Difference between revisions of "Lyra Six"
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== The Lyra Six and Lyra Six II == | == The Lyra Six and Lyra Six II == | ||
=== The original model === | === The original model === | ||
| − | The '''original model''', introduced in 1937<REF> The first advertisement mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, is dated April 1937. The same source says that the Lyra Six was featured in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of ''Asahi Camera'' | + | The '''original model''', introduced in 1937,<REF> The first advertisement mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, is dated April 1937. The same source says that the Lyra Six was featured in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]].'' </REF> has no body release. It has an advance knob at the top left and an accessory shoe at the right end of the top plate. The folding optical finder is very slightly offset to the left and the folding bed release is to the right. The back is hinged to the right and the back latch is covered by a leather handle. The front leather is embossed ''LYRA'' on the left and ''SIX'' on the right. |
| − | An advertisement dated September 1937<REF> | + | An advertisement dated September 1937<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 100, in two parts. </REF> says that the camera is dual-format, taking both 6×6 and 4.5×6 exposures. There was a choice of three lenses, all with a Super Lyra shutter providing T, B, 1–300 speeds: |
* Terionar f/4.5 ({{yen|65|1937}}); | * Terionar f/4.5 ({{yen|65|1937}}); | ||
* Terionar f/3.5 ({{yen|80|1937}}); | * Terionar f/3.5 ({{yen|80|1937}}); | ||
* Terionar f/2.9 ({{yen|98|1937}}). | * Terionar f/2.9 ({{yen|98|1937}}). | ||
| − | It seems that all three lens options have an 80mm focal length, unlike the later Lyra Six III.<REF> See the description of the actual examples observed. Moreover, {{Kokusan}} says 80mm for all three lenses on p. 342. </REF> | + | It seems that all three lens options have an 80mm focal length, unlike the later Lyra Six III.<REF> See the description of the actual examples observed. Moreover, {{Kokusan}} says 80mm for all three lenses on p. 342. </REF> The shutter plate is marked ''SUPER LYRA'' at the top and ''FUJIKŌGAKU'' at the bottom. |
| − | From the end of 1937, the Super Lyra shutter was replaced by the Fujikō A (T, B, 1–300) and Fujikō B (T, B, 5–250). This type of shutter is also found on the [[Semi Lyra (prewar)|New Semi Lyra]] and [[Lyrax]]. The shutter plate is almost identical to the Super Lyra with a ''FUJIKō'' marking at the top. | + | From the end of 1937, the Super Lyra shutter was replaced by the Fujikō A (T, B, 1–300) and Fujikō B (T, B, 5–250).<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, says that the first advertisement showing the Fujikō A and B shutters is dated October 1937. </REF> This type of shutter is also found on the [[Semi Lyra (prewar)|New Semi Lyra]] and [[Lyrax]]. The shutter plate is almost identical to the Super Lyra with a ''FUJIKō'' marking at the top. |
| − | An advertisement dated September 1938<REF> | + | An advertisement dated September 1938<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' scans observed in an eBay auction. </REF> displays a picture of this model. The camera perhaps has the strap lugs and new back latch described below for the Lyra Six II, but the folding bed release is still to the right. All three lens options were offered but the shutter type is not mentioned and the camera now seems to take 6×6cm exposures only. |
=== The Lyra Six II === | === The Lyra Six II === | ||
| − | The '''Lyra Six II''' (ライラシックスⅡ型) was introduced at the end of 1938. {{Kokusan}} says that it differs by the body release protruding in front of the top plate and that it was offered with the Fujikō A shutter and all three lens options.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | + | The '''Lyra Six II''' (ライラシックスⅡ型) was introduced at the end of 1938. {{Kokusan}} says that it differs by the body release protruding in front of the top plate and that it was offered with the Fujikō A shutter and all three lens options.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> It is actually unclear if this type of body release was offered with the f/4.5 and f/3.5 lenses. |
| − | Advertisements dated August 1939<REF> | + | Advertisements dated August and October 1939<REF> August 1939: advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 101. October 1939: advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in [http://www.warbirds.jp/heiki/31000.htm this page of the Heiki Seikatsu website]. </REF> only offered this model with the f/2.9 lens for {{yen|135|1939}}, along with the less expensive versions of the Lyra Six III. The shutter is not specified but it is probably a Fujikō A. |
Other changes are noticeable in the August 1939 advertising picture. There is a new type of back latch, consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle. Strap lugs are added on each side of the body. The folding bed release has moved to the left of the viewfinder. It seems that this model only exists in single format. | Other changes are noticeable in the August 1939 advertising picture. There is a new type of back latch, consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle. Strap lugs are added on each side of the body. The folding bed release has moved to the left of the viewfinder. It seems that this model only exists in single format. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== Actual examples === | === Actual examples === | ||
