View source for Meiritto, Meisupi and Meikai

{{Japanese no-need-darkroom}}
The '''Meiritto''' (メイリット), '''Meisupi''' (メイスピイ) and '''Meikai''' (メイカイ) are Japanese cameras made and sold by [[Tougodo]] before 1945.

''See also the [[Tougodo folding cameras|Meiritto folding camera]]. The names Meisupii (with a different spelling) and Meikai were used again after the war by the Yamanashi-based [[Tougodo]] company.''

== General evolution ==
The '''Meisupi''' series was released in 1937, taking 28×40mm pictures on size C [[no-need-darkroom]] sheet film.<REF> Date: {{Sugiyama}}, item 4083. </REF> The cheaper Meisupi models are simple viewfinder cameras, whereas the more expensive ones are side-by-side TLR cameras. The '''Meiritto''' was introduced around the same time as a cheaper alternative to the viewfinder-only Meisupi.

The '''Meikai''' was introduced in 1940 as a more expensive model, taking 3×4cm pictures on a special 35mm paper-backed rollfilm.<REF> Date: {{Sugiyama}}, items 4094–5. </REF> Most Meikai models are side-by-side TLR cameras, and the most expensive versions are called '''Meikai Ref'''. It is said that some Meikai viewfinder-only models were produced, but their actual existence is unconfirmed. The late Meisupi viewfinder models, probably those made after the introduction of the Meikai, take the same special rollfilm. The production of the Meiritto was also continued, but it is not known if it adopted the newer rollfilm too.

== Original documents ==
The advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' August 1937, placed by the distributor [[Tougodo|Tōgōdō Shashin Kōgyō]], shows and describes the Meisupi TLR.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.99. </REF> It says that the camera was made by [[Tougodo]], and that more 60 patents were filed for the camera. It lists a number of Meisupi versions, ostensibly differing by the price and lens aperture:
* f/4.5 lens, {{yen|37|1937}};
* f/5.6 lens, {{yen|25|1937}};
* f/6.3 lens, {{yen|18|1937}};
* f/6.8 lens, {{yen|12|1937}}.
The advertisement says that all the versions have a self-timer, a close-up attachment and a bubble level. The important price differences perhaps indicate that some models were simple viewfinder cameras.

The advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' April 1940, placed by the same company, shows and describes the Meikai TLR.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.99. </REF> It again lists a number of versions:
* '''Special B''' (特B號), f/6.8 lens, {{yen|25|1940}};
* '''Special''' (特號), f/6.3 lens, {{yen|38|1940}};
* '''No.1''' (1號), f/4.5 lens, {{yen|68|1940}};
* '''No.2''' (2號), f/3.8 lens, {{yen|88|1940}}.
One source says that only the No.1 and No.2 are TLR cameras, and that the Special and Special B are simple viewfinder cameras.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.342. </REF>

The official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 has various Meiritto, Meisupi and Meikai models, summarized in the table below:<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 9, sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9. </REF>
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| price category || set price || model names
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 1 || 11 || style="text-align:left" | Meiritto No.1, Meiritto No.2, Meiritto No.4
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 2 || 36 || style="text-align:left" | Meisupi No.2, Meisupi No.3, Meisupi No.4
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 3 || 31 || style="text-align:left" | Meikai Special, Meikai Special B
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 4 || 78 || style="text-align:left" | Meikai No.1, Meikai No.2
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 7 || 90 || style="text-align:left" | Meikai Ref No.5
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 8 || 50 || style="text-align:left" | Meisupi No.8
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Type 9, section 9 || 25 || style="text-align:left" | Meisupi No.6
|}
No further detail is given. However the prices and the ordering of the categories might suggest that the models listed in the three first sections are simple viewfinder cameras, and that the models in sections 4, 7, 8, 9 are side-by-side TLR cameras.

