rikō kamera no nagare" (リコーカメラの流れ, Evolution of the Ricoh cameras). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.14, October 1989. No ISBN number. Rikō kamera no subete (リコーカメラのすべて, special issue on Ricoh). Pp. 8–11.
- Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten (私の二眼レフカメラ展, Exhibition of twin lens reflex cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 25.
Links
In English:
In Japanese:
- Clover Baby Ref in the Camera database of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology
- Chukon Ref in the camera list of the Ricoh official website, with an article about Riken wartime camera names
- Advertisement for the Riken camera range (on the left, listing the Chukon Ref) published in the 26 February 1939 issue of Sunday Mainichi, reproduced in the camera company page of the Gochamaze website
Asahi Bussan and Riken prewar and wartime cameras ( ) | ||
---|---|---|
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 |