Difference between revisions of "Mirax"
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== Main mirror box == | == Main mirror box == | ||
=== Common features === | === Common features === | ||
| − | The Mirax consists of a mirror box with interchangeable finders. The main mirror box has a black hammered finish. The viewing screen has a convex face,<REF name="ogihara 27"> Ogihara, p.27 of {{SK}} no.1. </REF> and is placed at the top of the main part. | + | The Mirax consists of a mirror box with interchangeable finders. The main mirror box has a black hammered finish. The viewing screen has a convex face,<REF name="ogihara 27"> Ogihara, p.27 of {{SK}} no.1. </REF> and is placed at the top of the main part. The interchangeable viewfinder is locked by a knob on the left side. The release button is on the right side, and can be coupled to the camera body via an adapter. There is a tripod thread underneath the mirror box. |
The front part has a 44mm screw mount, and sometimes an external four-lug bayonet mount, as on the [[Miranda]] SLR cameras. This is the earliest occurrence of the 44mm screw mount, before it appeared on the [[Phoenix]] SLR prototype and later [[Miranda]] cameras. | The front part has a 44mm screw mount, and sometimes an external four-lug bayonet mount, as on the [[Miranda]] SLR cameras. This is the earliest occurrence of the 44mm screw mount, before it appeared on the [[Phoenix]] SLR prototype and later [[Miranda]] cameras. | ||
| − | Two versions of the Mirax were sold, differing by the rear mount. The '''Mirax-A''' fits [[39mm screw lenses|Leica screw mount]] cameras. | + | Two versions of the Mirax were sold, differing by the rear mount. The '''Mirax-A''' fits [[39mm screw lenses|Leica screw mount]] cameras. It has an adjustment at the bottom, allowing to rotate the rear mount so that the reflex housing always stands upright, whatever the camera mount adjustment. |
The '''Mirax-B''' has a [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax]] or [[Nikon rangefinder lenses|Nikon mount]]. The Contax and Nikon mount only differ by the rangefinder adjustment, causing no physical difference on the reflex housing. An original price list nonetheless distinguish the '''Mirax-BC''' for Contax and the '''Mirax-Bn''' for Nikon,<REF name="FAR80 p119"> Column in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, p.119. </REF> but this is either a mistake or a distinction based on the release adapters, because of the different location of the shutter button on the camera bodies. | The '''Mirax-B''' has a [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax]] or [[Nikon rangefinder lenses|Nikon mount]]. The Contax and Nikon mount only differ by the rangefinder adjustment, causing no physical difference on the reflex housing. An original price list nonetheless distinguish the '''Mirax-BC''' for Contax and the '''Mirax-Bn''' for Nikon,<REF name="FAR80 p119"> Column in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, p.119. </REF> but this is either a mistake or a distinction based on the release adapters, because of the different location of the shutter button on the camera bodies. | ||
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=== Evolution === | === Evolution === | ||
| − | The '''early version''' has the internal 44mm screw mount only.<REF> This is clearly visible in the picture of the advertisement by [[Matsushima]] in {{ACA}} November 1953, p.59. The external mount is also certainly absent from the example pictured in Ogihara, p.27 of {{SK}} no.1, and on that sold as [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=133073&acat=133073&offset=3&_ssl=off lot no.398] of Westlicht auction no.14. </REF> It also has a thread protruding underneath the mirror mechanism, on the same axis as the release button, allowing to attach a cable release connected to the camera's shutter button. This version is | + | The '''early version''' has the internal 44mm screw mount only.<REF> This is clearly visible in the picture of the advertisement by [[Matsushima]] in {{ACA}} November 1953, p.59. The external mount is also certainly absent from the example pictured in Ogihara, p.27 of {{SK}} no.1, and on that sold as [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=133073&acat=133073&offset=3&_ssl=off lot no.398] of Westlicht auction no.14. </REF> It also has a thread protruding underneath the mirror mechanism, on the same axis as the release button, allowing to attach a cable release connected to the camera's shutter button. This version is only known with ''Orion Camera Co.'' markings. |
| − | The ''' | + | The '''intermediate version''' has the additional bayonet mount. The release button has a different shape, with a lever on the side, whose function is unclear. The button is connected to the mirror mechanism by a simple uncovered rod, and the underside thread is no longer visible. This version still has the ''Orion Camera Co.'' markings.<REF> Example observed in an online auction, and examples pictured in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, pp.22 and 120. </REF> |
| − | + | The '''late version''' differs by the black fairing covering the connection between the release button and mirror mechanism. This version exists both with ''Orion Camera Co.'' and with ''Miranda Camera Co.''<REF> Compare the examples sold as [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=54394&acat=54394&offset=2&_ssl=off lots no.365 and 366] of Westlicht auction no.9. </REF> | |
== Viewfinders == | == Viewfinders == | ||
