Difference between revisions of "Minolta Miniflex"

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{{Japanese 4×4 TLR}}
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{{Japanese 4×4 TLR
The '''Minolta Miniflex''' (ミノルタ・ミニフレックス) is a 4×4 [[TLR]] made in 1959 by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō, predecessor of [[Minolta]]. It appeared two years after the [[Rolleiflex Baby Grey]], during the short revival of [[127 film]] for the square format superslides.
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|image= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3131/3897185671_9f28e43fb4_n.jpg
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|image_by= Mikel Adell
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The '''Minolta Miniflex''' (ミノルタ・ミニフレックス) is a 4×4 [[TLR]] made in 1959 by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō, predecessor of [[Minolta]]. It appeared two years after the [[Baby Rolleiflex (1957)|Rolleiflex Baby Grey]], during the short revival of [[127 film]] for the square format superslides.
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
=== Film advance and back ===
 
=== Film advance and back ===
The Minolta Miniflex can take twelve exposures in 4×4cm format. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right, at the bottom, engraved with an arrow and the word ''WIND'' to indicate the turning direction. The film runs from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. This method reduces film distortion compared with the reverse travel direction, and was adopted on the Minolta TLRs from the 1954 [[Minoltacord]].<REF> Reduces film distortion: Kitano, pp.121–2 of ''[[Photo Art]] Rinji Zōkan Kamera no Chishiki'', October 1955. </REF> The film advance automatically stops at each exposure and is unlocked when the shutter release is pressed. There is a round window on the advance side for an exposure counter. The position of the first exposure is set via a red window on the right of the back, protected by a large spring-loaded rotating disc, marked ''<small>CHIYODA KOGAKU OSAKA JAPAN</small>''. Then the exposure counter is reset to "1" by pressing a button near the advance knob. This button is hidden in a slot and can be pressed with a fingernail or a coin; it has this shape to avoid accidental action.
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The Minolta Miniflex can take twelve exposures in 4×4cm format. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right, at the bottom, engraved with an arrow and the word ''WIND'' to indicate the turning direction. The film runs from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. This method reduces film distortion compared with the reverse travel direction,<REF> Kitano, pp.121–2 of the October 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}. </REF> and was adopted on the Minolta TLRs from the 1954 [[Minoltacord]].
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{| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=350px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385052648/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3385052648_84082de0bc_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384239495/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3384239495_1a870f9c10_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Right side and back. Pictures by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
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|}
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=220px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251170787/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4251170787_ef0079ec2f_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251942428/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4251942428_63a2f2557f_t_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Body casting. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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The film advance automatically stops at each exposure and is unlocked when the shutter release is pressed. There is a round window on the advance side for an exposure counter. The position of the first exposure is set via a red window on the right of the back, protected by a large spring-loaded rotating disc, marked ''<small>CHIYODA KOGAKU OSAKA JAPAN</small>''. Then the exposure counter is reset to "1" by pressing a button near the advance knob. This button is hidden in a slot and can be pressed with a fingernail or a coin; it has this shape to avoid accidental action.
  
 
The back is hinged to the top for film loading, and locked by a small rectangular key at the bottom. The tripod thread is integrated in the body casting and is not part of the back.
 
The back is hinged to the top for film loading, and locked by a small rectangular key at the bottom. The tripod thread is integrated in the body casting and is not part of the back.
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{{br}}
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=200px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384239171/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/3384239171_de210b8500_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Left side. Picture by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
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|}
  
 
=== Focusing ===
 
=== Focusing ===
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{| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=150px style="text-align: center;"
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|-
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| ''Focusing mechanism. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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There is a big focusing wheel on the photographer's left, turning 120 degrees and driving a heart-shaped cam moving the front standard back and forth. This wheel contains a film reminder, and there is an additional plate with depth-of-field indications. The distance scale is engraved either in metres or in feet, depending on the intended market. The minimum focusing distance is either 1m or 3.3ft.
 
There is a big focusing wheel on the photographer's left, turning 120 degrees and driving a heart-shaped cam moving the front standard back and forth. This wheel contains a film reminder, and there is an additional plate with depth-of-field indications. The distance scale is engraved either in metres or in feet, depending on the intended market. The minimum focusing distance is either 1m or 3.3ft.
  
The use of a focusing helical similar to that of the [[Minolta Autocord]] was considered during the development of the camera, but it was difficult to integrate with the rest of the mechanism, and raised design problems.<REF> Kubota, p.273 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. </REF> The feature was still studied in September 1959 for future developments,<REF> Kubota, p.273 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. </REF> but was of course abandoned when the 4×4cm format proved a market dead-end.
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The use of a bottom-driven focusing helix similar to that of the [[Minolta Autocord]] was considered during the development of the camera, but it was difficult to integrate with the rest of the mechanism, and raised design problems.<REF name="Kubota 273"> Kubota, p.273 of {{SK}} September 1959. </REF> The feature was still studied in September 1959 for future developments,<REF name="Kubota 273" /> but was of course abandoned when the 4×4cm format proved a market dead-end.
  
