Difference between revisions of "Minolta Six"
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{{Japanese Six}} | {{Japanese Six}} | ||
| − | The '''Minolta Six''' (ミノルタ・シックス) is a [[bakelite]] collapsible 6×6 camera, made by Molta (the predecessor of [[Minolta]]) from late 1936.<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, mentions advertisements dated from December 1936 to September 1940, and says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the January 1937 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. Many sources, including Francesch, p. 78, Sugiyama, p. 28, Scheibel, p. 21, McKeown, p. 673, and Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116, say that the camera was released in 1935. However the dating of Molta cameras frequently contains mistakes. ''The Japanese Historical Camera,'' which is usually scrupulous about these matters, says November 1936. </REF> It was distributed by [[Asanuma|Asanuma Shōkai]] and was advertised until 1940. | + | The '''Minolta Six''' (ミノルタ・シックス) is a [[bakelite]] collapsible 6×6 camera, made by Molta (the predecessor of [[Minolta]]) from late 1936.<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, mentions advertisements dated from December 1936 to September 1940, and says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the January 1937 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. Many sources, including Francesch, p. 78, Sugiyama, p. 28, Scheibel, p. 21, McKeown, p. 673, and Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116, say that the camera was released in 1935. However the dating of Molta cameras frequently contains mistakes. ''The Japanese Historical Camera,'' which is usually scrupulous about these matters, says November 1936. </REF> It was distributed by [[Asanuma|Asanuma Shōkai]] and was advertised until 1940. It is sometimes said that the Minolta Six was the first Japanese 6×6 camera, but it was predated at least by the [[Mulber Six]] released in late 1935. |
== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | The construction of the Minolta Six is very similar to the previous [[Minolta Vest]] 4×6.5 camera. The body is made of some sort of plastic, perhaps [[bakelite]]. The lens and shutter assembly | + | The construction of the Minolta Six is very similar to the previous [[Minolta Vest]] 4×6.5 camera. The body is made of some sort of plastic, perhaps [[bakelite]]. The lens and shutter assembly is mounted on a front plate, itself attached to a collapsible structure composed of three rectangular sliding boxes. These boxes are made of the same plastic as the rest of the body, reinforced with metal parts. The result is like a folding camera with no bellows. |
The front plate is pulled out by two small handles and there is a table stand attached to the bottom. There is a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate, with a red hairline cross on the front element. The advance knob is on the left end of the top plate and film advance is controlled by red window. The back is hinged to the right and a leather handle is attached to the back latch. The bottom plate has film flanges on both ends and a tripod thread in the middle. | The front plate is pulled out by two small handles and there is a table stand attached to the bottom. There is a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate, with a red hairline cross on the front element. The advance knob is on the left end of the top plate and film advance is controlled by red window. The back is hinged to the right and a leather handle is attached to the back latch. The bottom plate has film flanges on both ends and a tripod thread in the middle. | ||
A nameplate marked ''Minolta Six'' is screwed to the front of the body. | A nameplate marked ''Minolta Six'' is screwed to the front of the body. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It seems that the camera shares some parts with the original [[Semi Minolta]]: the bottom film flanges, back latch and folding optical finder look the same as the parts mounted on the early versions of the 4.5×6 folder. | ||
| + | |||
| + | All the models are equipped with a version of the [[Crown]] rimset shutter. The shutter plate is marked ''PATENTS–NIPPON'' at the top and ''CROWN'' at the bottom, and has three metal strips on each side of the lens. The shutter is everset and the release lever is at the top left of the shutter housing. Next to the release lever there is a distant release connector. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The lens is front-cell focusing and is called Coronar Anastigmat Nippon on all the models. It has 80mm focal length unless noted, and the aperture is set by an index at the bottom of the shutter plate. | ||
== Evolution == | == Evolution == | ||
| − | + | === Original model, three red windows === | |
| + | The original model has three red windows in the back, near the bottom. Each has a reminder, respectively reading ''1357'', ''2468'' or ''1'3'5'7''' from right to left, marked on a metal plate covering most part of the back. This complex advance pattern was needed because the paperback of [[120 film]] was not yet marked for 6×6cm format at the time the camera was sold. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The advance knob is made of metal. It usually has a recessed top, meant to be covered by a leather piece that is often missing on examples found today. Some examples, perhaps the earliest ones, have a metal knob with an uncovered flat top. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The original model exists in three versions: | ||
