Difference between revisions of "Koho"
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− | '''Koho''' (Kōhō) was the name of the first leaf shutter made from 1936 by Takachiho (later [[Olympus]]). All the Koho versions had a selftimer and were in #0 size. Francesch says that it was inspired by the German [[Prontor II]]. The Koho was mainly mounted on the [[Semi Olympus | + | '''Koho''' (Kōhō) was the name of the first leaf shutter made from 1936 by Takachiho (later [[Olympus]]). All the Koho versions had a selftimer and were in #0 size. Francesch says that it was inspired by the German [[Prontor II]]. The Koho was mainly mounted on the [[Olympus folders|Semi Olympus and Olympus Six]], but Takachiho also sold it to other makers. |
== Versions and Olympus cameras equipped == | == Versions and Olympus cameras equipped == | ||
− | The | + | The Koho shutter was originally called '''Laurel''' (ローレル, ''rōreru''). The Laurel has 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, B, T speeds. The pre-series version of the [[Olympus folders|Semi Olympus II]], with off-centered finder, was advertised in 1937 with a Laurel shutter.<ref> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' (October 1937), reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 62, and [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/pdf/semi_olympus.pdf brochure dated 1937] available in [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/vol01/index.html this page of the Olympus corporate site].</ref> The name "Laurel" was dropped because it was already registered, and it is said that the transitional name "Dauled" was used.<ref> "Laurel" already registered: Francesch, p. 24, and [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/details/1930/1930_04.html this page of the Olympus Photo Club website]. "Dauled": [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/details/1930/1930_06.html this page of the Olympus Photo Club website]. </ref> |
− | The '''first version''' of the Koho | + | The '''first version''' of the Koho is similar to the Laurel, with the same speed range: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, B, T. As seen from the front, it has the winding lever at the top right, the release lever at the top left, the selftimer lever with a red dot at the bottom left and a distance release post on the left. It was mounted on a version of the [[Olympus folders|Semi Olympus I]] and on the series version of the [[Olympus folders|Semi Olympus II]]. |
− | The '''second version''' | + | The '''second version''' has the same controls and a top speed of 1/200. It has been observed on some [[Olympus folders|Semi Olympus II]].<ref> See for example [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/photodata/jpg/1930/1930_07_2.jpg this page of the Olympus Photo Club website]. </ref> |
− | The '''third version''' | + | The '''third version''' has the same speed range (1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, B, T) but it is adapted for a body release. It has the winding lever at the top left, the selftimer lever with a red dot at the bottom left, and the release also at the bottom left, activated by the cam of the body release. The aperture setting has moved to the top of the shutter housing. This version was mounted on most variants of the [[Olympus folders|Olympus Six]]. In some advertisements for the Olympus Six the shutter was sometimes called Koho II or Koho III.<ref> For example in an [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/pdf/olympus_six.pdf Olympus Six brochure] available in [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/vol01/index.html this page of the Olympus corporate site]. </ref> |
== Other cameras equipped with a Koho shutter == | == Other cameras equipped with a Koho shutter == | ||
− | |||
This list is incomplete. | This list is incomplete. | ||
* first version | * first version | ||
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** [[Semi Kelly]]<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> | ** [[Semi Kelly]]<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 336. </REF> | ||
* second version | * second version | ||
− | ** a [[Condor folders|New Semi Condor]].<ref>Seen at a Yahoo Japan auction.</ref> It had what looks like a complicated linkage to a body release. | + | ** a [[Condor folders|New Semi Condor]].<ref> Seen at a Yahoo Japan auction. </ref> It had what looks like a complicated linkage to a body release. |
* third version | * third version | ||
** a [[Mamiya Six|Mamiya Six III]] pictured in McKeown | ** a [[Mamiya Six|Mamiya Six III]] pictured in McKeown | ||
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== The Kōhō name == | == The Kōhō name == | ||
− | |||
The name Kōhō was written コーホー in katakana, but it was apparently formed from the word 高峰, which means "high peak" or "high mountain". This is a clear allusion to the Olympus name (itself from Mount Olympus). | The name Kōhō was written コーホー in katakana, but it was apparently formed from the word 高峰, which means "high peak" or "high mountain". This is a clear allusion to the Olympus name (itself from Mount Olympus). | ||
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== Links == | == Links == | ||
− | * [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/index.htm Olympus history pages] at the [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/ Olympus Photo Club website] | + | * [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/index.htm Olympus history pages] at the [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/ Olympus Photo Club website]: |
** [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/category/semi/semi.htm The Semi models] | ** [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/category/semi/semi.htm The Semi models] | ||
** [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/category/6x6sp/6x6sp.htm The Six and Chrome Six models] | ** [http://www.geocities.jp/o_photoclub/OLYHistory/category/6x6sp/6x6sp.htm The Six and Chrome Six models] | ||
− | * [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/vol01/index.html | + | * [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/vol01/index.html Origins of the Olympus cameras] in the Olympus corporate site, with links to a [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/pdf/semi_olympus.pdf Semi Olympus II brochure] and to an [http://www.olympus-zuiko.com/dev_spirits/maitani/pdf/olympus_six.pdf Olympus Six brochure], in pdf format |
[[Category: Leaf shutters]] | [[Category: Leaf shutters]] |
Revision as of 12:00, 23 April 2007
Koho (Kōhō) was the name of the first leaf shutter made from 1936 by Takachiho (later Olympus). All the Koho versions had a selftimer and were in #0 size. Francesch says that it was inspired by the German Prontor II. The Koho was mainly mounted on the Semi Olympus and Olympus Six, but Takachiho also sold it to other makers.