 
=== Viewfinder and top part ===
 
=== Viewfinder and top part ===
The viewfinder is integrated into the body casting, unlike most other TLR cameras. This construction allowed to reduce the cost of the viewfinder part.<REF> Kubota, p.639 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.86 and p.272 of no.89. </REF> The viewing hood has a peculiar three-fold, specially designed to avoid the side plates going deep into the body and to prevent the entry of dust.<REF> Kubota, p.272 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. </REF> It contains a square magnifying lens hinged to the top but no sportsfinder. It also has a logo at the front, showing the letter ''M'' in silver on a deep red background. The viewing screen contains a condenser for bright illumination of the corners.<REF> Kubota, p.639 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.86 and p.273 of no.89. </REF>
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3430792243/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3430792243_a878f11ec1_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3431606320/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3431606320_6e47abcf03_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Top and bottom. Pictures by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
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|}
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The viewfinder is integrated into the body casting, unlike most other TLR cameras. This construction allowed to reduce the cost of the viewfinder part.<REF name="Kubota 639"> Kubota, p.639 of {{SK}} June 1959. </REF><REF name="Kubota 272"> Kubota, p.272 of {{SK}} September 1959. </REF> The viewing hood has a peculiar three-fold, specially designed to avoid the side plates going deep into the body and to prevent the entry of dust.<REF name="Kubota 272" /> It contains a square magnifying lens hinged to the top but no sportsfinder. It also has a logo at the front, showing the letter ''M'' in silver on a deep red background — at least some pre-production examples have a different logo with a lowercase ''m'' letter. The viewing screen contains a condenser for bright illumination of the corners.<REF name="Kubota 639" /><REF name="Kubota 273" />
  
The nameplate is made of translucid plastic, with the name ''minolta miniflex'' written in gold letters in the typical 1960s Minolta font. The body number is inscribed on a small metal strip above the nameplate. There are strap lugs on both sides of the body, for use with spring-loaded clamps on the strap itself. These strap attachments were specific to the Miniflex at the time it was introduced, but would be adopted on the [[Minolta Autocord]] from 1962. There are two accessory shoes, one on each side, buried in the body casting in the space left free by the special viewfinder construction.<REF> Use of that free space: Kubota, p.272 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. </REF> Each contains two spring-loaded spheres to hold the accessory on the shoe. The right-hand shoe has an indentation at the bottom, whose purpose is unknown. This shoe is used to attach the accessory sportsfinder (see below). Unlike most other TLR cameras, the Miniflex is held horizontally when using the sportsfinder.
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251941688/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4251941688_3626c22a84_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251140275/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4251140275_8331869e64_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Viewfinder assembly, from {{SK}} June and September 1959. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
  
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=150px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251139521/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4251139521_6090ca8992_t_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Strap attachments. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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The nameplate is made of translucent plastic, with the name ''minolta miniflex'' written in gold letters in the typical 1960s Minolta font. The body number is inscribed on a small metal strip above the nameplate. There are strap lugs on both sides of the body, for use with spring-loaded clamps on the strap itself. These strap attachments were specific to the Miniflex at the time it was introduced, but would be adopted on the [[Minolta Autocord]] from 1962.
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There are two accessory shoes, one on each side, buried in the body casting in the space left free by the special viewfinder construction.<REF name="Kubota 272" /> Each contains two spring-loaded spheres to hold the accessory on the shoe. The right-hand shoe has an indentation at the bottom, whose purpose is unknown. This shoe is used to attach the accessory sportsfinder (see below). Unlike most other TLR cameras, the Miniflex is held horizontally when using the sportsfinder.
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384239797/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3384239797_68663dc926_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384239645/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3384239645_c6eaa95db2_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Minolta Miniflex, Rokkor 60mm f/3.5 taking lens no.1102785, View Rokkor 60mm f/2.8 viewing lens no.1100897.<br>Pictures by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
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|}
 
=== Shutter and lens ===
 
=== Shutter and lens ===
The shutter release is at the bottom of the front standard and protrudes towards the right; it was specially thought to make it comfortable to trip both in the vertical position and in the horizontal position.<REF> Kubota, pp.638–9 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.86. </REF> The button contains a screw thread for a cable release. The shutter is an Optiper Citizen MVL (B, 1–500). It is cocked by a small lever at the bottom. The self-timer lever is on the same side as the release button and is painted green. The opposite side has a red painted M/X selector and a PC synch socket. The shutter name is inscribed between the two lenses: ''<small>OPTIPER</small>'' on one side and ''<small>CITIZEN MVL</small>'' on the other.
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{| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=240px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251169643/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2780/4251169643_77ca2838ae_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4300987740/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4300987740_baae422ca8_t_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Minolta Miniflex held in horizontal position. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=180px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384238279/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3384238279_2a41a13f9d_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Front face. Picture by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
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|}
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The shutter release is at the bottom of the front standard and protrudes towards the right; it was specially thought to make it comfortable to trip both in the vertical position and in the horizontal position.<REF> Kubota, pp.638–9 of {{SK}} June 1959. </REF> The button contains a screw thread for a cable release.
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 +
The shutter is an Optiper Citizen MVL (B, 1–500). It is cocked by a small lever at the bottom. The self-timer lever is on the same side as the release button and is painted green. The opposite side has a red painted M/X selector and a PC synch socket. The shutter name is inscribed between the two lenses: ''<small>OPTIPER</small>'' on one side and ''<small>CITIZEN MVL</small>'' on the other.
  
 
The speed scale is on the left side, as seen from the front, and there is a Light-Value scale in a window below the taking lens. These two scales are inscribed on the same disc, moved by a lever placed near the release button. The aperture scale is engraved on a second disc placed above, and appears opposite the speed scale. This second disc is directly turned by hand, and has a small index moving along the Light-Value scale and indicating the Light-Value corresponding to the selected settings. The two discs move freely and are not interlocked, unlike other Light-Value systems.
 
The speed scale is on the left side, as seen from the front, and there is a Light-Value scale in a window below the taking lens. These two scales are inscribed on the same disc, moved by a lever placed near the release button. The aperture scale is engraved on a second disc placed above, and appears opposite the speed scale. This second disc is directly turned by hand, and has a small index moving along the Light-Value scale and indicating the Light-Value corresponding to the selected settings. The two discs move freely and are not interlocked, unlike other Light-Value systems.
  
