Difference between revisions of "Katsuma"

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(other logo)
(probably no postwar Lyra Six by Katsuma)
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== 4.5×6 folder ==
 
== 4.5×6 folder ==
 
* [[Semi Lyra|Semi Lyra A, SR]] (postwar models)
 
* [[Semi Lyra|Semi Lyra A, SR]] (postwar models)
 
== 6×6 folder ==
 
There is possibly a postwar model of the [[Lyra Six]].
 
  
 
== 6×6 TLR ==
 
== 6×6 TLR ==

Revision as of 18:58, 26 July 2006

Katsuma Kōgaku (勝間光学, translated as Katsuma Optical Co.) is a Japanese company. It is mentioned by various sources as a binocular maker. In 1932, it was one of the two founders of the company Tōkyō Kōgaku (later Topcon), together with the measure instruments branch of Hattori Tokei-ten Seikōsha (服部時計店精工社).

In the 1950s[1], it made cameras with the Lyra brand name and used the Terionar brand name for some lenses. These brand names were used by Fuji Kōgaku until 1944, and maybe also after the war[2]. On its Lyra cameras, the company used a KATUMA[3] LYRA logo that was similar in shape to the logo used by Fuji Kōgaku[4]. This page at Japan Family Camera says that the latter company was split in two parts after the war: Taisei Kōki and Katsuma Kōgaku, with the latter one keeping the Lyra brand name. This cannot be completely accurate because Katsuma already existed before, but the company history is certainly related with Fuji Kōgaku and Taisei Kōki.

4.5×6 folder

6×6 TLR

Notes

  1. Its address in 1955 was Tōkyō-to Toshima-ku Ikebukuro 6, 1981 (東京都豊島区池袋6の1981).
  2. This is suggested by the existence of a version of the Lyra Six with a top housing, having Fujikō markings and typical postwar features, like the synchronized shutter with PC connector.
  3. 'Katuma' and 'Katsuma' are two alternative ways to write 勝間 in the Roman alphabet. The latter is closer to the true pronunciation.
  4. Another logo has been used on binoculars: KOC (for Katsuma Optical Company) inside a triangle inside a circle.