The April 1943 government inquiry on Japanese camera production lists a number of models.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 129–32 and 189–93. </REF> All are attributed to a company called Sangōsha (三郷社), and Tougodo is listed as the distributor only. The versions are summarized in the table below:
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| name || type || material<REF> This data is highly suspect. </REF> || shutter || lens
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meiritto I || viewfinder || wood (?) || Patent (T, B, I)<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-V-17. </REF> || Masumi 50/8, meniscus achromat<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Jd5. </REF>
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meiritto 4 || viewfinder || wood (?) || Patent (T, B, I) || Masumi 50/6.3, two elements<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Jd3. The reproduction of the document mentions lens item Jd4, certainly by mistake. </REF>
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meisupi 2 || viewfinder || bakelite || Patent (T, B, I) || Masumi 50/8, meniscus achromat
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meisupi 3 || viewfinder || bakelite || Patent Toumei (B, 25–150)<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-V-13. </REF> || Masumi 50/6.3, two elements
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meisupi 4 || viewfinder || bakelite || Patent Toumei (B, 25–150) || Masumi 50/4.5, three elements<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Jc4. The reproduction of the document mentions lens item Jc14, certainly by mistake. </REF>
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meikai 1 || unclear || alloy (?) || Patent Toumei (B, 25–150) || Masumi 50/4.5, three elements
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meikai 2 || unclear || alloy (?) || TM (T, B, 25–150)<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-V-4. </REF> || MK 50/4.5, three elements<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Jc5. </REF>
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meikai Ref 5 || unclear || alloy (?) || TM (T, B, 25–200)<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-V-9. </REF> || MK 50/3.8, three elements<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Jc1. </REF>
|-
| style="text-align:left" | Meikai Ref 8 || unclear || alloy (?) || Patent Shutter (T, B, 5–200)<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-U-2. </REF> || MK 50/3.5, three elements<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Jb1. </REF>
|}

== Viewfinder-only models ==
The Meiritto, Meisupi and Meikai were made in a great variety of models. The descriptions below correspond to the surviving examples actually observed. All the models have a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly, and an everset shutter with no body release.

=== Sheet film, octagonal body ===
The early models take 28×40mm sheet film and have an '''octagonal body''', as seen from the top.

The '''Meisupi I'''<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4083, example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.930, and example observed in an online auction. </REF> has an eye-level finder and a [[brilliant finder]] combined in a rectangular casing at the top. There is a round part at the left end of the top plate, containing a bubble level and holding the close-up attachment lens when it is unused. The back has a hinged door at the far right, to load the film sheets, and a pivoting cover in the middle, engraved ''P<small>ATEN</small>T Meisupi'' with the [[Tougodo]] logo, certainly covering a red window, whose purpose is unknown. There is another logo at the front of the body, perhaps reading ''TMS'' inside a circle. The apparent metal parts and the body edges are nickel-plated. The shutter has B, 25, 50, 100 settings. The black shutter plate is inscribed ''Meisupi I'' at the top and has the logo of [[Tougodo]] on the right. It perhaps also has the word "Toumei", reported by various sources.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 4083, and description of an online auction. </REF> The fixed-focus lens is reported as a Masumi Anastigmat, and has an adjustable diaphragm from f/6.3 to f/22.<REF> Lens: {{Sugiyama}}, item 4083. </REF>

The '''octagonal Meiritto'''<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4084. </REF> has a folding frame finder at the top and a small cylindrical post at the left end, whose use is unknown. The shutter has O, I, B settings. The black shutter plate is inscribed ''<small>PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the top with the [[Tougodo]] logo, and ''MEIRITTO'' at the bottom. The unnamed fixed-focus lens has three aperture settings, simply marked ''1'', ''2'', ''3''.

=== Sheet film, rounded body ===
The viewfinder-only models adopted a rounded body at some time. The early ones still take 28×40mm sheet film only.

