Minimum Idea
The Minimum Idea is a Japanese strut-folding camera taking 5.5×8cm meishi plates (more precisely 55×82mm). It was made by Rokuoh-sha, manufacturing branch of Konishi (the predecessor of Konica), from about 1911.[1]
Description
The Minimum Idea has a wooden body with a rectangular front standard mounted on spring-loaded folding struts inspired from some models of the Folding Pocket Kodak. This front standard contains two brilliant finders, for horizontal and vertical pictures, a simple shutter giving Time and Instant settings, and a simple meniscus lens.[2] The name MINIMUM IDEA CAMERA is inscribed on a small nameplate below the lens. The camera has a small retractable leg under the front standard on the right, allowing it to stand on a table.
Commercial life
The Minimum Idea is listed as a new model (最新型) in the December 1911 Konishi catalogue, where it is called the "Idea" Minimum Camera (ミニマム、アイデヤ、カメラ). The exposure format is given in older units as 1 sun 8 bu (一寸八分) width and 2 sun 7 bu (二寸七分) height; this translates as 5.5×8.2cm, commonly rounded as 5.5×8cm, and corresponds to the meishi (名刺) format. The dimensions of the camera are given as 9.7×7.3×2.7cm, and its weight as 225g.[3] The camera was supplied with six single-sided plate holders; set A (A號) included a cloth wallet and cost ¥9.50; set B (B號) included a leather case and cost ¥10.50.[4]
It is said that the Minimum Idea was a sales success, at least in relation to the state of the Japanese market at the time.[5] Specific photographic clubs appeared for the owners of the camera.[6] It was perhaps the first time that such clubs appeared in Japan around a specific camera; this would later become a common practice, notably around the Vest Pocket Kodak and Pearlette. The Minimum Idea was succeeded by the Vest Koroku, and it announced the wide success of the Pearlette.
Bibliography
- Kikuoka Sei (菊岡清). "Konica history 3. Meiji 41-nen – Taishō 12-nen." (Konica history 3. 明治41年–大正12年. From Meiji year 41 (1908) to Taishō year 12 (1923).) Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.10, September 1987. No ISBN number. Konishiroku kamera no rekishi (小西六カメラの歴史, special issue on Konishiroku). Pp.24–32.
- Konishi Honten. Saishin Shashin Kikai Mokuroku (最新写真器械目録, Latest catalogue of photographic apparatus). Published on December 18, 1911. Recent reprint.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). Pp.20–1 and 26–7.
- 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.543.
- 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 1085.
Links
In Japanese:
- Pages of the R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha website:
- Minimum Idea, containing a reproduction of an advertisement and of the rules of the Minimum Shashinkai (ミニマム写真会, Minimum Photo Club).
- Drawing on the original cardboard box for the Minimum Idea accessories
- Sample picture
- Camera list