Contents
Versions and Olympus cameras equipped
The Koho shutter was originally called Laurel (ローレル, rōreru). The Laurel has 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, B, T speeds. The pre-series version of the Semi Olympus II, with off-centered finder, was advertised in 1937 with a Laurel shutter.[1] The name "Laurel" was dropped because it was already registered, and it is said that the transitional name "Dauled" was used.[2]
The first version of the Koho is similar to the Laurel, with the same speed range: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, B, T. As seen from the front, it has the winding lever at the top right, the release lever at the top left, the selftimer lever with a red dot at the bottom left and a distance release post on the left. It was mounted on a version of the Semi Olympus I and on the series version of the Semi Olympus II.
The second version has the same controls and a top speed of 1/200. It has been observed on some Semi Olympus II.[3]
The third version has the same speed range (1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, B, T) but it is adapted for a body release. It has the winding lever at the top left, the selftimer lever with a red dot at the bottom left, and the release also at the bottom left, activated by the cam of the body release. The aperture setting has moved to the top of the shutter housing. This version was mounted on most variants of the Olympus Six. In some advertisements for the Olympus Six the shutter was sometimes called Koho II or Koho III.[4]
Other cameras equipped with a Koho shutter
This list is incomplete.
- first version
- V Semi First (with a First Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 lens)[5]
- Semi Kelly[6]
- second version
- a New Semi Condor.[7] It had what looks like a complicated linkage to a body release.
- third version
- a Mamiya Six III pictured in McKeown
- a Zeitax with a folding optical finder and a Zeitax Anastigmat 7.5cm f:3.5 lens[8]
- the Sintax
- unknown version
- Semi Proud II (Baldax copy)
On all the above cameras except perhaps the Sintax, the shutter plate is marked Olympus Tokyo N. This plate has a cut for an aperture scale placed at the bottom, and it does not fit very well with the third version of the Koho. The Sintax has a SINTAX marking at the bottom of the shutter plate, probably filling the cut.
The Kōhō name
The name Kōhō was written コーホー in katakana, but it was apparently formed from the word 高峰, which means "high peak" or "high mountain". This is a clear allusion to the Olympus name (itself from Mount Olympus).
Notes
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera (October 1937), reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 62, and brochure dated 1937 available in this page of the Olympus corporate site.
- ↑ "Laurel" already registered: Francesch, p. 24, and this page of the Olympus Photo Club website. "Dauled": this page of the Olympus Photo Club website.
- ↑ See for example this page of the Olympus Photo Club website.
- ↑ For example in an Olympus Six brochure available in this page of the Olympus corporate site.
- ↑ Example pictured in Baird, p. 75, and observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Seen at a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ See here.
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.
- Baird, John R. Collectors guide to Kuribayashi-Petri Cameras. Grantsburg, WI (USA): Centennial Photo Service, 1991. ISBN 0-931838-16-9. P. 75.
- Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Olympus de 1936 à 1983. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. ISBN 2-249-27679-X.
Links
- Olympus history pages at the Olympus Photo Club website:
- Origins of the Olympus cameras in the Olympus corporate site, with links to a Semi Olympus II brochure and to an Olympus Six brochure, in pdf format