Difference between revisions of "Nifca and Molta plate folders"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
m (markup layout)
(Arcadia and minor details)
Line 8: Line 8:
 
The various models differ by the focusing mechanism, the movement abilities and many minor details. Their name is not displayed anywhere on the camera itself.
 
The various models differ by the focusing mechanism, the movement abilities and many minor details. Their name is not displayed anywhere on the camera itself.
  
−
== The Nifca period ==
+
== Nifca period ==
 
Nichidoku used the brand name "Nifca", coming from <u>Ni</u>chi-Doku <u>F</u>oto <u>Ca</u>mera.<REF> See Francesch, p.&nbsp;17, and [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/minolta/1940/1929.html the Nifcalette page of the Konica Minolta website]. </REF> ''Nichi'' in Nichi-Doku means Japan, and it is certainly not coincidental that "Nifca" can also be read as <u>Ni</u>ppon <u>F</u>oto <u>Ca</u>mera. The Nifca range consisted of the Nifca Klapp and Nifca Sport folding bed models, in addition to the [[Nifcalette]] 4&times;6.5 rollfilm camera and the [[Nifca-Dox]] strut folder.
 
Nichidoku used the brand name "Nifca", coming from <u>Ni</u>chi-Doku <u>F</u>oto <u>Ca</u>mera.<REF> See Francesch, p.&nbsp;17, and [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/minolta/1940/1929.html the Nifcalette page of the Konica Minolta website]. </REF> ''Nichi'' in Nichi-Doku means Japan, and it is certainly not coincidental that "Nifca" can also be read as <u>Ni</u>ppon <u>F</u>oto <u>Ca</u>mera. The Nifca range consisted of the Nifca Klapp and Nifca Sport folding bed models, in addition to the [[Nifcalette]] 4&times;6.5 rollfilm camera and the [[Nifca-Dox]] strut folder.
  
 
=== The Nifca Klapp ===
 
=== The Nifca Klapp ===
−
The '''Nifca Klapp''' is the less advanced model. It was released in 1930.<REF> Date: Tanimura, p.&nbsp;1 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Francesch, p.&nbsp;70; Scheibel, p.&nbsp;11; Sugiyama, item 1183; McKeown, p.&nbsp;671. </REF> It has a longitudinal focusing wheel and no movement ability. The frame finder has a round-shaped black eyepiece.
+
The '''Nifca Klapp''' is the less advanced model. It was released in 1930.<REF> Date: Tanimura, p.&nbsp;1 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Francesch, p.&nbsp;70; Scheibel, p.&nbsp;11; Sugiyama, item 1183; McKeown, p.&nbsp;671. </REF> It has a longitudinal focusing wheel and no movement ability. The frame finder has a round-shaped black eyepiece. The folding bed is held in closed position by two pins and it is opened by pressing two buttons simultaneously, one at each side of the body.
  
 
An anonymous Japanese source reproduced in Tanimura<REF> Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116. </REF> gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:
 
An anonymous Japanese source reproduced in Tanimura<REF> Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116. </REF> gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:
Line 24: Line 24:
  
 
=== The Nifca Sport ===
 
=== The Nifca Sport ===
−
The '''Nifca Sport''' is a more advanced model. It was released in 1930.<REF> Date: Tanimura, p.&nbsp;1 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Francesch, p.&nbsp;70; Scheibel, p.&nbsp;11; Sugiyama, item 1181; McKeown, p.&nbsp;672. </REF> It has the same body as the Nifca Klapp with the same folding struts. The focusing wheel has a more usual transversal disposition and the focusing rails are more precisely machined, certainly providing double extension. There is some vertical and horizontal movement ability.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;71, mentions a spirit level but this is not visible in the pictures. </REF>
+
The '''Nifca Sport''' is a more advanced model. It was released in 1930.<REF> Date: Tanimura, p.&nbsp;1 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116; Francesch, p.&nbsp;70; Scheibel, p.&nbsp;11; Sugiyama, item 1181; McKeown, p.&nbsp;672. </REF> It has the same body as the Nifca Klapp with the same folding struts and the same closing mechanism. The focusing wheel has a more usual transversal disposition and the focusing rails are more precisely machined, certainly providing double extension. There is some vertical and horizontal movement ability.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;71, mentions a spirit level but this is not visible in the pictures. </REF>
  
 
The same anonymous Japanese source<REF> Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116. </REF> gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:
 
The same anonymous Japanese source<REF> Minolta chronology published in ''Shashin Kōgyō'' no.&nbsp;77, reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;7 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116. </REF> gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:
Line 60: Line 60:
  
