Difference between revisions of "Melcon II"
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The '''Melcon II''' (メウコンII) is a Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses in [[39mm screw lenses|Leica screw mount]], made by [[Meguro|Meguro Kōgaku Kōgyō]] and distributed by [[Hinomaruya]] for a brief period at the end of 1957. It is sometimes described as a copy of the [[Nikon S2]]. It was the successor of the [[Melcon]], a copy of the [[Leica]] with a hinged back. | The '''Melcon II''' (メウコンII) is a Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses in [[39mm screw lenses|Leica screw mount]], made by [[Meguro|Meguro Kōgaku Kōgyō]] and distributed by [[Hinomaruya]] for a brief period at the end of 1957. It is sometimes described as a copy of the [[Nikon S2]]. It was the successor of the [[Melcon]], a copy of the [[Leica]] with a hinged back. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Relation with the Nikon: an approved copy? == | ||
| + | The Melcon II was much inspired by the [[Nikon S2]], in terms of both design and features. The main external differences are the rounded body ends, the absence of focusing wheel, the hinged back and the different lens mount. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The maker [[Meguro|Meguro Kōgaku]] was linked to [[Nikon|Nippon Kōgaku]] from an early period. The Nikon's manufacturer provided technical help for the development of the first [[Melcon]], was taking care of the body's quality control, and was supplying its Nikkor lenses (see [[Melcon]]). Prior to the Melcon, Meguro's distributor [[Hinomaruya]] was already selling the full range of Nikkor lenses in [[39mm screw lenses|Leica screw mount]] for the [[Nicca]], an agreement which was dating back to the early 1950s. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In view of that, it is unimaginable that [[Meguro]] did copy the Nikon S2 without at least tacit approval of [[Nikon|Nippon Kōgaku]]. Even in that very unlikely case, [[Hinomaruya]] would not have accepted to distribute the camera, running the risk to jeopardize a major business alliance to support a minor camera maker, whose sales were much lower than those of the [[Nicca]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Instead, it is very likely that Meguro made legitimate use of some Nikon patents for the Melcon II, notably for the configuration of the shutter control and exposure counter. One may wonder if [[Nikon|Nippon Kōgaku]] went one step further and provided active technical support, but no original source has been found to confirm this. | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | The Melcon II | + | The Melcon II has a die-cast body with rounded ends — when viewed from a distance, these rounded ends may be the easiest way to distinguish it from the [[Nikon S2]]. The front frame surrounding the lens mount and the viewfinder and rangefinder windows was copied on the Nikon S2, as well as the step on the top plate next to the viewfinder. The dimensions of the body are 138×83×34mm,<REF name="Kitano 349"> Kitano, p.349 of {{SK}} October 1957. </REF> only a little higher than the Nikon. The weight is 750g with the Nikkor 5cm f/2 standard lens.<REF name="ACA 10/57"> Column in {{ACA}} October 1957, reproduced in Awano, p.9 of {{CCN}} no.33. </REF> |
The viewfinder and rangefinder are combined in a single eyepiece, offset to the left as seen by the photographer. The viewfinder has 1.0× magnification and a bright frame for 50mm lenses only, same features as on the [[Nikon S2]].<REF name="Kitano 345"> Kitano, p.345 of {{SK}} October 1957. </REF> The rangefinder has a 70mm effective base, larger than most of its competitors,<REF name="Kitano 344"> Kitano, p.344 of {{SK}} October 1957. </REF> and maybe the larger effective base found on any 35mm rangefinder camera (the [[Leica M3]] has 68mm and the [[Nikon S2]] has 60mm). No diopter adjustment is visible, but it might be achieved by turning the round eyepiece on the rear. The Nikkor 5cm f/2 standard lens allows to focus down to 1.5ft, but it is perhaps not coupled to the rangefinder at close distance, under 3 or 3.5ft.<REF> The rangefinder of the original [[Melcon]] is coupled until 3.5ft only. The larger base of the rangefinder of the Melcon II might allow coupling at a closer distance. </REF> | The viewfinder and rangefinder are combined in a single eyepiece, offset to the left as seen by the photographer. The viewfinder has 1.0× magnification and a bright frame for 50mm lenses only, same features as on the [[Nikon S2]].<REF name="Kitano 345"> Kitano, p.345 of {{SK}} October 1957. </REF> The rangefinder has a 70mm effective base, larger than most of its competitors,<REF name="Kitano 344"> Kitano, p.344 of {{SK}} October 1957. </REF> and maybe the larger effective base found on any 35mm rangefinder camera (the [[Leica M3]] has 68mm and the [[Nikon S2]] has 60mm). No diopter adjustment is visible, but it might be achieved by turning the round eyepiece on the rear. The Nikkor 5cm f/2 standard lens allows to focus down to 1.5ft, but it is perhaps not coupled to the rangefinder at close distance, under 3 or 3.5ft.<REF> The rangefinder of the original [[Melcon]] is coupled until 3.5ft only. The larger base of the rangefinder of the Melcon II might allow coupling at a closer distance. </REF> | ||
Revision as of 23:08, 18 March 2009
The Melcon II (メウコンII) is a Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses in Leica screw mount, made by Meguro Kōgaku Kōgyō and distributed by Hinomaruya for a brief period at the end of 1957. It is sometimes described as a copy of the Nikon S2. It was the successor of the Melcon, a copy of the Leica with a hinged back.