The taking lens is a four-element Minolta [[Rokkor]] 60mm f/3.5, and the viewing lens is a View Rokkor 60mm f/2.8.<REF> Number of elements: Kubota, p.273 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. </REF> Both have a seven-digit serial number and a bayonet filter attachment, which is not the usual [[Bay I]] mount and is perhaps specific to the Miniflex.
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251941944/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4251941944_8c1aa92433_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251942188/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4251942188_5065141204_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251912286/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4251912286_4c222c1087_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Front assembly. From {{SK}} June and September 1959. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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The taking lens is a four-element<REF name="SK 05/59"> Column in {{SK}} May 1959, p.524. </REF><REF name="Kubota 273" /> Minolta [[Rokkor]] 60mm f/3.5, and the viewing lens is a three-element<REF name="SK 05/59" /> View Rokkor 60mm f/2.8. Both have a seven-digit serial number and a three-lug bayonet attachment. The attachment is physically the same as on the [[Minolta Autocord]]<REF name="SK 05/59" /> but the spacing between the two lenses is reduced and the bayonet around the taking lens is upside down. As a consequence, the Miniflex can take all the filters made for Autocord, but needs a specific hood (see below).
  
 
=== Colour finish ===
 
=== Colour finish ===
The camera has two-tone blue finish: medium blue hammertone paint for the body shell, back and moving front standard, and light blue lacquer for the viewing hood and the casing surrounding the lenses. Original documents from the company call the darker colour "greenish blue" and the lighter "silver grey".<REF> Kubota, p.639 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.86. The colours are called グリーニッシュブルー (濃い青緑) and シルバーグレー (青味がかった蠟色). {{Kokusan}}, p.407, wrongly says that these two colours correspond to two different versions of the Miniflex, certainly because of a confusion. </REF> The sides and the back have a matching blue-grey leatherette covering. With time, this leatherette covering tends to change colour and get a brownish tint on many examples.
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The camera has two-tone blue finish: medium blue hammertone paint for the body shell, back and moving front standard, and light blue lacquer for the viewing hood and the casing surrounding the lenses. Original documents from the company call the darker colour "greenish blue" and the lighter "silver grey".<REF> Kubota, p.639 of {{SK}} June 1959. The colours are called グリーニッシュブルー (濃い青緑) and シルバーグレー (青味がかった蠟色). {{Kokusan}}, p.407, wrongly says that these two colours correspond to two different versions of the Miniflex, certainly because of a confusion. </REF> The sides and the back have a matching blue-grey leatherette covering. With time, this leatherette covering tends to change colour and get a brownish tint on many examples.
  
 
== Commercial life ==
 
== Commercial life ==
The Minolta Miniflex was announced in Japanese camera magazines dated May to July 1959. It was featured in two articles in ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' in June and September 1959, written by Kubota Isamu from the [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]] company.<REF> Kubota, pp.638–9 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.86 and pp.272–3 of no.89. </REF> Francesch says that the camera was released on September 23, 1959, but what this exactly means is unclear.<REF> Francesch, pp.39 and 101. </REF> The Miniflex was briefly advertised in Japanese magazines in October and November 1959.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.407. </REF> The October advertisement in ''[[Camera Mainichi]]'' presents the camera along with the [[Minolta A3]], and does not mention a price.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.304. </REF> It is said that the camera was sold for ¥12,700 (case ¥1,800 extra).<REF> Tanaka, p.30. </REF>
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3372761708/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3372761708_7d9c0ecbe6_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Announcement in {{SK}} May 1959. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=200px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3372091447/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3372091447_6b3e619800_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Advertisement in {{SK}} November 1959. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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The Minolta Miniflex was announced in Japanese photography magazines dated May to July 1959.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.407. </REF> The announcement in the May issue of {{SK}} says that the price and release date were "not fixed yet" (未定).<REF name="SK 05/59" /> Two further articles in the June and September issues of the same magazine were written by Kubota Isamu, from the [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]] company.<REF> Kubota, pp.638–9 of {{SK}} June 1959 and pp.272–3 of {{SK}} September 1959. </REF> Francesch says that the camera was released on September 23, 1959, but what this exactly means is unclear.<REF> Francesch, pp.39 and 101. </REF>
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The Miniflex was briefly advertised in Japanese magazines in October and November 1959.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.407. </REF> The October advertisement in ''[[Camera Mainichi]]'' presents the camera along with the [[Minolta A3]], and does not mention a price.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.304. </REF> The November advertisement in {{SK}}, mainly devoted to the [[Minolta 16]], makes some room for the Miniflex and indicates the price of {{yen|12,700|1959}} (case ¥1,800 extra).<REF> Advertisement in {{SK}} November 1959, p.472. </REF>
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385825080/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3385825080_33b5f3c3c1_t_d.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385823128/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3385823128_bcb74b4561_t_d.jpg]
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| rowspan=2 | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385824686/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3385824686_77e4d9753a_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| colspan=2 | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385823834/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3385823834_654aa99558_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| colspan=3 | ''Original leaflet in Japanese. Scans by A.&nbsp;Apra. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
  