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== The Lyra Six III == | == The Lyra Six III == | ||
| − | The '''Lyra Six III''' (ライラシックスⅢ型) has an advance key in place of the knob, a body release | + | The '''Lyra Six III''' (ライラシックスⅢ型) has an advance key in place of the knob, a body release located on the top plate in a more usual way and a film retaining flange in place of the accessory shoe. It also has a bulkier folding optical finder and different strap lugs. All these changes make it closer to the [[Ikonta]] 6×6, of which it is nearly a plain copy. |
The Lyra Six III has a single red window in the middle of the back, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. The back leather is embossed ''LYRA SIX'', with both words separated by the red window. These features were perhaps present on earlier models as well, but no picture has yet been found displaying the back. The folding bed leather is embossed with the ''FUJI KōGAKU'' logo, and ''FUJI KOGAKU'' logos (with no macron) are engraved in both folding struts. | The Lyra Six III has a single red window in the middle of the back, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. The back leather is embossed ''LYRA SIX'', with both words separated by the red window. These features were perhaps present on earlier models as well, but no picture has yet been found displaying the back. The folding bed leather is embossed with the ''FUJI KōGAKU'' logo, and ''FUJI KOGAKU'' logos (with no macron) are engraved in both folding struts. | ||
| − | This model was introduced in 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> Advertisements dated May and August 1939<REF> | + | This model was introduced in 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> Advertisements dated May and August 1939<REF> Advertisements published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 101. </REF> offered four lens and shutter combinations: |
| − | * Terionar f | + | * Terionar f/4.5, Fujikō B ({{yen|74|1939}}); |
| − | * Terionar f | + | * Terionar f/3.5, Fujikō B ({{yen|84|1939}});<REF> This version is simply called "Lyra Six" in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1167. </REF> |
| − | * Terionar f | + | * Terionar f/4.5, Fujikō A ({{yen|85|1939}}); |
| − | * Terionar f | + | * Terionar f/3.5, Fujikō A ({{yen|95|1939}}).<REF> This version is called "Lyra Six (Deluxe)" in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1168. </REF> |
{{Kokusan}} also mentions a variant with Terionar f/2.9 lens and Fujikō A shutter, having the same body release as the Lyra Six II, but this has not been confirmed.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | {{Kokusan}} also mentions a variant with Terionar f/2.9 lens and Fujikō A shutter, having the same body release as the Lyra Six II, but this has not been confirmed.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | ||
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== The Lyra Six F == | == The Lyra Six F == | ||
The '''Lyra Six F''' (ライラシックスＦ型) is similar to the Lyra Six III with a new Fujikō F 1–200 shutter. | The '''Lyra Six F''' (ライラシックスＦ型) is similar to the Lyra Six III with a new Fujikō F 1–200 shutter. | ||
| − | The shutter plate is sometimes black with white markings and sometimes yellowish with black markings. These markings are almost the same as on the previous Fujikō shutters, except that ''FUJIKō'' at the top is written in two parts: ''FUJ'' and ''IKō'', with an arrow between both. This shutter is also found on the [[Semi Lyra (prewar)|Semi Lyra F]], [[Lyrax|Lyrax F]] and [[Lyra Flex (prewar)|Lyra Flex F]]. This model was introduced at the end of 1940.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, says that it was featured in the new products column of the October 1940 issue of ''Asahi Camera'' | + | The shutter plate is sometimes black with white markings and sometimes yellowish with black markings. These markings are almost the same as on the previous Fujikō shutters, except that ''FUJIKō'' at the top is written in two parts: ''FUJ'' and ''IKō'', with an arrow between both. This shutter is also found on the [[Semi Lyra (prewar)|Semi Lyra F]], [[Lyrax|Lyrax F]] and [[Lyra Flex (prewar)|Lyra Flex F]]. This model was introduced at the end of 1940.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, says that it was featured in the new products column of the October 1940 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' together with the [[Semi Lyra (prewar)|Semi Lyra F]]. </REF> |
| − | An advertisement dated May 1941<REF> | + | An advertisement dated May 1941<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 100. </REF> offers two variants: |
| − | * Terionar f | + | * Terionar f/4.5 lens ({{yen|89|1941}}); |
| − | * Terionar f | + | * Terionar f/3.5 lens ({{yen|101|1941}}).<REF> This version is pictured in McKeown, p. 329, and in ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten,'' p. 15. </REF> |
The camera was advertised until 1942.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | The camera was advertised until 1942.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | ||
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* {{McKeown12}} P. 329 (pictures a Lyra Six F). | * {{McKeown12}} P. 329 (pictures a Lyra Six F). | ||
* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 15. | * ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 15. | ||
| + | * {{Zukan}} Items 1167–8. | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
Revision as of 20:00, 12 April 2007
The Lyra Six (ライラシックス) is a Japanese 6×6 folder made by Fuji Kōgaku from 1937. All models are horizontal folders, with a body copied on the Ikonta 6×6.