The '''dual-finder rounded Meisupi'''<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> has the dual-finder casing of the Meisupi I, and a larger cylindrical prominence at the top, containing a magnetic compass. The back consists of a large metal plate screwed to the main body, richly decorated with the words ''Meisupi PATENT'' and the [[Tougodo]] logo. The shutter has B, 25, 50, 100 settings. The shutter plate has silver stripes and a dented pattern on the outer border. It is inscribed ''<small>PATENT TOUMEI SHUTTER</small>'' at the top and ''Meisupi'' at the bottom, and has a red Tougodo logo at the top right. The lens has a diaphragm from 6.3 to 22.

The '''Meisupi A'''<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4085. This is perhaps the same example which is pictured in Neoka, p.24 of {{CCN}} no.36. The information is reproduced in {{McKeown}}, p.930. </REF> has a tubular optical finder at the top and cylindrical posts at both ends of the top plate. The shutter has O, I, B settings. The shutter plate is black with a silver rim. It is inscribed ''<small>PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the top with the [[Tougodo]] logo, and ''Meisupi A'' at the bottom. The lens is unnamed, and has diaphragm settings from 8 to 22.

The '''Meispee B''' is reportedly similar to the Meisupi A, with an unnamed f/6.8 lens and the name inscribed as "Meispee B" on the shutter plate.<REF> All features: description in {{McKeown}}, p.930. This source wonders if the camera is an export version, but it might as well be a typo in the markings, something not unusual at the time among the cheaper Japanese cameras. </REF>

The '''viewfinder-only Meisupi B'''<REF> Example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.930. </REF> is similar to the Meisupi A but has a Masumi Anastigmat 50mm f/6.3 lens. The shutter plate is black with thin horizontal lines in the middle. It is inscribed ''Meisupi B'' at the top and ''<small>PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the bottom, and has the [[Tougodo]] logo on the right.

The '''dual-finder rounded Meiritto''', called "Meiritto No.3" in {{Sugiyama}},<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4089. The information is reproduced in {{McKeown}}, p.930. </REF> has the same dual-finder casing as the Meisupi models. It has a fake metal advance knob at the left end of the top plate, containing a compass. The shutter has B, 25, 50, 100 settings. The shutter plate has thin silver stripes and is inscribed ''<small>TOUGODO CAMERA WORKS PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the top and ''Meiritto'' at the bottom, with the [[Tougodo]] logo on the right. The lens is reported as a Masumi Anastigmat and has a diaphragm from 6.3 to 22.<REF> Lens: {{Sugiyama}}, item 4089. </REF>


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|image_text= Meiritto <br><small>images by Michael Heyburn</small>
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The '''tubular-finder rounded Meiritto''' have a tubular optical finder at the top, larger than that of the Meisupi A. One example<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4086. </REF> is known with a large cylindrical prominence at the top left, containing a compass, the same as on the dual-finder rounded Meisupi. The back has the same structure, with a large metal plate screwed to the main body, decorated with the words ''Meiritto <small>PATENT</small>'' in the middle, ''<small>TOUGO MARK</small>'' and a [[Tougodo]] logo at the top. The shutter has O, I, B settings. The shutter plate is black with a large silver rim, and is inscribed ''Meiritto'' at the top and ''<small>PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the bottom, with the [[Tougodo]] logo on the right. The unnamed lens has three aperture settings: ''1'', ''2'', ''3''.

Another example, called "Meiritto Special" in {{Sugiyama}},<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4087. </REF> has a smaller cylindrical post instead of the compass support. The lens and shutter have the same features as on the previous example. The shutter plate has similar inscriptions but has no [[Tougodo]] logo and has a different checkered pattern.

The '''folding-finder rounded Meiritto'''<REF> Example pictured in Lewis, p.43, and example observed in an online auction. </REF> is similar to the so-called "Meiritto Special" but has a folding frame finder at the top. The lens and shutter have the same features. The shutter plate has the same checkered pattern but has the words ''<small>PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the top with the [[Tougodo]] logo, and ''MEIRITTO'' at the bottom.

=== Rollfilm, rounded body with hinged back ===
The viewfinder-only models were modified at some time to take 3×4cm pictures on the special rollfilm introduced for the Meikai TLR. The rounded body was lengthened and the camera received a back hinged to the right.