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[[Matsushima]] continued to distribute the Mirax for some time. An advertisement appears in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, showing the presumed intermediate version of the Mirax-A, with the regular prism finder.<REF> Advertisement in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, p.22. </REF> The price is unchanged, except for the prism which now costs ¥9,000. The microscope adapter for the Mirax is also mentioned at ¥3,500. This advertisement gives the name of the manufacturer [[Miranda|Orion Seiki]], unlike the previous ones. | [[Matsushima]] continued to distribute the Mirax for some time. An advertisement appears in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, showing the presumed intermediate version of the Mirax-A, with the regular prism finder.<REF> Advertisement in the June 1955 special issue of {{FAR}}, p.22. </REF> The price is unchanged, except for the prism which now costs ¥9,000. The microscope adapter for the Mirax is also mentioned at ¥3,500. This advertisement gives the name of the manufacturer [[Miranda|Orion Seiki]], unlike the previous ones. | ||
| − | The same issue of the magazine, entirely devoted to camera accessories, describes the Mirax on two places, and gives a price list. The prices are the same as in the advertisement, but the document distinguishes between the Mirax-BC (for [[Contax rangefinder|Contax]]) and the Mirax-Bn (for [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon]]), as said above. Other minor accessories are listed: a double release type L.N (for [[Leica]] or Nikon) or type C (for Contax), at ¥1,800, and an extension tube, at ¥2,000. The document also presents the [[Focabell]] bellows system and [[Supreme lenses]]. | + | The same issue of the magazine, entirely devoted to camera accessories, describes the Mirax on two places, and gives a price list. The prices are the same as in the advertisement, but the document distinguishes between the Mirax-BC (for [[Contax rangefinder|Contax]]) and the Mirax-Bn (for [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon]]), as said above. Other minor accessories are listed: a double release type L.N (for [[Leica]] or Nikon) or type C (for Contax), at ¥1,800, and an extension tube for the Mirax, at ¥2,000. The document also presents the [[Focabell]] bellows system and [[Supreme lenses]]. |
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Revision as of 21:26, 27 February 2009
The Mirax is a reflex housing made by Orion Seiki and later by Miranda Camera.
Contents
Main mirror box
Common features
The Mirax consists of a mirror box with interchangeable finders. The main mirror box has a black hammered finish. The viewing screen has a convex face,[1] and is placed at the top of the main part. The interchangeable viewfinder is locked by a knob on the left side. The release button is on the right side, and can be coupled to the camera body via an adapter. There is a tripod thread underneath the mirror box.
The front part has a 44mm screw mount, and sometimes an external four-lug bayonet mount, as on the Miranda SLR cameras. This is the earliest occurrence of the 44mm screw mount, before it appeared on the Phoenix SLR prototype and later Miranda cameras.
Two versions of the Mirax were sold, differing by the rear mount. The Mirax-A fits Leica screw mount cameras. It has an adjustment at the bottom, allowing to rotate the rear mount so that the reflex housing always stands upright, whatever the camera mount adjustment.
The Mirax-B has a Contax or Nikon mount. The Contax and Nikon mount only differ by the rangefinder adjustment, causing no physical difference on the reflex housing. An original price list nonetheless distinguish the Mirax-BC for Contax and the Mirax-Bn for Nikon,[2] but this is either a mistake or a distinction based on the release adapters, because of the different location of the shutter button on the camera bodies.
The company name is inscribed on the rear mount: Orion Camera Co. or Miranda Camera Co., along with Made in Japan and the serial number. Reported numbers have six digits, whose two first digits might indicate the year of production.
Evolution
The early version has the internal 44mm screw mount only.[3] It also has a thread protruding underneath the mirror mechanism, on the same axis as the release button, allowing to attach a cable release connected to the camera's shutter button. This version is only known with Orion Camera Co. markings.
The intermediate version has the additional bayonet mount. The release button has a different shape, with a lever on the side, whose function is unclear. The button is connected to the mirror mechanism by a simple uncovered rod, and the underside thread is no longer visible. This version still has the Orion Camera Co. markings.[4]
The late version differs by the black fairing covering the connection between the release button and mirror mechanism. This version exists both with Orion Camera Co. and with Miranda Camera Co.[5]
Viewfinders
 
|
| Early waist-level and prism finders. From Shashin Kōgyō June 1952. (Image rights). |
The Mirax was available from the start with a waist-level finder and an eye-level prism finder.[6]
The waist-level finder is shaped as a chimney, with a magnifying lens at the top. It always has an all chrome finish. The front face is apparently inscribed Orion Mirax I on the very early example pictured in the June 1952 issue of Shashin Kōgyō (see below). Regular examples have Mirax and either Orion Camera Co. or Miranda Camera Co. in small characters.
