Difference between revisions of "Mulix"
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/314365528/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/114/314365528_65581f6f51_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture courtesy of eBayer hbpartner. {{with permission}}'' | |image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/314365528/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/114/314365528_65581f6f51_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture courtesy of eBayer hbpartner. {{with permission}}'' | ||
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| − | The '''Mulix''' (マリックス)<REF> The Japanese pronunciation is closer to "Malix", and {{Kokusan}}, p. 341, calls the camera "Malix" by mistake. </REF> is a Japanese 6×6 folding camera, distributed by [[Kuwata|Kuwata Shōkai]] from 1940 to 1943.<REF> Dates: advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p. 341. </REF> | + | The '''Mulix''' (マリックス)<REF> The Japanese pronunciation is closer to "Malix", and {{Kokusan}}, p. 341, calls the camera "Malix" by mistake. </REF> is a Japanese 6×6 folding camera, made by [[Tanaka]] and distributed by [[Kuwata|Kuwata Shōkai]] from 1940 to 1943.<REF> Dates: advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p. 341. Made by Tanaka: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, item 90. </REF> |
== Description == | == Description == | ||
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The Mulix is an ordinary copy of the [[Ikonta]] 6×6, with a folding finder, a key at the top left to advance the film, strap lugs and a body release. The back is hinged to the right and has a single red window in the middle. The back leather is embossed ''MULIX'' vertically on the left and the case is also embossed ''MULIX''. | The Mulix is an ordinary copy of the [[Ikonta]] 6×6, with a folding finder, a key at the top left to advance the film, strap lugs and a body release. The back is hinged to the right and has a single red window in the middle. The back leather is embossed ''MULIX'' vertically on the left and the case is also embossed ''MULIX''. | ||
| − | The body is extremely similar to the [[Lyra Six|Lyra Six III and Lyra Six F]], to the point that it can be suspected that it was made by [[Fuji Kōgaku]]. However the folding struts and the red window cover are engraved ''KKS'' | + | The body is extremely similar to the [[Lyra Six|Lyra Six III and Lyra Six F]], to the point that it can be suspected that it was made by [[Fuji Kōgaku]]. However the folding struts and the red window cover are engraved ''KKS,'' initials found on other Kuwata products. |
| − | All the models are fitted with a front-cell focusing four-element Mulixar lens.<REF> Four elements: | + | All the models are fitted with a front-cell focusing four-element Mulixar lens made by [[Tanaka]] too.<REF> Four elements made by Tanaka: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens items Lb36 and Lc26. Advertisements dated January and July 1942 (reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 94, and [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/Ma1.jpg here] at [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze]) also mention four-element lenses. </REF> |
== Evolution == | == Evolution == | ||
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The {{Kakaku1940_short}}, compiled on October 25, 1940 and published in January 1941, mentioned the "Mulix I" for ¥79 and the "Mulix II" for ¥110, with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 4, sections 3 and 6A. </REF> | The {{Kakaku1940_short}}, compiled on October 25, 1940 and published in January 1941, mentioned the "Mulix I" for ¥79 and the "Mulix II" for ¥110, with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 4, sections 3 and 6A. </REF> | ||
| − | Advertisements dated February 1941, January and July 1942<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1941, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 77; advertisement published in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]]'' January 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 94; | + | Advertisements dated February 1941, January and July 1942<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1941, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 77; advertisement published in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]]'' January 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 94; [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/Ma1.jpg advertisement] published in ''Asahi Graph'' 29 July 1942, reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> show a chrome finder front part and a new conical-shaped lens rim, partly hiding the shutter plate. The new lens rim makes focusing possible even with a filter or a hood attached.<REF> Feature described in the advertisements dated January and July 1942. </REF> All the advertisements give [[Kuwata|Kuwata Shōkai]] as the sole company name. Three models were offered: |
* '''Mulix II''': f/3.5 lens, slow speeds to 1s ({{yen|135|1941}} in 1941, {{yen|154|1942}} in 1942); | * '''Mulix II''': f/3.5 lens, slow speeds to 1s ({{yen|135|1941}} in 1941, {{yen|154|1942}} in 1942); | ||
* '''Mulix III''': f/4.5 lens, slow speeds to 1s ({{yen|110|1941}} in 1941, {{yen|125|1942}} in 1942); | * '''Mulix III''': f/4.5 lens, slow speeds to 1s ({{yen|110|1941}} in 1941, {{yen|125|1942}} in 1942); | ||
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Various Mulix filters were offered to go with the camera, each at ¥5.80. Oddly, the model numbers don't follow a logical progression and these advertisements do not mention ''top'' speeds. It seems that the Mulix II listed in the 1940 price list was renamed Mulix III. The camera pictured in this page has 200–1, B, T speeds written in that order, and the shutter plate is curiously marked ''K.PRONTOR.S'' at the bottom. | Various Mulix filters were offered to go with the camera, each at ¥5.80. Oddly, the model numbers don't follow a logical progression and these advertisements do not mention ''top'' speeds. It seems that the Mulix II listed in the 1940 price list was renamed Mulix III. The camera pictured in this page has 200–1, B, T speeds written in that order, and the shutter plate is curiously marked ''K.PRONTOR.S'' at the bottom. | ||