The '''dual-finder rollfilm Meisupi'''<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4088. </REF> has an all-black body and the same viewfinder casing as on the previous dual-finder models. The advance knob is at the left end, the reverse of the Meikai TLR. It is probably surrounded by a disc with frame number indications. The shutter has B, 25, 50, 100 settings. The shutter plate has silver stripes and is inscribed ''<small>PATENT TOUMEI SHUTTER</small>'' at the top and ''Meisupi'' at the bottom, with no logo. The lens is reported as a Masumi Anastigmat and has a diaphragm from 6.3 to 22.<REF> Lens: {{Sugiyama}}, item 4088. </REF>

The '''tubular-finder rollfilm Meisupi'''<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4090. </REF> has a silver top and bottom plate and a tubular finder at the top. The advance knob, at the right end of the top plate, is made of black plastic and has a conical shape, similar to that of the late Meikai. There is a black cylindrical part at the left end, certainly holding the close-up attachment lens. The shutter has O, I, B settings. The shutter plate has a checkered pattern, different from that of the rounded Meiritto. It has the words ''<small>PATENT SHUTTER</small>'' at the top and ''MEISUPI'' at the bottom, with no logo. The unnamed lens has three aperture settings: ''8'', ''16'' and ''32''. This progression perhaps indicates that these are [[Uniform Scale]] settings, respectively corresponding to f/11, f/16 and f/22. The camera certainly has no diaphragm but a plate with [[Waterhouse stops]].

Viewfinder-only versions of the Meikai were perhaps made, but none has been observed so far.<REF> Viewfinder-only Meikai are mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.342. The Meikai Special and Special B advertised in 1940 were much cheaper than the Meikai No.1 and No.2 TLR, and this might be a hint that they were viewfinder-only cameras. </REF> It is not known if rollfilm versions of the Meiritto were ever released.<REF> The April 1943 government inquiry mentions the Meiritto but only says that the film is a "special type", which may apply to sheet film as well as to the Meikai rollfilm. </REF>

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|image_text= Rollfilm Meisupii. Printed around the lens is: 50mm Special MEICA f4.5<br><small>Camera from the Len Sweetman collection</small>
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== Meisupi TLR models ==
The Meisupi TLR models have an octagonal shape, similar to that of the early viewfinder model but longer. The taking lens and exposure chamber are offset on the right, as seen by the photographer. The left part of the body contains a reflex finder. The viewing lens is fixed-focus and has a conical barrel, and the reflex finder is only used for framing. There is an additional tubular finder on the top plate, to the left of the reflex viewing hood. This tubular finder is similar to that of the Meisupi A.

=== Fixed-focus Meisupi TLR ===
The fixed-focus Meisupi TLR have no focusing ability, nickel-plated metal parts and a black tubular finder and viewing hood with no nameplate. The back is similar to that of the Meisupi I, with a hinged door at the far right used to load the film sheets, and a pivoting cover in the middle, engraved ''P<small>ATEN</small>T Meisupi'' with the [[Tougodo]] logo, covering a red window whose purpose is unknown.

The '''TLR Meisupi B'''<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> has a small compass at the right end of the top plate. The tubular finder is blue-tinted, to help imagining the final black-and-white result. The viewing lens is engraved ''TOUGO ANASTIGMAT'' in white on a black background. The shutter gives B, 100, 50, 25 settings engraved in that order. The shutter plate is black with thin horizontal lines in the middle. It is inscribed ''Meisupi B'' at the top and ''TOUMEI'' at the bottom, with the [[Tougodo]] logo on the right. It is thus similar to that of the viewfinder Meisupi I but for the camera name. The taking lens has diaphragm settings from 6.3 to 22.