| + | * f/5.6 lens, [[Crown|Crown C]] shutter, T, B, 25, 50, 100, 150 speeds; | ||
| + | * f/4.5 lens, [[Crown|Crown B]] shutter, T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds; | ||
| + | * f/4.5 lens, [[Crown|Crown S]] shutter, T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds, self-timer.<REF> The version with self-timer and three red windows has not been directly observed, but is has been reported by a reliable source. </REF> | ||
| + | |||
| + | All three versions were announced in an advertisement dated December 1936<REF> Published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 98. </REF>, unusually showing a sketch of the camera instead of a picture or detailed drawing. The same range appeared in advertisements dated August 1937<REF> Published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 97. </REF> (for {{yen|40|1937}}, {{yen|53|1937}} and {{yen|60|1937}}), January 1938<REF> Published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in Tanimura, p. 15 of ''Camera Collectors' News'' no. 118. This advertisement confirms the Crown C, B, S shutter names. </REF> (for {{yen|46|1938}}, {{yen|60|1938}} and {{yen|70|1938}}) and January 1940<REF> Published in ''Shashin Shinpō'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 98. </REF> (for the same prices). There is no way to distinguish between this early model and the later model with a single red window. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Single red window === | ||
| + | The camera's back was modified at some point to have a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. This change occurred after the films were sold with 6×6 numbers, probably not later than 1937. All the examples observed have the leather covered advance knob. | ||
| − | + | One example has been reported with a Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 75mm f/3.5 lens mounted on a Crown S shutter, but this equipment is perhaps not original. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | === Bakelite knob === | |
| + | The late Minolta Six have a bakelite advance knob. The metal knob still appears in the January 1940 advertisement cited above, thus the change occurred at a later date. Examples with a bakelite knob are known to exist with both lens types, but none has yet been observed with a self-timer. | ||
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
| Line 28: | Line 45: | ||
* Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型, "Semi Minolta I and II") In ''Camera Collectors' News'' no. 116 (February 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. | * Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型, "Semi Minolta I and II") In ''Camera Collectors' News'' no. 116 (February 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. | ||
* Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata (sono 2)." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型(その2), "Semi Minolta I and II (part 2)") In ''Camera Collectors' News'' no. 118 (April 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. | * Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata (sono 2)." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型(その2), "Semi Minolta I and II (part 2)") In ''Camera Collectors' News'' no. 118 (April 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. | ||
| + | <!-- An article in the April 2006 issue of ''Asahi Camera'' is called "Konna kamera ni sawaritai: Minolta Six Deluxe" (こんなカメラに触りたい・ミノルタシックスデラックス). I wonder if this is related to the prewar Minolta Six. --> | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
Revision as of 22:02, 29 December 2006
The Minolta Six (ミノルタ・シックス) is a bakelite collapsible 6×6 camera, made by Molta (the predecessor of Minolta) from late 1936.[1] It was distributed by Asanuma Shōkai and was advertised until 1940. It is sometimes said that the Minolta Six was the first Japanese 6×6 camera, but it was predated at least by the Mulber Six released in late 1935.
Contents
Description
The construction of the Minolta Six is very similar to the previous Minolta Vest 4×6.5 camera. The body is made of some sort of plastic, perhaps bakelite. The lens and shutter assembly is mounted on a front plate, itself attached to a collapsible structure composed of three rectangular sliding boxes. These boxes are made of the same plastic as the rest of the body, reinforced with metal parts. The result is like a folding camera with no bellows.
The front plate is pulled out by two small handles and there is a table stand attached to the bottom. There is a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate, with a red hairline cross on the front element. The advance knob is on the left end of the top plate and film advance is controlled by red window. The back is hinged to the right and a leather handle is attached to the back latch. The bottom plate has film flanges on both ends and a tripod thread in the middle.
A nameplate marked Minolta Six is screwed to the front of the body.
It seems that the camera shares some parts with the original Semi Minolta: the bottom film flanges, back latch and folding optical finder look the same as the parts mounted on the early versions of the 4.5×6 folder.