Various sources say that the production did not exceed 5000.<REF> [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/minolta/miniflex/miniflex.htm This page at Pacific Rim Camera], [http://aya-2.hp.infoseek.co.jp/minolta-miniflex_ca.html this page of Aya's Camera Site], [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/mintlr.htm this page at Manual Minolta]. </REF> Body numbers are known in the 100xxx, 102xxx, 103xxx and 104xxx ranges, and lens numbers are known in the 1100xxx, 1102xxx, 1103xxx, 1104xxx and 1105xxx ranges. One picture in the September 1959 article in ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' seems to show taking lens no.1100004 and perhaps viewing lens no.1100121, probably on a prototype.<REF> Picture in Kubota, p.273 of ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. </REF> The highest reported numbers are body no.104587, taking lens no.1104945 and viewing lens no.1105049 (on a different camera). This seems to indicate than 5,000 units were made. The body, viewing lens and taking lens numbers usually do not match, sometimes by a wide margin.
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== Total production ==
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251943054/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4251943054_2054551e03_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4251942898/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4251942898_dd6dfdc321_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Very early example, from {{SK}} June 1959. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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Body numbers are confirmed in the 100xxx, 102xxx, 103xxx, 104xxx and 105xxx ranges, and lens numbers are known in all thousands from 1100xxx to 1105xxx. The body, viewing lens and taking lens numbers usually do not match, sometimes by a wide margin.
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The pictures reproduced above show an extremely early camera, differing from the regular production examples by the shape of the logo on the viewing hood.<REF> Pictures in Kubota, p.638 of {{SK}} June 1959. </REF> Another picture in the September 1959 article in {{SK}} seems to show taking lens no.1100004 and perhaps viewing lens no.1100121, on a very early camera.<REF> Picture in Kubota, p.273 of {{SK}} September 1959. </REF>  
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The highest known numbers are body no.105258, taking lens no.1105178 and viewing lens no.1105049 (on different cameras). Various sources say that the production did not exceed 5,000,<REF> [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/minoltamflex.htm This page at Pacific Rim Camera], [http://aya3photo.sakura.ne.jp/aya-2/minolta-miniflex_ca.html this page of Aya's Camera Site], [http://www.subclub.org/minman/mintlr.htm this page at Manual Minolta]. </REF> but the available data seems to show that a few hundred more were made.
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeladell/3897970190/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3897970190_5e18ca5568_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Minolta Miniflex no.105258. Picture by Mikeladell. {{with permission}}''
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|}
  
 
== Accessories ==
 
== Accessories ==
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385053546/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3385053546_2165b29d7d_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385053376/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3385053376_0b5da832f5_m_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Minolta Miniflex with case, cap, auxiliary finder, case and original box.<br>Pictures by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
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|}
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=100px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384237707/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3384237707_12e5718d98_t_d.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Lens cap. {{with permission}}''
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|}
 
Various accessories exist for the Minolta Miniflex. The camera usually comes with a leather ever-ready case and neckstrap, tinted in medium blue on the outer side; the case has the ''minolta'' logo at the front. The lens cap is light blue and has the same logo in front of the taking lens.
 
Various accessories exist for the Minolta Miniflex. The camera usually comes with a leather ever-ready case and neckstrap, tinted in medium blue on the outer side; the case has the ''minolta'' logo at the front. The lens cap is light blue and has the same logo in front of the taking lens.
  
The metal lens hood is medium blue with a silver base, containing the spring-loaded bayonet. It has a square shape, and has ''minolta'' on one side and the code ''D3B JAPAN'' on the other, both in white letters. It comes in a medium blue case with a triangular ''minolta'' logo.
+
The metal lens hood was priced at ¥650.<REF name="Miniflex leaflet"> Leaflet ''Minolta–Miniflex 44'', c.1959. </REF> It is medium blue with a silver base, containing the spring-loaded bayonet. It has a square shape, and has ''minolta'' at the top and the code ''D3B JAPAN'' at the bottom, both in white letters. It comes in a medium blue case with a triangular ''minolta'' logo. This accessory is specific to the Miniflex, which cannot take the hoods for the [[Minolta Autocord]]. It is attached to the outer bayonet, and physically fits the Autocord, but in the upside down position (with the ''minolta'' logo at the bottom).
  
At least two special filters exist for the camera, called "control color" and "haze" in the user manual, probably corresponding to Y48 Yellow and UV. The UV filter has a black rim, with ''MINOLTA JAPAN'', ''UV'' and an unknown code engraved in white.
+
The filters are shared with the [[Minolta Autocord]], and are not specific to the Miniflex. The user manual of the Miniflex only mentions two filters called "control color" and "haze", probably corresponding to Y48 Yellow and UV, but others were made. The original brochure mentions the price of ¥380, but does not give a list of available filters.<REF name="Miniflex leaflet" /> The bayonet is sometimes described as 36mm diameter on the filters' original box, and some filters have the code ''F3B'' on the rim.
 +
 
 +
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384238507/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3384238507_455f812b45_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384238693/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3384238693_7424a92dcf_d.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
| ''Minolta Miniflex with external viewfinder attached.<br>Pictures by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
 +
|}
  
 
The external sportsfinder, of the folding frame type, is medium blue with a silver front frame, and comes in a small medium blue case. The finder has a locking knob inscribed ''L'', ''O'' and ''JAPAN''. It can be attached on any accessory shoe, but it is normally intended for use on the right-hand one.
 
The external sportsfinder, of the folding frame type, is medium blue with a silver front frame, and comes in a small medium blue case. The finder has a locking knob inscribed ''L'', ''O'' and ''JAPAN''. It can be attached on any accessory shoe, but it is normally intended for use on the right-hand one.
Line 44: Line 177:
 
The original box for the camera is red, white and grey, and has a big ''M'' in deep blue, shaped the same as on the viewing hood, and a big ''44'' among other markings.
 
The original box for the camera is red, white and grey, and has a big ''M'' in deep blue, shaped the same as on the viewing hood, and a big ''44'' among other markings.
  
The company was also selling 4×4cm "super slide" cardboard frames and the dedicated '''Minolta Mini 44''' slide projector. The '''BC Flash Gun''' with collapsible aluminium reflector was also offered for use with the Miniflex, but it was not specific to the camera.
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3385051446/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3385051446_49aa24c89b_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3384237961/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3384237961_8fe56ec014_m_d.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
| ''Original box and user manual. Pictures by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{with permission}}''
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The company was also selling 4×4cm "super slide" cardboard frames and the dedicated '''Minolta Mini 44''' slide projector. It was sold for ¥6,800, including a vinyl case.<REF name="Miniflex leaflet" /> The '''BC Flash Gun''' with collapsible aluminium reflector was also offered for use with the Miniflex, at ¥1,700,<REF name="Miniflex leaflet" /> but it was not specific to the camera.
 +
 