The '''Meisupi II''', called "Meisupi No.2" in some sources, is known in two versions. Both have B, 100, 50, 25 speeds and an f/6.3 lens. One version<REF> Example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.930. </REF> has a compass at the right end of the top plate, and is extremely similar to the TLR Meisupi B, but for the plain black shutter plate engraved ''Meisupi II'' at the top, with the shutter name and Tougodo company name at the bottom, and the [[Tougodo]] logo on the right. The other version<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4092, and example pictured in Naka, p.26 of {{CCN}} no.47. </REF> has a bubble level instead, contained in a larger cylindrical part holding the close-up attachment lens. Its viewing lens has an unmarked silver rim, and its shutter plate is inscribed ''Meisupi II'' at the top and ''TOUMEI SHUTTER'' at the bottom.

The '''Meisupi III''', called "Meisupi No.3" in some sources,<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 4093, example pictured in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&no=103310371056 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, and example observed in an online auction and pictured in [https://camdex.ca/broad-search-results/entry/2501071/ this page at Clascam.com]. </REF> has a Masumi Anastigmat 50mm f/5.6 lens. All the known examples have the bubble level and close-up lens holder. The viewing lens is engraved ''TOUGO MASUMI LENS'' in black on a metal background. The shutter has 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds set by turning the rim. The shutter plate is inscribed ''<small>PATENT TM SHUTTER</small>'' at the top and certainly ''Meisupi III'' at the bottom, and has the [[Tougodo]] logo at the top right.

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|image_text= Meisupi C <br><small>image by Michael Heyburn</small>
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=== Focusing Meisupi TLR ===
The focusing Meisupi TLR have a focusing helical at the base of the telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly. This focusing ring is not coupled to the reflex finder, which has no focusing ability. In addition, the focusing models have a chrome-plated tubular finder, chrome fittings on the viewing hood and a ''Meisupi'' nameplate screwed to the front of the hood. All the known focusing models have the bubble-level and the stand for the close-up lens.

The focusing '''Meisupi IV''' has an f/4.5 taking lens and 25, 50, 100, 150, B, T shutter speeds. The viewing lens and shutter plate are similar to those of the Meisupi III, except for the camera name. The distance scale is engraved in feet. The back differs from the fixed-focus Meisupi TLR models, and has no red window but a large chrome-plated rectangular plate, onto which is screwed a depth-of-field table.<REF> Example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.930, where it is called "Meisupi IV", example pictured in [https://web.archive.org/web/20050205071614/http://www.cameraguild.jp/nekosan/0002.htm this page by Nekosan] (archived), example pictured in Tanaka, p.26 of {{CCN}} no.31, and example observed in an online auction. </REF>

Another example of the focusing Meisupi is known with a simpler shutter and taking lens, but the details are unknown.<REF> Example formerly pictured in a page at ccc2000.net. </REF>

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=== Meikai and Meikai Ref TLR models ===
McKeown lists only the '''Meikai No. 1''' and the '''Meikai Ref''', for sixteen 3×4 cm exposures per roll of unperforated 35mm film. The bodies of the two are very similar. The eye-level telescopic viewfinder and the reflex finder hood are integrated into a single superstructure. 
Both have a Meikai Anastigmat taking lens, and a Tougo Masumi viewing lens; the '''No. 1''' has (apparently) an f/4.5 taking lens, and the '''Ref''' an f/3.8. However, the situation cannot be that straightforward; a Meikai was sold in the November 2011 Westlicht auction which is only marked ''Meikai'' on the shutter plate (so is apparently not a Ref), but has the f/3.8 lens.<ref name=Meikai1>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/TOUGO-DO-Japan-MEKAI-REF/AI-1-20995 Meikai camera serial no. 2167], with 50 mm f/3.8 Meikai Anastigmat and Meikai Patent TM shutter, sold (listed as a Ref) at the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-1/ first Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 15 November 2002, and [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Tougodo-Meikai/AI-20-12987 the same camera (listed simply as a 'Meikai')] sold at the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-20/ 20th Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 12 November 2011.</ref> The lens on that example has helical unit focusing, down to 2 feet (in a very short throw of the focus ring). The Meikai Patent TM shutter, apparently an [[Everset shutter|everset]] type, has speeds 1/25 - 1/200 second, plus 'B' and 'T'. There is a spirit level on the left-hand end of the top plate. There is a frame counter (counting to sixteen in two revolutions) by the film advance knob, ''and'' a [[red window]] with a sliding cover in the back; perhaps the window was used only to set the film at frame one after loading. 