The prism finder might be the first pentaprism used on Japanese cameras. It paved the way to the later Phoenix SLR prototype, predecessor of the Miranda cameras.
The early prism finder pictured in the same June 1952 article has an all chrome finish, and is inscribed Orion Mirax–II at the front (see below).[7] It is quite high and practically does not protrude on the rear of the Mirax housing, perhaps making it inconvenient to stick an eye on the eyepiece. No surviving example of that early prism finder has been observed yet.
The regular prism finder has the same black hammered finish as the mirror box, with many facets and sharp edges. It is comparatively lower, and protrudes to the rear, certainly making it more convenient to use. The front facet is inscribed Mirax and Orion Camera Co. or Miranda Camera Co. in small characters, as on the regular waist-level finder. The prism finder has a serial number, engraved under the eyepiece. The known numbers again have six digits, with the first two plausibly indicating the year of production.
At least one example of the Mirax has been observed with an intermediate part between the main mirror box and the waist-level finder, in black hammered finish, making the device higher.[8] The use of this part is unknown.
Origin and usage as described by Ogihara Akira
The Mirax was described by Ogihara Akira (荻原彰), founder of Orion Seiki, in the June 1952 issue of Shashin Kōgyō.[9] The article says that the device was developed with the following specifications in mind:[6]
- short length;
- small volume;
- light weight;
- release button usable while holding the camera with both hands;
- viewing screen at least as bright as that of the Exakta;
- interchangeable eye-level and waist-level finders.
Point no.6 eliminates the need for a rotating mirror box for vertical pictures, helping to concentrate on the first four features.[6]
The article emphasizes the device's short length and light weight. The Mirax-A and Mirax-B are respectively 40mm and 43mm thick; this was much less than the contemporary Leitz Visoflex I reflex housing, and potentially allowed to use 75mm or 80mm lenses.[6] The weight is respectively 200g and 250g.[1] Ogihara suggests that the Mirax can be used without a tripod, and describes four release methods, depending on the photographer's needs:[1]
- trip the mirror box first, then the camera, to avoid blur for scientific applications;
- use a dual cable release, convenient when the camera is on a tripod;
- use a cable coupling the bottom part of the release rod to the camera's shutter button, allowing to hold the camera in both hands;
- use the "Snap release" provided with the Mirax, a sort of metal plate connecting the release of the camera and reflex housing.
The third method is possible on the Mirax pictured in the article, which has a connecting thread protruding underneath the mirror axis, and a few other examples.[10] This part is not visible on all the Mirax, and the corresponding release method was perhaps dropped at some time.
|
|
|
| With a Supreme 10.5cm f/2.8 lens and a waist-level or eye-level finder. | With an Olympus microscope. | |
| Mirax on a Leica camera. From Shashin Kōgyō June 1952. (Image rights). | ||
When the article was published in June 1952, the accessories available for the Mirax were the Supreme 10.5cm f/2.8 direct mount lens, adapters for the screw mount Visoflex lenses and for the Reflex Korelle lenses usable at infinity, adapters for the Leica screw lenses and Contax lenses usable at short distance only, and a microscope adapter.[1] Ogihara mentions that a bellows system was under development;[1] it would appear as the Focabell.
Commercial life
 
|
| Advertisements by Summit Shōkai in Asahi Camera. Left: September 1953. Right: October and November 1953. (Image rights). |
The Mirax was certainly already available when Ogihara wrote the article in Shashin Kōgyō June 1952. Advertisements by the distributor Summit Shōkai appear in the September to November 1953 issues of Asahi Camera.[11] They are nearly identical, but for the addition of the prism finder from October, priced at ¥6,500 and mentioned as a new item. This perhaps indicates that the early prism finder announced in June 1952 was not satisfactory and was never commercially sold.
|
| Advertisements by Matsushima in Asahi Camera November 1953. (Image rights). |
In addition to the advertisement by Summit, the November 1953 issue of Asahi Camera also contains an advertisement by Matsushima.[12] It shows the early version of the Mirax-A, and gives the price of ¥15,200 for the model A and ¥19,800 for the model B.
|
| Advertisements by Matsushima in the June 1955 special issue of Photo Art. (Image rights). |
Matsushima continued to distribute the Mirax for some time. An advertisement appears in the June 1955 special issue of Photo Art, showing the presumed intermediate version of the Mirax-A, with the regular prism finder.[13] The price is unchanged, except for the prism which now costs ¥9,000. The microscope adapter for the Mirax is also mentioned at ¥3,500. This advertisement gives the name of the manufacturer Orion Seiki, unlike the previous ones.