Contents
Relation with the Nikon: an approved copy?
The Melcon II was much inspired by the Nikon S2, in terms of both design and features. The main external differences are the rounded body ends, the absence of focusing wheel, the hinged back and the different lens mount.
The maker Meguro Kōgaku was linked to Nippon Kōgaku from an early period. The Nikon's manufacturer provided technical help for the development of the first Melcon, was taking care of the body's quality control, and was supplying its Nikkor lenses (see Melcon). Prior to the Melcon, Meguro's distributor Hinomaruya was already selling the full range of Nikkor lenses in Leica screw mount for the Nicca, an agreement which was dating back to the early 1950s.
In view of that, it is unimaginable that Meguro did copy the Nikon S2 without at least tacit approval of Nippon Kōgaku. Even in that very unlikely case, Hinomaruya would not have accepted to distribute the camera, running the risk to jeopardize a major business alliance to support a minor camera maker, whose sales were much lower than those of the Nicca.
Instead, it is very likely that Meguro made legitimate use of some Nikon patents for the Melcon II, notably for the configuration of the shutter control and exposure counter. One may wonder if Nippon Kōgaku went one step further and provided active technical support, but no original source has been found to confirm this.
Description
The Melcon II has a die-cast body with rounded ends — when viewed from a distance, these rounded ends may be the easiest way to distinguish it from the Nikon S2. The front frame surrounding the lens mount and the viewfinder and rangefinder windows was copied on the Nikon S2, as well as the step on the top plate next to the viewfinder. The dimensions of the body are 138×83×34mm,[1] only a little higher than the Nikon. The weight is 750g with the Nikkor 5cm f/2 standard lens.[2]
The viewfinder and rangefinder are combined in a single eyepiece, offset to the left as seen by the photographer. The viewfinder has 1.0× magnification and a bright frame for 50mm lenses only, same features as on the Nikon S2.[3] The rangefinder has a 70mm effective base, larger than most of its competitors,[4] and maybe the larger effective base found on any 35mm rangefinder camera (the Leica M3 has 68mm and the Nikon S2 has 60mm). No diopter adjustment is visible, but it might be achieved by turning the round eyepiece on the rear. The Nikkor 5cm f/2 standard lens allows to focus down to 1.5ft, but it is perhaps not coupled to the rangefinder at close distance, under 3 or 3.5ft.[5]
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| Melcon II no.75005. From the September 1957 junior edition of Asahi Camera. (Image rights) |
The back is hinged to the right for film loading, and is locked by a key at the bottom, with O and S indications (for Open and Shut). This key allows to take reloadable cassettes, specific to the Melcon II.[6] The film is advanced by a lever on the right, in a single 180-degree movement or by small increments.[2] The lever contains an exposure counter at the top, and is very similar to that of the Nikon S2. The rewind knob contains a folding crank, and is surrounded by a film reminder, with ASA indications from 12 to 1600. The sprocket shaft is unlocked for rewind by turning the collar surrounding the release button, with A and R indications. The button itself has an off-centered black dot, providing visual control of the film advance.
The horizontally running focal-plane shutter is controlled by two concentric dials at the top, again the same system as the Nikon S2. The upper dial is for fast speeds and has the following positions: B, 30–1 (in red), X, 60, 125, 250, 500. Its central part turns during the exposure by less than a full turn, and the speed can be set only after winding. The lower dial, driven by a tab, is for slow speeds and has T, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 (the latter in red). The geometric progression was an improvement on the earlier Melcon, following a trend initiated in 1954 with the Canon IVSb2 and Nikon S2, whereas the Leica M3 still had the earlier progression. The Melcon II does not provide 1/1000 speed, unlike its Nikon counterpart; the curtains' travelling speed (indicated by the X synch speed) is quite similar, and 1/1000 speed could have been attained by reducing the slit width, but the manufacturing precision was perhaps not enough to guarantee consistent results.