 +
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4780064629/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4780064629_4a56b908df_m.jpg]
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| width=50px |
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4780697516/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4780697516_3269c57e59_m.jpg]
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|-
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| ''Minolta B-C flash gun, lens shade and filter.<br>{{public domain Japan new}}''
 +
|
 +
| ''Minolta Mini 44 slide projector.<br>{{public domain Japan new}}''
 +
|}
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 50: Line 199:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 +
=== Original documents ===
 +
* [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]]. ''Minolta–Miniflex 44''. Leaflet published c.1959 (date not indicated). Document reproduced in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/sets/72157622984295379/ this Flickr set] by Rebollo_fr.
 +
* [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]]. ''Minolta Miniflex 44 Owner's Manual''. Document reproduced in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/sets/72157624339535953/ this Flickr set] by Rebollo_fr.
 +
 +
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777901944/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4777901944_9e873ef733_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777902472/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4777902472_f4e4776e64_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777902858/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4777902858_17ce75e823_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777903118/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4777903118_9dc3a8c453_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777903384/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4777903384_ffe84b9b09_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777903658/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4777903658_bd686d80fc_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777269683/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4777269683_f70ab7f125_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777904202/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4777904202_9b4ece7619_t.jpg]
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|-
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777270241/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4777270241_9c0e359d48_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777270545/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4777270545_6ba0d3053c_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777270895/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4777270895_b6c3ea25a2_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777905410/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4777905410_120b2271ed_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777905954/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4777905954_dee51bc021_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777906198/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4777906198_f44ab4eee5_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777272211/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4777272211_d9f381f152_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777272553/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4777272553_56d6cc20be_t.jpg]
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|-
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777272779/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4777272779_a6ae4ceb65_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777273051/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4777273051_3bb83500a1_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777273565/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4777273565_f8e8fde2da_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777273763/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4777273763_e212680a9e_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777908236/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4777908236_b3546b3d43_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777908528/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4777908528_92d62e34c0_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777274553/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4777274553_4e6f916403_t.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4777909010/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4777909010_b0f0e8ac95_t.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
| ''Minolta Miniflex owner's manual in English. Scans by S.&nbsp;Montagna. {{public domain Japan new}}''
 +
|}
 +
 +
* Kitano Kunio (北野邦雄). "Bodi kankei no sho-kikō (2): nigan-refurekkusu ni okeru firumu no makitori hōkō" (ボディ関係の諸機構[2]二眼レフレックスに於けるフィルムの巻取方向, "Various mechanisms for the bodies [2]: film advance direction on twin lens reflex"). In {{FAR87}} Pp.121–2. (This is an article on the direction of film advance on TLR cameras, which gives no specific information on the Miniflex.)
 +
* Kubota Isamu (久保田勇), from the technical department (技術部) of [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]]. "Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (ミノルタミニフレックス, Minolta Miniflex). In {{SK}} no.86, June 1959. Pp.638–9.
 +
* Kubota Isamu (久保田勇), from the technical department (技術部) of [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]]. "Futatsu no 44 kamera kikō to sono tokuchō: Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (二つの44カメラ・構造とその特長・ミノルタ・ミニフレックス, Construction and vantages of two 4×4 cameras: Minolta Miniflex). In {{SK}} no.89, September 1959. Pp.272–3.
 +
* {{SK}} no.85, May 1959. "Shinseihin Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (新製品・ミノルタ・ミニフレックス, New product: Minolta Miniflex). P.524.
 +
* {{SK}} no.91, November 1959. Advertisement by [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]] on p.472.
 +
 +
=== Recent sources ===
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 1653.
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 1653.
 
* {{Francesch Minolta}} Pp.39–40 and 100–1.
 
* {{Francesch Minolta}} Pp.39–40 and 100–1.
* Kitano Kunio (北野邦雄). "Bodi kankei no sho-kikō (2): nigan-refurekkusu ni okeru firumu no makitori hōkō" (ボディ関係の諸機構[2]二眼レフレックスに於けるフィルムの巻取方向, "Various mechanisms for the bodies [2]: film advance direction on twin lens reflex"). ''[[Photo Art]] Rinji Zōkan Kamera no Chishiki'' (臨時増刊カメラの知識, special issue about cameras). October 1955. Pp.121–2. (This is an article on the direction of film advance on TLR cameras, which gives no specific information on the Miniflex.)
 
* Kubota Isamu (久保田勇), from the technical department (技術部) of [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]]. "Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (ミノルタミニフレックス, Minolta Miniflex). ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.86. June 1959. Pp.638–9.
 
* Kubota Isamu (久保田勇), from the technical department (技術部) of [[Minolta|Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō]]. "Futatsu no 44 kamera kikō to sono tokuchō: Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (二つの44カメラ・構造とその特長・ミノルタ・ミニフレックス). ''[[Shashin Kōgyō]]'' no.89. September 1959. Pp.272–3.
 
 
* {{Lewis}} P.98.
 
* {{Lewis}} P.98.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.681.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.681.
Line 61: Line 228:
 
* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Minolta Camera: nigan-refu kamera" (Minolta Camera: 二眼レフカメラ, Minolta TLR cameras). {{KKS012}} Pp.25–30.
 
* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Minolta Camera: nigan-refu kamera" (Minolta Camera: 二眼レフカメラ, Minolta TLR cameras). {{KKS012}} Pp.25–30.
 
* ''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.20.
 