 
==== Advertising ====
 
==== Advertising ====
−
The Sirius was advertised with a Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 lens and three plate holders for &yen;40.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://kochi-med.net/moto/camera/favorite/heliostar/ this page of Takasaki Motohiro's camera site]. </REF>
+
The Sirius was advertised with a Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 lens and three plate holders for &yen;40.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://kochi-med.net/moto/camera/favorite/heliostar/ this page of Takasaki Motohiro's camera site]. The same advertisement is also reproduced in Scheibel, p.&nbsp;13. A poor copy of a similar advertisement has also been observed, listing the camera for &yen;35. </REF> It seems that the advertised camera has the same closing mechanism as the Nifca models, with a button on each side of the body.
−
 
 
  
 
<div class="plainlinks floatleft" style="text-align: center;">
 
<div class="plainlinks floatleft" style="text-align: center;">
Line 69: Line 68:
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
==== Surviving examples ====
 
==== Surviving examples ====
−
Two surviving examples are known, both with a Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens. One is pictured in {{Sugiyama}} and Francesch. The name ''Molta'' is engraved at the bottom of the lens standard, together with the serial number 7422x. A ''Nifca Photo'' nameplate is visible under the speed wheel. The camera was thus made during the Nifca to Molta transition period. The lens number is 7427x. The viewfinder eyepiece is similar to the part mounted on the Nifca models.
+
Two surviving examples are known, both with a Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens and a new closing mechanism: the folding bed is held in closed position by a spring attached to the body, engaging a slit in the focusing board. One is pictured in {{Sugiyama}} and Francesch. The name ''Molta'' is engraved at the bottom of the lens standard, together with the serial number 7422x. A ''Nifca Photo'' nameplate is visible under the speed wheel. The camera was thus made during the Nifca to Molta transition period. The lens number is 7427x. The viewfinder eyepiece is similar to the part mounted on the Nifca models.
  
−
The other example is pictured on this page. It has the body number 75692 and lens number 79355. The frame finder has a new type of eyepiece with a mostly rectangular shape.
+
The other example is pictured on this page. It has the body number 75692 and lens number 79355. The frame finder has a new type of eyepiece with a mostly rectangular shape. The camera has a film pack adapter, embossed ''Molta''.
 
<br clear="both">
 
<br clear="both">
 +
 +
=== The Arcadia ===
 +
The '''Arcadia''' is a more advanced model. It has different focusing rails and a transversal focusing wheel. Horizontal and vertical movements are available. The shutter is a rim-set [[Lidex]] giving T, B, 1&ndash;200 speeds, made by the Molta company. The shutter plate is marked ''Lidex'' at the bottom and has the ''MTS'' logo on the right; it is sometimes marked ''Patents Pending'' at the top. It is said that the price was &yen;40.<REF> Scheibel, p.&nbsp;13. </REF>
 +
 +
Two slightly different variants are known. One has the same folding struts as the previous models and a nearly rectangular wireframe.<REF> This variant is pictured in Francesch, p.&nbsp;72, Sugiyama, item 1184 and McKeown, p.&nbsp;672. </REF> The other has new folding struts with a more elaborate design and a new wireframe with a cut-off for the brilliant finder.<REF> This variant is pictured in Scheibel, p.&nbsp;12. </REF>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==

Revision as of 00:03, 21 January 2007

Japanese older 6×9 (edit)
folding First Center | First Roll | Kinka Roll | Lyra (6×9) | Pearl No.3 | Pearl No.2 | Year-Eight Pearl | Reex | Royal Junior
box Dox | Sakura (box)
3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and plate ->
Modern 6×9 RF and SLR ->
This is a work in progress.

Nichidoku Shashinki Shōten and later Molta Gōshi-gaisha (the predecessors of Minolta) made a series of 6.5×9cm plate folders from 1930 to the war. This page only concerns the folding bed models. See also the Nifca-Dox and the Minolta strut folders.

General description

All the Nifca and Molta folding bed plate folders have a metal body. There is a swivelling brilliant finder attached to the lens standard and a folding frame finder. The lens standard slides on two rails and focusing is done by a wheel placed on the right, the distance scale being on the left.

The various models differ by the focusing mechanism, the movement abilities and many minor details. Their name is not displayed anywhere on the camera itself.