Contents
The Lyra Six and Lyra Six II
The original model
The original model, introduced in 1937,[1] has no body release. It has an advance knob at the top left and an accessory shoe at the right end of the top plate. The folding optical finder is very slightly offset to the left and the folding bed release is to the right. The back is hinged to the right and the back latch is covered by a leather handle. The front leather is embossed LYRA on the left and SIX on the right.
An advertisement dated September 1937[2] says that the camera is dual-format, taking both 6×6 and 4.5×6 exposures. There was a choice of three lenses, all with a Super Lyra shutter providing T, B, 1–300 speeds:
It seems that all three lens options have an 80mm focal length, unlike the later Lyra Six III.[3] The shutter plate is marked SUPER LYRA at the top and FUJIKŌGAKU at the bottom.
From the end of 1937, the Super Lyra shutter was replaced by the Fujikō A (T, B, 1–300) and Fujikō B (T, B, 5–250).[4] This type of shutter is also found on the New Semi Lyra and Lyrax. The shutter plate is almost identical to the Super Lyra with a FUJIKō marking at the top.
An advertisement dated September 1938[5] displays a picture of this model. The camera perhaps has the strap lugs and new back latch described below for the Lyra Six II, but the folding bed release is still to the right. All three lens options were offered but the shutter type is not mentioned and the camera now seems to take 6×6cm exposures only.
The Lyra Six II
The Lyra Six II (ライラシックスⅡ型) was introduced at the end of 1938. Kokusan kamera no rekishi says that it differs by the body release protruding in front of the top plate and that it was offered with the Fujikō A shutter and all three lens options.[6] It is actually unclear if this type of body release was offered with the f/4.5 and f/3.5 lenses.
Advertisements dated August and October 1939[7] only offered this model with the f/2.9 lens for ¥135, along with the less expensive versions of the Lyra Six III. The shutter is not specified but it is probably a Fujikō A.
Other changes are noticeable in the August 1939 advertising picture. There is a new type of back latch, consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle. Strap lugs are added on each side of the body. The folding bed release has moved to the left of the viewfinder. It seems that this model only exists in single format.
Actual examples
Only two examples of these models have been observed.
The first one[8] has a dual format finder, the old back latch and the folding bed release to the right. The lens is a Terionar 80/2.9 and the shutter a Super Lyra (T, B, 1–300). These features correspond to a 1937 original model, but there is the same body release as the Lyra Six II.
The second one[9] has the new back latch, strap lugs and the folding bed release to the right. The lens is marked 80mm with f/4.5 or f/3.5 aperture and the shutter is a Fujikō A. There is no shutter release and it could correspond to a late 1938 original model.
The Lyra Six III
The Lyra Six III (ライラシックスⅢ型) has an advance key in place of the knob, a body release located on the top plate in a more usual way and a film retaining flange in place of the accessory shoe. It also has a bulkier folding optical finder and different strap lugs. All these changes make it closer to the Ikonta 6×6, of which it is nearly a plain copy.