* ''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.20.
* Zaisu Ikon (座椅子遺恨, probably a pseudonym of Y. Saji). "Besuto sanka (M–O)" (ベスト讃歌[M–O], Vest hymn [M–O]). In {{CCN}} no.63 (September 1982). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P.4. (Gives a brief description and a picture; the pictured camera is presumably the same as in {{Sugiyama}}.)
+
* Zaisu Ikon (座椅子遺恨, probably a pseudonym of Y. Saji). "Besuto sanka (M–O)" (ベスト讃歌[M–O], Vest hymn [M–O]). In {{CCN}} no.63 (September 1982). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P.4. (Gives a brief description and a picture; the pictured camera is presumably the same as in {{SUG}}.)
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
In English:
 
In English:
* [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/minolta/miniflex/miniflex.htm Miniflex] at [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]
+
* [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/minoltamflex.htm Miniflex] at [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]
* [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/min127.htm 127 film Minolta cameras] and [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/mintlr.htm Minolta TLR cameras] at the [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/ Manual Minolta website]
+
* [http://www.camerasdownunder.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=21&pos=30 Miniflex] at [http://www.camerasdownunder.com/ Cameras Downunder]
* [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=43181&acat=43181&_ssl=off Miniflex], lot no.693 of [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=43141&_ssl=off&lang=3 auction no.8 (27 November 2005)] by [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/ Westlicht Photographica Auction] (this particular example has no accessory shoe on the photographer's left, for some reason)
+
* Past sales by [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=3&L=1 Westlicht Photographica Auction]:
* Sales by [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/index.asp LP Foto]:
+
** [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=8&inO=693 Miniflex] serial no 102142, lot no.693 of [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=8 auction no.8, 27 November 2005] (this particular example has no accessory shoe on the photographer's left, for some reason)
** [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/auktioner/objectWinInfo.asp?auktionsnamn=Auktion%2017%20den%208%20December%202002&objektnr=701 Miniflex], lot no.701 of [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/auktioner/auktioner_tidigare_lista_bilder.asp?inAuktion=Auktion%2017%20den%208%20December%202002 auction no.17 (7 December 2002)]
+
** [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=15&inO=781 Miniflex] serial no. 104145, lot no.781 of [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=15 auction no.15, 23 May 2009]
** [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/auktioner/objectwinInfo.asp?auktionsnamn=Auktion%2026%20S%F6ndagen%20den%2022%20april%202007&objektnr=74 Miniflex], lot no.74 of [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/auktioner/auktioner_tidigare_lista_bilder.asp?inAuktion=Auktion%2026%20S%F6ndagen%20den%2022%20april%202007 auction no.26 (22 April 2007)]
+
* Past sales by [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/index.asp LP Foto]:
 +
** [http://auktion.lpfoto.se/auk/w.Object?inSiteLang=ENGLISH&inC=LP&inA=02-12-08&inO=701 Miniflex], lot no.701 of [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/auktioner/auktioner_tidigare_lista_bilder.asp?inAuktion=Auktion%2017%20den%208%20December%202002 auction no.17 (7 December 2002)]
 +
** [http://auktion.lpfoto.se/auk/w.Object?inSiteLang=ENGLISH&inC=LP&inA=07-04-22&inO=74 Miniflex], lot no.74 of [http://www.lpfoto.se/eng/auktioner/auktioner_tidigare_lista_bilder.asp?inAuktion=Auktion%2026%20S%F6ndagen%20den%2022%20april%202007 auction no.26 (22 April 2007)]
 +
* Miniflex among [http://www.camerasdownunder.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7 other cameras] at [http://www.camerasdownunder.com/ Cameras Downunder]
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
* [http://aya-2.hp.infoseek.co.jp/minolta-miniflex_ca.html Miniflex] at [http://aya-2.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ Aya's website]
+
* [http://aya3photo.sakura.ne.jp/aya-2/minolta-miniflex_ca.html Miniflex] at [http://aya3photo.sakura.ne.jp/ Aya's website]
 
* Pages at [http://asacame.fc2web.com/ Asacame]:
 
* Pages at [http://asacame.fc2web.com/ Asacame]:
 
** [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbestaz/bestm.htm Miniflex] in the [http://asacame.sugoihp.com/htmds/dbnbestaz.htm A-Z 127 film cameras]
 
** [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbestaz/bestm.htm Miniflex] in the [http://asacame.sugoihp.com/htmds/dbnbestaz.htm A-Z 127 film cameras]
 
** [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmcbest/clad21.htm Miniflex, Walz Automat 44 and Primo Jr]
 
** [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmcbest/clad21.htm Miniflex, Walz Automat 44 and Primo Jr]
 
** [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbest/best44tlr2.htm Japanese 4×4 TLRs], including the Miniflex
 
** [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbest/best44tlr2.htm Japanese 4×4 TLRs], including the Miniflex
* [http://44culb.haluox.com/44IMPRESSION/LIST/44TLRLIST/44TLRLIST.html List of 4×4cm TLRs] at the [http://44culb.haluox.com/ 44 Club]
+
 
  
 
[[Category: Japanese 4x4 TLR]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 4x4 TLR]]
 
[[Category: Minolta|Miniflex]]
 
[[Category: Minolta|Miniflex]]
 
[[Category: M]]
 
[[Category: M]]

Revision as of 06:35, 5 February 2018

Japanese 4×4 TLR (edit)
4×4cm Cordlef | Olympus Eye 44 | Haco-44 | Halma 44 | Kino-44 | Laqon-44 | Minolta Miniflex | Primo Jr | Prinz 44 | Ricohmatic 44 | Ricoh Super 44 | Sawyer's Mark IV | Tower 44 | Tower 44B | Toyoca-44 | Walz Automat 44 | Yashica-44, 44A, 44LM
Other TLR, pseudo TLR and medium format SLR ->
Other Japanese 6×6, 4.5×6, 3×4 and 4×4 ->

The Minolta Miniflex (ミノルタ・ミニフレックス) is a 4×4 TLR made in 1959 by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō, predecessor of Minolta. It appeared two years after the Rolleiflex Baby Grey, during the short revival of 127 film for the square format superslides.

Description

Film advance and back

The Minolta Miniflex can take twelve exposures in 4×4cm format. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right, at the bottom, engraved with an arrow and the word WIND to indicate the turning direction. The film runs from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. This method reduces film distortion compared with the reverse travel direction,[1] and was adopted on the Minolta TLRs from the 1954 Minoltacord.