Nifca period

Nichidoku used the brand name "Nifca", coming from Nichi-Doku Foto Camera.[1] Nichi in Nichi-Doku means Japan, and it is certainly not coincidental that "Nifca" can also be read as Nippon Foto Camera. The Nifca range consisted of the Nifca Klapp and Nifca Sport folding bed models, in addition to the Nifcalette 4×6.5 rollfilm camera and the Nifca-Dox strut folder.

The Nifca Klapp

The Nifca Klapp is the less advanced model. It was released in 1930.[2] It has a longitudinal focusing wheel and no movement ability. The frame finder has a round-shaped black eyepiece. The folding bed is held in closed position by two pins and it is opened by pressing two buttons simultaneously, one at each side of the body.

An anonymous Japanese source reproduced in Tanimura[3] gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:

  • Wekar Anastigmat 105/6.3 lens, Vario shutter, 25–100 speeds;
  • Wekar Anastigmat 105/6.3 lens, Ibsor shutter, 1–125 speeds;
  • Wekar Anastigmat 105/4.5 lens, Ibsor shutter, 1–125 speeds;
  • Wekar Anastigmat 105/4.5 lens, Compur shutter, 1–200 speeds.

This list probably comes from some original advertisement. It is said that the price ranged from ¥39 to ¥69.[4] Francesch gives a similar list but adds a fifth variant, with the Vario shutter and a Nifcaplan 105/6.3 lens, probably because he observed the surviving example having such combination.[5]

Only two pictures are known for sure to depict this model. Both show a Vario shutter, with 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds selected by a wheel at the top. One is a reproduction of a retouched advertising picture, published in various collectors books.[6] The lens is a 105mm f/6.3 made by Kenngott but the lens name itself is not readable. The other is found in Sugiyama and shows a surviving example.[7] The lens engraving is W. Kenngott Anastigmat Nifcaplan 1:6.3 F=105mm. Curiously the two cameras have a very close lens serial number, in the 503xx range. A third camera, pictured in this page of a Japanese blog, is perhaps a Nifca Klapp.

The Nifca Sport

The Nifca Sport is a more advanced model. It was released in 1930.[8] It has the same body as the Nifca Klapp with the same folding struts and the same closing mechanism. The focusing wheel has a more usual transversal disposition and the focusing rails are more precisely machined, certainly providing double extension. There is some vertical and horizontal movement ability.[9]

The same anonymous Japanese source[10] gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:

  • Wekar Anastigmat 105/4.5 lens, Ibsor shutter, 1–125 speeds;
  • Wekar Anastigmat 105/4.5 lens, Compur shutter, 1–200 speeds;
  • Nifcar Double Anastigmat 105/4.5 lens, Compur shutter, 1–200 speeds.

The same list is given by Francesch.[11] It is said that the prices were ¥75, ¥85 and ¥90.[12]

This model is again known from one retouched advertising picture and one surviving example. The advertising picture, reproduced in various collectors books and websites[13], shows a dial-set Compur shutter with a small plate marked Nifca Photo under the speed setting wheel. The lens is engraved Wekar-Anastigmat and the lens diameter probably indicates f/4.5 aperture. The only well-known surviving example belonged to the Minolta Gallery in the 1980s[14] and it is probably still the property of the Konica Minolta company. It is pictured in Sugiyama and Francesch.[15] It is easily recognized because it misses the front wireframe of the sportsfinder (the rear eyepiece is still present). It has a Compur shutter and reportedly a Wekar 105mm f/4.5 lens.[16]

Molta period

The company became Molta Gōshi-gaisha in 1931 and the name Nifca was consequently abandoned. The same year, a range of four folding bed models was introduced.[17]

The Sirius

363887167_33f4f52d63_m_d.jpg 363887168_31fbf2ef50_m_d.jpg 363887179_49a7269a7e_t_d.jpg
363887174_c873540276_t_d.jpg
Sirius n°75692, Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens n°79355, Koilos shutter.
Pictures courtesy of eBayer hbpartner. (Image rights)

Description

363887169_6a35c7f14e_t_d.jpg 363897696_aba5ae1152_t_d.jpg
Double extension
bellows.
(Image rights) 		Focusing wheel.
(Image rights)

The Sirius is the simplest model. It seems to be a continuation of the Nifca Klapp. The main difference is the double extension bellows. The shape of the longitudinal focusing wheel is different and a bubble level is added to the right of the brilliant finder. The shutter is a dial-set Koilos giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds.

Advertising

The Sirius was advertised with a Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 lens and three plate holders for ¥40.[18] It seems that the advertised camera has the same closing mechanism as the Nifca models, with a button on each side of the body.