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| Advertisement for the Melcon II in the September 1957 junior edition of Asahi Camera. (Image rights) |
Flash synchronization is provided via a single PC socket at the front of the body, under the rangefinder window. The socket is surrounded by a selector for F or X synchronization, easily mistaken for a self-timer lever. The accessory shoe is on the viewfinder's right, next to the step of the top plate. It is attached by four screws, and contains no flash contact. The tripod thread is on the advance side, under the camera. There are strap lugs at both ends of the body, towards the front.
Commercial life
The Melcon II was featured in the September and October 1957 issues of various Japanese magazines, and advertisements were placed from September to December.[7] The camera was priced at ¥46,000 with Nikkor 5cm f/2 and case.[2]
The advertisement reproduced here was placed in the September 1957 junior edition of Asahi Camera.[8] It shows body no.75005, equipped with a Nikkor 5cm f/2 lens with black aperture ring. Two accessories are listed: a Melcon hood with case, for ¥720, and the Melcon film magazine, for ¥500. The camera is said to be the "cheapest Leica-type camera with Nikkor lenses".[9] The December advertisement in Asahi Camera conveys similar information.[10]
Production
No variation is known on the Melcon II, and the production run was certainly very short. All the cameras have a five-digit serial number in the 75xxx range. Body no.75005 is pictured in the original advertisements, and seems identical to the later cameras.[11] The highest number observed so far is 75472,[12] perhaps indicating a total production of about 500 units.
Notes
- ↑ Kitano, p.349 of Shashin Kōgyō October 1957.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Column in Asahi Camera October 1957, reproduced in Awano, p.9 of Camera Collectors' News no.33.
- ↑ Kitano, p.345 of Shashin Kōgyō October 1957.
- ↑ Kitano, p.344 of Shashin Kōgyō October 1957.
- ↑ The rangefinder of the original Melcon is coupled until 3.5ft only. The larger base of the rangefinder of the Melcon II might allow coupling at a closer distance.
- ↑ Kitano, p.348 of Shashin Kōgyō October 1957, says that the cassettes for the Melcon and Nicca look the same but actually differ.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.409.
- ↑ Advertisement in the September 1957 junior edition of Asahi Camera, p.8.
- ↑ Original text: ライカタイプのニッコールレンズ付で1番お手頃の価格.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.308.
- ↑ The tip of its advance lever seems slightly more pointed on some advertisements, but this is certainly caused by improper cut out on the black background.
- ↑ Example pictured in this page at Pacific Rim Camera.
Bibliography
Original documents
- Asahi Camera September 1957, junior edition (ジュニア版). Advertisement by Hinomaruya on p.8.
- Kitano Kunio (北野邦雄). "Kōkyū 35-miri kamera o kentō suru" (高級35ミリカメラを検討する, Testing some high-end 35mm cameras). In Shashin Kōgyō no.66, October 1957. Pp.344–9. (Comparing the Canon VT, Nikon S2, Nicca 3-F, Melcon II and Leica M3.)
   
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| Melcon II compared to the Canon VT, Nikon S2, Nicca 3-F and Leica M3. From Shashin Kōgyō October 1957. (Image rights) |
Recent sources
- 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 1689.
- Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Merukon II" (メルコンII, Melcon II). In Camera Collectors' News no.33 (March 1980). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
- HPR. Leica Copies. London: Classic Collection Publications, 1994. ISBN 1-874485-05-4. Pp.226 and 229–30.
- 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.657.
- Pont, P.-H., and Princelle, J.-L. 300 Leica Copies. Neuilly: Fotosaga, 1990. ISBN 2-906840-03-3. Pp.216–7. (The drawing of the Melcon II is based on the picture in Sugiyama, item 3414.)
- 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. Item 3414.
Links
In English:
- Melcon II at Pacific Rim Camera
- Melcon II with Nikkor-S.C 5cm f/1.4: lot no.399 of auction no.9 (May 20, 2006) by Westlicht
In Japanese:
- Melcon II among Nikon S2 copies at Nikon kamera no koneta