The film advance automatically stops at each exposure and is unlocked when the shutter release is pressed. There is a round window on the advance side for an exposure counter. The position of the first exposure is set via a red window on the right of the back, protected by a large spring-loaded rotating disc, marked CHIYODA KOGAKU OSAKA JAPAN. Then the exposure counter is reset to "1" by pressing a button near the advance knob. This button is hidden in a slot and can be pressed with a fingernail or a coin; it has this shape to avoid accidental action.

The back is hinged to the top for film loading, and locked by a small rectangular key at the bottom. The tripod thread is integrated in the body casting and is not part of the back.

Focusing

There is a big focusing wheel on the photographer's left, turning 120 degrees and driving a heart-shaped cam moving the front standard back and forth. This wheel contains a film reminder, and there is an additional plate with depth-of-field indications. The distance scale is engraved either in metres or in feet, depending on the intended market. The minimum focusing distance is either 1m or 3.3ft.

The use of a bottom-driven focusing helix similar to that of the Minolta Autocord was considered during the development of the camera, but it was difficult to integrate with the rest of the mechanism, and raised design problems.[2] The feature was still studied in September 1959 for future developments,[2] but was of course abandoned when the 4×4cm format proved a market dead-end.

Viewfinder and top part

The viewfinder is integrated into the body casting, unlike most other TLR cameras. This construction allowed to reduce the cost of the viewfinder part.[3][4] The viewing hood has a peculiar three-fold, specially designed to avoid the side plates going deep into the body and to prevent the entry of dust.[4] It contains a square magnifying lens hinged to the top but no sportsfinder. It also has a logo at the front, showing the letter M in silver on a deep red background — at least some pre-production examples have a different logo with a lowercase m letter. The viewing screen contains a condenser for bright illumination of the corners.[3][2]

The nameplate is made of translucent plastic, with the name minolta miniflex written in gold letters in the typical 1960s Minolta font. The body number is inscribed on a small metal strip above the nameplate. There are strap lugs on both sides of the body, for use with spring-loaded clamps on the strap itself. These strap attachments were specific to the Miniflex at the time it was introduced, but would be adopted on the Minolta Autocord from 1962.

There are two accessory shoes, one on each side, buried in the body casting in the space left free by the special viewfinder construction.[4] Each contains two spring-loaded spheres to hold the accessory on the shoe. The right-hand shoe has an indentation at the bottom, whose purpose is unknown. This shoe is used to attach the accessory sportsfinder (see below). Unlike most other TLR cameras, the Miniflex is held horizontally when using the sportsfinder.

Shutter and lens

The shutter release is at the bottom of the front standard and protrudes towards the right; it was specially thought to make it comfortable to trip both in the vertical position and in the horizontal position.[5] The button contains a screw thread for a cable release.

The shutter is an Optiper Citizen MVL (B, 1–500). It is cocked by a small lever at the bottom. The self-timer lever is on the same side as the release button and is painted green. The opposite side has a red painted M/X selector and a PC synch socket. The shutter name is inscribed between the two lenses: OPTIPER on one side and CITIZEN MVL on the other.

The speed scale is on the left side, as seen from the front, and there is a Light-Value scale in a window below the taking lens. These two scales are inscribed on the same disc, moved by a lever placed near the release button. The aperture scale is engraved on a second disc placed above, and appears opposite the speed scale. This second disc is directly turned by hand, and has a small index moving along the Light-Value scale and indicating the Light-Value corresponding to the selected settings. The two discs move freely and are not interlocked, unlike other Light-Value systems.

The taking lens is a four-element[6][2] Minolta Rokkor 60mm f/3.5, and the viewing lens is a three-element[6] View Rokkor 60mm f/2.8. Both have a seven-digit serial number and a three-lug bayonet attachment. The attachment is physically the same as on the Minolta Autocord[6] but the spacing between the two lenses is reduced and the bayonet around the taking lens is upside down. As a consequence, the Miniflex can take all the filters made for Autocord, but needs a specific hood (see below).

Colour finish

The camera has two-tone blue finish: medium blue hammertone paint for the body shell, back and moving front standard, and light blue lacquer for the viewing hood and the casing surrounding the lenses. Original documents from the company call the darker colour "greenish blue" and the lighter "silver grey".[7] The sides and the back have a matching blue-grey leatherette covering. With time, this leatherette covering tends to change colour and get a brownish tint on many examples.

Commercial life

The Minolta Miniflex was announced in Japanese photography magazines dated May to July 1959.[8] The announcement in the May issue of Shashin Kōgyō says that the price and release date were "not fixed yet" (未定).[6] Two further articles in the June and September issues of the same magazine were written by Kubota Isamu, from the Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō company.[9] Francesch says that the camera was released on September 23, 1959, but what this exactly means is unclear.[10]

The Miniflex was briefly advertised in Japanese magazines in October and November 1959.[11] The October advertisement in Camera Mainichi presents the camera along with the Minolta A3, and does not mention a price.[12] The November advertisement in Shashin Kōgyō, mainly devoted to the Minolta 16, makes some room for the Miniflex and indicates the price of ¥12,700 (case ¥1,800 extra).[13]

Total production

Body numbers are confirmed in the 100xxx, 102xxx, 103xxx, 104xxx and 105xxx ranges, and lens numbers are known in all thousands from 1100xxx to 1105xxx. The body, viewing lens and taking lens numbers usually do not match, sometimes by a wide margin.

The pictures reproduced above show an extremely early camera, differing from the regular production examples by the shape of the logo on the viewing hood.[14] Another picture in the September 1959 article in Shashin Kōgyō seems to show taking lens no.1100004 and perhaps viewing lens no.1100121, on a very early camera.[15]

The highest known numbers are body no.105258, taking lens no.1105178 and viewing lens no.1105049 (on different cameras). Various sources say that the production did not exceed 5,000,[16] but the available data seems to show that a few hundred more were made.