| − | + | The {{Inquiry1943_short}}, listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, still mentioned the Mulix in two versions, one with a 75/4.5 lens and a KP III shutter giving T, B, 1–200 speeds made by [[Kinshō]], and another with a 75/3.5 lens and a Hydromatic Super (ハイヅロマチックスーパー) shutter giving B, 1–500 speeds, whose maker was not given.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 90 and 99, shutter items 18-P-9 and 18-Q-7. </REF> | |
== Pictures == | == Pictures == | ||
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== Source / further reading == | == Source / further reading == | ||
* {{Showa10}} Item 256. (See also the advertisement for item 133.) | * {{Showa10}} Item 256. (See also the advertisement for item 133.) | ||
| + | * {{Inquiry1943}} Items 90 and 99. | ||
| + | * {{Kakaku1940}} | ||
The Mulix is not listed in {{Sugiyama}}. | The Mulix is not listed in {{Sugiyama}}. | ||
Revision as of 20:40, 17 March 2007
The Mulix (マリックス)[1] is a Japanese 6×6 folding camera, made by Tanaka and distributed by Kuwata Shōkai from 1940 to 1943.[2]
Description
KKS logos
(Image rights)
The Mulix is an ordinary copy of the Ikonta 6×6, with a folding finder, a key at the top left to advance the film, strap lugs and a body release. The back is hinged to the right and has a single red window in the middle. The back leather is embossed MULIX vertically on the left and the case is also embossed MULIX.
The body is extremely similar to the Lyra Six III and Lyra Six F, to the point that it can be suspected that it was made by Fuji Kōgaku. However the folding struts and the red window cover are engraved KKS, initials found on other Kuwata products.
All the models are fitted with a front-cell focusing four-element Mulixar lens made by Tanaka too.[3]
Evolution
An advertisement dated October 1940[4] shows two versions (not distinguished by name in any way) with a choice between (a) an f/4.5 lens and T, B, 5–250 speeds and (b) an f/3.5 lens and B, 1–500 speeds. In the advertising picture, the finder's front part is black and the shutter plate is written KKS at the top. No price is indicated. This version has not yet been observed and it is not known if it was effectively sold.
The Template:Kakaku1940 short, compiled on October 25, 1940 and published in January 1941, mentioned the "Mulix I" for ¥79 and the "Mulix II" for ¥110, with no further detail.[5]
Advertisements dated February 1941, January and July 1942[6] show a chrome finder front part and a new conical-shaped lens rim, partly hiding the shutter plate. The new lens rim makes focusing possible even with a filter or a hood attached.[7] All the advertisements give Kuwata Shōkai as the sole company name. Three models were offered:
- Mulix II: f/3.5 lens, slow speeds to 1s (¥135 in 1941, ¥154 in 1942);
- Mulix III: f/4.5 lens, slow speeds to 1s (¥110 in 1941, ¥125 in 1942);
- Mulix I: f/4.5 lens, slow speeds to 1/5s (¥79 in 1941, ¥93 in 1942).
Various Mulix filters were offered to go with the camera, each at ¥5.80. Oddly, the model numbers don't follow a logical progression and these advertisements do not mention top speeds. It seems that the Mulix II listed in the 1940 price list was renamed Mulix III. The camera pictured in this page has 200–1, B, T speeds written in that order, and the shutter plate is curiously marked K.PRONTOR.S at the bottom.
The "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, still mentioned the Mulix in two versions, one with a 75/4.5 lens and a KP III shutter giving T, B, 1–200 speeds made by Kinshō, and another with a 75/3.5 lens and a Hydromatic Super (ハイヅロマチックスーパー) shutter giving B, 1–500 speeds, whose maker was not given.[8]
Pictures
 
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| Mulix II, Mulixar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens, speeds from 1s to 1/200. Pictures courtesy of eBayer hbpartner. (Image rights) | ||
Notes
- ↑ The Japanese pronunciation is closer to "Malix", and Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 341, calls the camera "Malix" by mistake.
- ↑ Dates: advertisements mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 341. Made by Tanaka: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), item 90.
- ↑ Four elements made by Tanaka: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens items Lb36 and Lc26. Advertisements dated January and July 1942 (reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 94, and here at Gochamaze) also mention four-element lenses.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 95.
- ↑ Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 4, sections 3 and 6A.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera February 1941, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 77; advertisement published in Hōdō Shashin January 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 94; advertisement published in Asahi Graph 29 July 1942, reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
- ↑ Feature described in the advertisements dated January and July 1942.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 90 and 99, shutter items 18-P-9 and 18-Q-7.
Source / further reading
- 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 256. (See also the advertisement for item 133.)
- "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Items 90 and 99.
- Template:Kakaku1940
The Mulix is not listed in Sugiyama.
Links
- Advertisement from the 29 July 1942 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the 120 film camera page of the Gochamaze website
