Difference between revisions of "Kraft"
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This model was offered in an advertisement dated January 1942<REF> Advertisement published in ''Shashin Bunka'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 68. </REF>, in two variants, both with a Kraft Anastigmat f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens: | This model was offered in an advertisement dated January 1942<REF> Advertisement published in ''Shashin Bunka'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 68. </REF>, in two variants, both with a Kraft Anastigmat f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens: | ||
| − | * '''Kraft I''': [[Licht]] shutter by [[ | + | * '''Kraft I''': [[Licht]] shutter by [[Hattori|Seikōsha]], T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds, self-timer ({{yen|109|1942}}); |
* '''Kraft II''': Perfect shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], B, 1–300 speeds, self-timer ({{yen|125|1942}}). | * '''Kraft II''': Perfect shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], B, 1–300 speeds, self-timer ({{yen|125|1942}}). | ||
The advertisement mentions a double exposure prevention device. However that would need a linkage from the shutter release lever to the advance mechanism, that is obviously not present in the variant equipped with an everset Licht. | The advertisement mentions a double exposure prevention device. However that would need a linkage from the shutter release lever to the advance mechanism, that is obviously not present in the variant equipped with an everset Licht. | ||
Revision as of 16:01, 13 January 2007
The Kraft (クラフト) is a 4×4cm format camera, using 127 film, made by Ehito Kōgaku Kōgyō from 1941 to 1943.[1] It is very similar to the Letix, sold by Riken from 1940. It is not known if the two cameras are related or if Ehito simply copied the Letix.
General description
The Kraft has a metal body (unlike the Letix that has a bakelite body). There is a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly.
The camera is covered by a top housing except the space around the advance knob, at the left end of the top plate. This advance knob is very thick and has an arrow engraving above. The camera is equipped with auto-stop film advance, a device that is necessary because the film paperback is not marked for 4×4cm pictures. Between the finder and the advance knob there is a button that perhaps unlocks the auto-stop advance device. There is also an exposure counter on the right, of which two variants are known, and an accessory shoe on the right end.
The back is said to be removable together with the bottom plate (like the Letix).[2]
The Kraft has a nameplate screwed to the front of the top housing, with the KRAFT name and the serial number.
Original model
On the original model, the exposure counter consists of a fully exposed disc engraved from 1 to 12, and the tubular optical finder is a separate part, attached to the middle of the top housing. On the nameplate, the serial number is written after the name KRAFT.
This model was offered in an advertisement dated January 1942[3], in two variants, both with a Kraft Anastigmat f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens:
- Kraft I: Licht shutter by Seikōsha, T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds, self-timer (¥109);
- Kraft II: Perfect shutter by Neumann & Heilemann, B, 1–300 speeds, self-timer (¥125).
The advertisement mentions a double exposure prevention device. However that would need a linkage from the shutter release lever to the advance mechanism, that is obviously not present in the variant equipped with an everset Licht.
The focal length of the lens is not given. An example (n°2751) has been observed with a Kraft Anastigmat 5cm f/3.5 lens.[4] The B, 1–300 shutter is marked KRAFT-WORKS on the speed rim and at the bottom of the shutter plate. It is perhaps a rebadged Perfect shutter. Another example (n°2785) has been observed with a Kraft Anastigmat 60mm f/3.5 lens mounted in a Licht shutter, thus corresponding to the Kraft I.[5]
The names of two companies are indicated in the advertisement: Ehito Kōgaku Kōgyō and Ishii Shōkai, probably the distributor.
Late model
On the late model, the exposure counter disc is placed under the top housing and is only visible though a crescent-shaped window. The viewfinder is incorporated in a slightly modified top housing, with a depression under the left hand button. On the nameplate, the serial number is written under the name KRAFT.
One example has been observed with a Kraft Anastigmat 5cm f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens, mounted in the same Kraft-Works B, 1–300 shutter as described above.[6]
Notes
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336.
- ↑ Back: this page at Asacame.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 68.
- ↑ Example n°2751 pictured in McKeown, p. 548.
- ↑ Example n°2785 pictured in this page at Asacame.
- ↑ Example n°5117, pictured in McKeown, pp. 548–9.
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. Item 76.
- 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). Pp. 548–9.
This camera is not listed in Sugiyama.
Links
In Japanese:
- Kraft in the A–Z 127 film cameras at Asacame