The same issue of the magazine, entirely devoted to camera accessories, describes the Mirax on two places, and gives a price list. The prices are the same as in the advertisement, but the document distinguishes between the Mirax-BC (for Contax) and the Mirax-Bn (for Nikon), as said above. Other minor accessories are listed: a double release type L.N (for Leica or Nikon) or type C (for Contax), at ¥1,800, and an extension tube for the Mirax, at ¥2,000. The document also presents the Focabell bellows system and Supreme lenses.
|
| Column in the June 1955 special issue of Photo Art. (Image rights). |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ogihara, p.27 of Shashin Kōgyō no.1.
- ↑ Column in the June 1955 special issue of Photo Art, p.119.
- ↑ This is clearly visible in the picture of the advertisement by Matsushima in Asahi Camera November 1953, p.59. The external mount is also certainly absent from the example pictured in Ogihara, p.27 of Shashin Kōgyō no.1, and on that sold as lot no.398 of Westlicht auction no.14.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction, and examples pictured in the June 1955 special issue of Photo Art, pp.22 and 120.
- ↑ Compare the examples sold as lots no.365 and 366 of Westlicht auction no.9.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Ogihara, p.26 of Shashin Kōgyō no.1.
- ↑ Ogihara, p.27 of Shashin Kōgyō no.1, confirms that this is a pentaprism, giving a correctly oriented image.
- ↑ Example sold as lots no.366 of Westlicht auction no.9 (May 20, 2006).
- ↑ Ogihara, pp.26–7 of Shashin Kōgyō no.1.
- ↑ See the example sold as lot no.398 of Westlicht auction no.14.
- ↑ Advertisements in Asahi Camera September 1953 (p.190), October 1953 (p.217) and November 1953 (p.194).
- ↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera November 1953 (p.59).
- ↑ Advertisement in the June 1955 special issue of Photo Art, p.22.
Bibliography
- Asahi Camera. Advertisements by Summit Shōkai in September 1953 (p.190), October 1953 (p.217) and November 1953 (p.194).
- Asahi Camera. Advertisement by the photo department of Matsushima in November 1953 (p.59).
- Ogihara Akira (荻原彰). "Mirakkusu ni tsuite" (ミラックスについて, About the Mirax). In Shashin Kōgyō no.1, June 1952. Pp.26–7.
- Photo Art rinji zōkan: Kamera akusesarī zensho (フォトアート臨時増刊・カメラアクセサリー全書, Photo Art special issue: All the camera accessories). June 1955, no.80 of the magazine.
- Advertisement by the photo department of Matsushima Megane-ten on p.22.
- "Zukai: Akusesarī no mekanikku. 12: Bōen, sessha, fukusha sōchi. Mirakkusu to Fōkaberu." (図解・アクセサリーのメカニック・12・望遠・接写・複写装置・ミラックスとフォーカベル. Drawings: accessory mechanisms. 12: Telephoto, close-up and reproduction devices. Mirax and Focabell.) P.51.
- "Shashin no kaimi wa sessha to bōen satsuei kara: Purokusā, Ōtoappu, Refubokkusu, sonota." (写真の快味は接写と望遠撮影から・プロクサー・オートアップ・レフボックス・その他, Because the appeal of photography comes with close-up and telephoto pictures: Proxar, Auto-Up, reflex housing, etc.) Pp.118–20.
Links
In English:
- Pages of the Miranda Camera website:
- Mirax housings
- Focabell bellows system
- Mirax and Focabell among rare items
- Past sales by Westlicht:
- Orion Camera Mirax with Supreme 10.5cm f/2.8 lens head: lot no.365 of auction no.9 (May 20, 2006)
- Miranda Camera Mirax-A and accessories (two examples with consecutive numbers): lot no.366 of auction no.9 (May 20, 2006)
- Orion Camera Mirax-A with Supreme 10.5cm f/2.8: lot no.398 of auction no.14 (November 30, 2008)
- Mirax-A on a Nikkor 25cm f/4 at Cameraquest
In Japanese:
- Pages of the Miranda Society Japan:
- Text-only details on the Mirax among telephoto lenses
- Advertisement for the Mirax, Focabell and Supreme in the main page