363887173_fabb8fd0c0_m_d.jpg
Koilos shutter.
(Image rights)

Surviving examples

Two surviving examples are known, both with a Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens and a new closing mechanism: the folding bed is held in closed position by a spring attached to the body, engaging a slit in the focusing board. One is pictured in Sugiyama and Francesch. The name Molta is engraved at the bottom of the lens standard, together with the serial number 7422x. A Nifca Photo nameplate is visible under the speed wheel. The camera was thus made during the Nifca to Molta transition period. The lens number is 7427x. The viewfinder eyepiece is similar to the part mounted on the Nifca models.

The other example is pictured on this page. It has the body number 75692 and lens number 79355. The frame finder has a new type of eyepiece with a mostly rectangular shape. The camera has a film pack adapter, embossed Molta.

The Arcadia

The Arcadia is a more advanced model. It has different focusing rails and a transversal focusing wheel. Horizontal and vertical movements are available. The shutter is a rim-set Lidex giving T, B, 1–200 speeds, made by the Molta company. The shutter plate is marked Lidex at the bottom and has the MTS logo on the right; it is sometimes marked Patents Pending at the top. It is said that the price was ¥40.[19]

Two slightly different variants are known. One has the same folding struts as the previous models and a nearly rectangular wireframe.[20] The other has new folding struts with a more elaborate design and a new wireframe with a cut-off for the brilliant finder.[21]

Notes

  1. ↑ See Francesch, p. 17, and the Nifcalette page of the Konica Minolta website.
  2. ↑ Date: Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116; Minolta chronology published in Shashin Kōgyō no. 77, reproduced in Tanimura, p. 7 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116; Francesch, p. 70; Scheibel, p. 11; Sugiyama, item 1183; McKeown, p. 671.
  3. ↑ Minolta chronology published in Shashin Kōgyō no. 77, reproduced in Tanimura, p. 7 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116.
  4. ↑ Scheibel, p. 11.
  5. ↑ Francesch, p. 71. The mention of a Zeiss Anastigmat lens in McKeown, p. 671, is likely to be a mistake.
  6. ↑ Baird, p. 39; Francesh, p. 70; Scheibel, p. 10; McKeown, p. 671. The picture reproduced in Scheibel is by far the most readable.
  7. ↑ Sugiyama, item 1183.
  8. ↑ Date: Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116; Minolta chronology published in Shashin Kōgyō no. 77, reproduced in Tanimura, p. 7 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116; Francesch, p. 70; Scheibel, p. 11; Sugiyama, item 1181; McKeown, p. 672.
  9. ↑ Francesch, p. 71, mentions a spirit level but this is not visible in the pictures.
  10. ↑ Minolta chronology published in Shashin Kōgyō no. 77, reproduced in Tanimura, p. 7 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116.
  11. ↑ Francesch, p. 71. The mention of a Zeiss Anastigmat lens in McKeown, p. 672, is again a mistake.
  12. ↑ Scheibel, p. 11.
  13. ↑ Baird, p. 40; Scheibel, p. 10; McKeown, p. 672. The picture reproduced in Scheibel is again the most readable.
  14. ↑ Sugiyama, item 1181.
  15. ↑ Francesh, p. 70; Sugiyama, item 1181.
  16. ↑ Sugiyama, item 1181. The 6.5cm focal length is obviously a mistake.
  17. ↑ Date: Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116; Francesch, p. 73; Scheibel, p. 13; Sugiyama, items 1184–7; McKeown, p. 672.
  18. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in this page of Takasaki Motohiro's camera site. The same advertisement is also reproduced in Scheibel, p. 13. A poor copy of a similar advertisement has also been observed, listing the camera for ¥35.
  19. ↑ Scheibel, p. 13.
  20. ↑ This variant is pictured in Francesch, p. 72, Sugiyama, item 1184 and McKeown, p. 672.
  21. ↑ This variant is pictured in Scheibel, p. 12.

Bibliography

  • Baird, John R. The Japanese Camera. Yakima, WA: Historical Camera Publications, 1990. ISBN 1-879561-02-6. Pp. 37–9.
  • 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.
  • 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). Pp. 671–2.
  • 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. 8–9.
  • 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 1181 and 1183–7.
  • 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.

Links

In English:

In Japanese:

In Korean:


Nifca, Molta and Chiyoda prewar and wartime cameras (edit)
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
Retrieved from "http://camera-wiki.org/index.php?title=Nifca_and_Molta_plate_folders&oldid=47756"