All the models are equipped with a version of the Crown rimset shutter. The shutter plate is marked PATENTS–NIPPON at the top and CROWN at the bottom, and has three metal strips on each side of the lens. The shutter is everset and the release lever is at the top left of the shutter housing. Next to the release lever there is a distant release connector.
The lens is front-cell focusing and is called Coronar Anastigmat Nippon on all the models. It has 80mm focal length unless noted, and the aperture is set by an index at the bottom of the shutter plate.
Evolution
Original model, three red windows
The original model has three red windows in the back, near the bottom. Each has a reminder, respectively reading 1357, 2468 or 1'3'5'7' from right to left, marked on a metal plate covering most part of the back. This complex advance pattern was needed because the paperback of 120 film was not yet marked for 6×6cm format at the time the camera was sold.
The advance knob is made of metal. It usually has a recessed top, meant to be covered by a leather piece that is often missing on examples found today. Some examples, perhaps the earliest ones, have a metal knob with an uncovered flat top.
The original model exists in three versions:
- f/5.6 lens, Crown C shutter, T, B, 25, 50, 100, 150 speeds;
- f/4.5 lens, Crown B shutter, T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds;
- f/4.5 lens, Crown S shutter, T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds, self-timer.[2]
All three versions were announced in an advertisement dated December 1936[3], unusually showing a sketch of the camera instead of a picture or detailed drawing. The same range appeared in advertisements dated August 1937[4] (for ¥40, ¥53 and ¥60), January 1938[5] (for ¥46, ¥60 and ¥70) and January 1940[6] (for the same prices). There is no way to distinguish between this early model and the later model with a single red window.
Single red window
The camera's back was modified at some point to have a single red window in the middle, protected by a horizontally sliding cover. This change occurred after the films were sold with 6×6 numbers, probably not later than 1937. All the examples observed have the leather covered advance knob.
One example has been reported with a Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 75mm f/3.5 lens mounted on a Crown S shutter, but this equipment is perhaps not original.
Bakelite knob
The late Minolta Six have a bakelite advance knob. The metal knob still appears in the January 1940 advertisement cited above, thus the change occurred at a later date. Examples with a bakelite knob are known to exist with both lens types, but none has yet been observed with a self-timer.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Item 278. (See also the advertisements for item 272.)
- 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.
- 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. 53.
- 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. 673.
- 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. 20–1.
- 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. Items 1193–4.
- Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型, "Semi Minolta I and II") In Camera Collectors' News no. 116 (February 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
- Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata (sono 2)." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型(その2), "Semi Minolta I and II (part 2)") In Camera Collectors' News no. 118 (April 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
Links
In English:
In Japanese:
- Minolta Six at Madam's Ichirizuka website
- Minolta Six at Japan Family Camera
- Minolta Six in the Camera database of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology
- Minolta Six in the Kitamura camera site
- Minolta Six in the Map Camera Museum
| Nifca, Molta and Chiyoda prewar and wartime cameras () | |
|---|---|
| folding plate cameras | |
| Nifcaklapp | Nifcasport | Sirius | Arcadia | Lomax | Eaton | Happy | |
| folding rollfilm cameras | telescopic bakelite cameras |
| Nifcarette | Sirius Bebe | Semi Minolta | Auto Semi Minolta | Minolta Vest | Baby Minolta | Minolta Six |
| strut-folding cameras | TLR cameras |
| Nifca-Dox | Minolta | Auto Minolta | Auto Press Minolta | Minoltaflex | Minoltaflex Automat | Minoltaflex military prototype |
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, mentions advertisements dated from December 1936 to September 1940, and says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the January 1937 issue of Asahi Camera. Many sources, including Francesch, p. 78, Sugiyama, p. 28, Scheibel, p. 21, McKeown, p. 673, and Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116, say that the camera was released in 1935. However the dating of Molta cameras frequently contains mistakes. The Japanese Historical Camera, which is usually scrupulous about these matters, says November 1936.
- ↑ The version with self-timer and three red windows has not been directly observed, but is has been reported by a reliable source.
- ↑ Published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 98.
- ↑ Published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 97.
- ↑ Published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Tanimura, p. 15 of Camera Collectors' News no. 118. This advertisement confirms the Crown C, B, S shutter names.
- ↑ Published in Shashin Shinpō, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 98.