A Meikai Ref was sold at the May 2009 Westlicht auction.<ref name=Meikai2>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Tougodo-Meikai-Ref/AI-15-18443 Meikai Ref] serial no. 8250, with 50 mm f/3.8 Meikai Anastigmat and Meikai Patent TM shutter, sold at the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-15/ fifteenth Westlicht auction], on 23 May 2009.</ref> This camera has brown leather covering. The frame counter is neater than on the other example, better integrated with the winder, and counting to sixteen in one revolution. There is an accessory shoe on the left, in place of the spirit level. A ''compass'' is mounted to the right of the superstructure on the top. The lens and shutter are the same specification as the first example. The camera has no red window.

Neither camera has a body shutter release. Both have a ¼-inch tripod bush in the base.

== Notes ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
* {{Showa10}} Items 282–3.
* {{Inquiry1943}} Items 129–32 and 189–93.
* {{Kakaku0141}} Type 9, sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9.
* {{Lewis}} Pp.43, 54 and 57.
* {{McKeown12}} P.930.
* Neoka Taron (寝岡太論, a pseudonym). "Kura-kame shadan (32)" (クラカメ写談[32], Conversations on classic cameras [32]). In {{CCN}} no.36 (June 1980). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.23–4.
* {{Zukan}} Items 4083–90 and 4092–7.
* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Nigan-refu no hanashi (12)" (二眼レフのはなし[12], TLR stories [12]). In {{CCN}} no.31 (January 1980). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.25–7.
* ''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:
* [http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1715064 Meikai]: lot no.21 of the [http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/8902 March 25, 2006 Photographica and Film auction] by [http://www.auction-team.de/ Auction Team Breker]
* Marriage, John. "[http://www.tapestry.org.uk/html/35tlr.html History of the 35mm Twin Lens Reflex]".
* [http://corsopolaris.net/supercameras/twin25/tlr35.html 35mm TLR] at Massimo Bertacchi's [http://corsopolaris.net/supercameras/ Innovative cameras], also reproduced [http://www.fotografiareflex.net/tlr35new.html#Meisupi_Tougodos_first here] at [http://www.fotografiareflex.net/ Fotografia e Reflex] (these pages are based on the above article by John Marriage)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050306103918/http://www.cameraguild.jp/nekosan/0002.htm Tougodo cameras] including the Meisupi and Meikai TLR, in [https://web.archive.org/web/20050306024654/http://www.cameraguild.jp/nekosan/ Nekosan's website] (archived)
<!-- This site is still there, and some Meikai and Meisupii can be found, but not these ref numbers. There is more to this group than we have covered. For now, replacing this link with a search for tougodo at the site 
* [http://clascam.com/name-search-results/?CCSTID=STTM31354 Meisupi TLR] and [http://clascam.com/name-search-results/?CCSTID=STTM3159 Meikai Ref] at [http://clascam.com/ Clascam.com] -->
* [https://camdex.ca/visual-search-results/?CCBRID=BRTO1099 Tougodo cameras] at [https://camdex.ca/the-clascam-project/ Camdex.ca]
* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/meikai/meikai_fc/meikai_fc.htm Meikai FC manual in PDF format] at [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Mr. Butkus' OrphanCamera site]

In Japanese:
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&no=103310371056 Meisupi TLR] in the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/set_brws_01.php?id=1033 Camera database] of the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/ Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology]
* Meikai TLR [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/C_Photo_13.jpg front] and [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/C_Photo_14.jpg back] pictures in [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.57.html a page] of the [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/ AJCC website]



[[Category: Japanese viewfinder]]
[[Category: Japanese TLR]]
[[Category: No-need-darkroom]]
[[Category: Unperforated 35mm film]]
[[Category: 3x4 viewfinder]]
[[Category: Tougodo]]
[[Category: M]]