Accessories

Various accessories exist for the Minolta Miniflex. The camera usually comes with a leather ever-ready case and neckstrap, tinted in medium blue on the outer side; the case has the minolta logo at the front. The lens cap is light blue and has the same logo in front of the taking lens.

The metal lens hood was priced at ¥650.[17] It is medium blue with a silver base, containing the spring-loaded bayonet. It has a square shape, and has minolta at the top and the code D3B JAPAN at the bottom, both in white letters. It comes in a medium blue case with a triangular minolta logo. This accessory is specific to the Miniflex, which cannot take the hoods for the Minolta Autocord. It is attached to the outer bayonet, and physically fits the Autocord, but in the upside down position (with the minolta logo at the bottom).

The filters are shared with the Minolta Autocord, and are not specific to the Miniflex. The user manual of the Miniflex only mentions two filters called "control color" and "haze", probably corresponding to Y48 Yellow and UV, but others were made. The original brochure mentions the price of ¥380, but does not give a list of available filters.[17] The bayonet is sometimes described as 36mm diameter on the filters' original box, and some filters have the code F3B on the rim.

The external sportsfinder, of the folding frame type, is medium blue with a silver front frame, and comes in a small medium blue case. The finder has a locking knob inscribed L, O and JAPAN. It can be attached on any accessory shoe, but it is normally intended for use on the right-hand one.

The original box for the camera is red, white and grey, and has a big M in deep blue, shaped the same as on the viewing hood, and a big 44 among other markings.

The company was also selling 4×4cm "super slide" cardboard frames and the dedicated Minolta Mini 44 slide projector. It was sold for ¥6,800, including a vinyl case.[17] The BC Flash Gun with collapsible aluminium reflector was also offered for use with the Miniflex, at ¥1,700,[17] but it was not specific to the camera.

Notes

  1. Kitano, pp.121–2 of the October 1955 special issue of Photo Art.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Kubota, p.273 of Shashin Kōgyō September 1959.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Kubota, p.639 of Shashin Kōgyō June 1959.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Kubota, p.272 of Shashin Kōgyō September 1959.
  5. Kubota, pp.638–9 of Shashin Kōgyō June 1959.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Column in Shashin Kōgyō May 1959, p.524.
  7. Kubota, p.639 of Shashin Kōgyō June 1959. The colours are called グリーニッシュブルー (濃い青緑) and シルバーグレー (青味がかった蠟色). Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.407, wrongly says that these two colours correspond to two different versions of the Miniflex, certainly because of a confusion.
  8. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.407.
  9. Kubota, pp.638–9 of Shashin Kōgyō June 1959 and pp.272–3 of Shashin Kōgyō September 1959.
  10. Francesch, pp.39 and 101.
  11. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.407.
  12. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.304.
  13. Advertisement in Shashin Kōgyō November 1959, p.472.
  14. Pictures in Kubota, p.638 of Shashin Kōgyō June 1959.
  15. Picture in Kubota, p.273 of Shashin Kōgyō September 1959.
  16. This page at Pacific Rim Camera, this page of Aya's Camera Site, this page at Manual Minolta.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Leaflet Minolta–Miniflex 44, c.1959.

Bibliography

Original documents

  • Kitano Kunio (北野邦雄). "Bodi kankei no sho-kikō (2): nigan-refurekkusu ni okeru firumu no makitori hōkō" (ボディ関係の諸機構[2]二眼レフレックスに於けるフィルムの巻取方向, "Various mechanisms for the bodies [2]: film advance direction on twin lens reflex"). In Photo Art rinji zōkan: Kamera no chishiki (フォトアート臨時増刊・カメラの知識, Photo Art special issue: Knowledge of cameras). October 1955, no.87 of the magazine. Pp.121–2. (This is an article on the direction of film advance on TLR cameras, which gives no specific information on the Miniflex.)
  • Kubota Isamu (久保田勇), from the technical department (技術部) of Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō. "Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (ミノルタミニフレックス, Minolta Miniflex). In Shashin Kōgyō no.86, June 1959. Pp.638–9.
  • Kubota Isamu (久保田勇), from the technical department (技術部) of Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō. "Futatsu no 44 kamera kikō to sono tokuchō: Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (二つの44カメラ・構造とその特長・ミノルタ・ミニフレックス, Construction and vantages of two 4×4 cameras: Minolta Miniflex). In Shashin Kōgyō no.89, September 1959. Pp.272–3.
  • Shashin Kōgyō no.85, May 1959. "Shinseihin Minoruta Minifurekkusu" (新製品・ミノルタ・ミニフレックス, New product: Minolta Miniflex). P.524.
  • Shashin Kōgyō no.91, November 1959. Advertisement by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō on p.472.

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 1653.
  • Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Minolta de 1929 à 1985. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. ISBN 2-249-27685-4. Pp.39–40 and 100–1.
  • 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). P.98.
  • 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.681.
  • Scheibel, Anni Rita and Joseph. 70 Jahre Minolta Kameratechnik — Von der Nifcalette bis zur Dynax 9. Stuttgart: Lindemanns Verlag, 3rd edition, 1999. ISBN 3-89506-191-3. Pp.50–1.
  • 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 2196.
  • Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Minolta Camera: nigan-refu kamera" (Minolta Camera: 二眼レフカメラ, Minolta TLR cameras). 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.12, October 1988. No ISBN number. Minoruta kamera no subete (ミノルタカメラのすべて, special issue on Minolta). Pp.25–30.
  • 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.20.
  • Zaisu Ikon (座椅子遺恨, probably a pseudonym of Y. Saji). "Besuto sanka (M–O)" (ベスト讃歌[M–O], Vest hymn [M–O]). In Camera Collectors' News no.63 (September 1982). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P.4. (Gives a brief description and a picture; the pictured camera is presumably the same as in Sugiyama.)

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