The Lyra Six III has a single red window in the middle of the back, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. The back leather is embossed LYRA SIX, with both words separated by the red window. These features were perhaps present on earlier models as well, but no picture has yet been found displaying the back. The folding bed leather is embossed with the FUJI KōGAKU logo, and FUJI KOGAKU logos (with no macron) are engraved in both folding struts.
This model was introduced in 1939.[10] Advertisements dated May and August 1939[11] offered four lens and shutter combinations:
- Terionar f/4.5, Fujikō B (¥74);
- Terionar f/3.5, Fujikō B (¥84);[12]
- Terionar f/4.5, Fujikō A (¥85);
- Terionar f/3.5, Fujikō A (¥95).[13]
Kokusan kamera no rekishi also mentions a variant with Terionar f/2.9 lens and Fujikō A shutter, having the same body release as the Lyra Six II, but this has not been confirmed.[14]
The Lyra Six F
The Lyra Six F (ライラシックスＦ型) is similar to the Lyra Six III with a new Fujikō F 1–200 shutter. The shutter plate is sometimes black with white markings and sometimes yellowish with black markings. These markings are almost the same as on the previous Fujikō shutters, except that FUJIKō at the top is written in two parts: FUJ and IKō, with an arrow between both. This shutter is also found on the Semi Lyra F, Lyrax F and Lyra Flex F. This model was introduced at the end of 1940.[15]
An advertisement dated May 1941[16] offers two variants:
The camera was advertised until 1942.[18]
Postwar model
A postwar Lyra Six has been observed twice.[19] It has a top housing containing the viewfinder in the middle and supporting an accessory shoe to the left.
The advance knob is at the left end of the top housing and it is engraved with a red arrow. The folding bed release is just to the front of the accessory shoe and the shutter release is to right, next to a decorative knob.
The camera is dual format, taking 6×6 and 4.5×6 exposures. There are two red windows in the back, protected by horizontally sliding covers respectively marked 4.5X6 and 6X6. The folding struts are more incurved than those of the prewar models.
The top housing and maybe the folding struts have a LYRA FUJIKŌ logo, styled like the prewar FUJI KŌGAKU logo. The same logo is embossed in the ever-ready case, while the folding bed leather is embossed with the older FUJI KOGAKU logo. The back leather is embossed LYRA-SIX under the red windows.
The lens is a front-cell focusing Terionar 80/3.5, marked LYRA Terionar 1:3.5 f=80mm. The lens is front-cell focusing and the distance ring is engraved in feet.
The shutter is a Fujikō U giving B, 10–200 speeds, having a self-timer and synchonized via a PC post. It is marked FUJIKŌ-U on the speed rim.
Notes
- ↑ The first advertisement mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, is dated April 1937. The same source says that the Lyra Six was featured in the new products column of the July 1937 issue of Asahi Camera.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 100, in two parts.
- ↑ See the description of the actual examples observed. Moreover, Kokusan kamera no rekishi says 80mm for all three lenses on p. 342.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, says that the first advertisement showing the Fujikō A and B shutters is dated October 1937.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, scans observed in an eBay auction.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
- ↑ August 1939: advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 101. October 1939: advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in this page of the Heiki Seikatsu website.
- ↑ Example observed for sale at a dealer.
- ↑ Picture found in a Korean website.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
- ↑ Advertisements published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 101.
- ↑ This version is simply called "Lyra Six" in Sugiyama, item 1167.
- ↑ This version is called "Lyra Six (Deluxe)" in Sugiyama, item 1168.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, says that it was featured in the new products column of the October 1940 issue of Asahi Camera, together with the Semi Lyra F.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 100.
- ↑ This version is pictured in McKeown, p. 329, and in Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten, p. 15.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
- ↑ It is pictured in this page at Japan Family Camera and has also been observed in an eBay auction.
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 295–8.
- 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. 329 (pictures a Lyra Six F).
- Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 15.
- 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 1167–8.
Links
In Japanese:
- Lyra Six F at Otowa no ni-kan refu, identified by mistake as a Lyra Six III
- Postwar Lyra Six at Japan Family Camera
- Camera advertisements at the Heiki Seikatsu website, including an advertisement for the Lyrax and Lyra Six published in the October 1939 issue of Asahi Camera
