Nifca and Molta plate folders

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 folding bed plate cameras from 1930 to the war. These are the Nifcaklapp (ニフカクラップ), Nifcasport (ニフカスポート), Sirius (シリウス), Arcadia (アルカデア), Eaton (イートン), Lomax (ロマックス) and Happy (ハッピー).

All have a metal body, a swivelling brilliant finder and a wireframe finder. They have double extension bellows driven by a wheel or worm screw placed on the photographer's right, and have a distance scale on the left. The various models differ by the focusing mechanism, the movement abilities and many other details.

This page only treats the folding bed models. See also the Nifca-Dox and the Minolta strut folders.

Nifca period

Nichidoku used the brand name "Nifca", coming from Nichidoku Foto Camera. Nichi in Nichidoku means Japan, and it is certainly not coincidental that "Nifca" can also be read as Nippon Foto Camera. The Nifca range consisted of the Nifcaklapp and Nifcasport folding bed models, in addition to the Nifcarette 4×6.5 rollfilm camera and the Nifca-Dox strut folder. The Nifcaklapp and Nifcasport were both released in 1930.REF> "Hensen kamera ichiran-pyō", p.295 of Shashin Kōgyō no.77, also reproduced in Tanimura, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.116. This is repeated in Tanimura, p.1 of the same, Awano, p.13 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12, Eimukku 735 Minolta, pp.131–2, Francesch, p.70, Scheibel, p.11, Sugiyama, items 1181 and 1183, McKeown, pp.671–2, Baird, p.39. </REF>

The Nifcaklapp

The Nifcaklapp (ニフカクラップ) is the less advanced model. It has a focusing wheel turning on a longitudinal axis, certainly driving the front standard via a worm gear. The lens standard, made of pressed metal, is pulled out by two cylindrical posts, and gives no movement ability. The folding bed is held in closed position by two pins and is opened by pressing two buttons simultaneously, one at each side of the body. The frame finder has a round black eyepiece on the rear.

The Nifcaklapp appears in a full-page advertisement in Asahi Camera May 1930, with the English catch phrase "Nifcaklapp is better". The format is mentioned as daimeishi (6.5×9cm), and the price is ¥39 with an Anastigmat 105/6.3 lens. The picture shows a camera with a dial-set Vario shutter and perhaps a Wekar-Anastigmat lens. The pulling posts at the bottom of the front standard are larger than on the other known pictures, the wireframe finder has no indent at the bottom, and the brilliant finder perhaps has a bubble level attached to the side.

The advertisement in Asahi Camera January 1931 presents the Nifca range but gives almost no detail. It shows a different picture, which was reproduced in many later sources, including an early historical article by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō (predecessor of Minolta) in Shashin Kōgyō September 1958. The camera differs from the previous one by minor details: the pulling posts at the bottom of the front standard are smaller and the wireframe has an indent at the bottom. The shutter is a dial-set Vario again, giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds. The lens is a 105mm f/6.3 made by Kenngott but its name is not legible; it has a number in the 503xx range.

The chronology compiled by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō (predecessor of Minolta) and published in Shashin Kōgyō September 1958 gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:

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

Another source says that the price ranged from ¥39 to ¥69.

One surviving camera is known with the plain wireframe (not indented) and perhaps the heavier pulling posts, certainly corresponding to an early example. The available pictures are very small and do not allow to tell the lens and shutter equipment.

Another surviving camera is pictured in Sugiyama, with the indented wireframe and smaller pulling posts. It has a dial-set Vario shutter and an Anastigmat Nifcaplan 105mm f/6.3 lens made by Kenngott. The camera is very similar to the well-known picture described above, and the lens number is in the same 503xx range.

The Nifcasport

The Nifcasport (ニフカスポート) is a more advanced model. It has the same body as the Nifcaklapp, with the same folding struts and the same closing mechanism. The focusing wheel has a more usual transverse disposition and the focusing rails are more precisely machined, certainly providing double extension. The front standard provides vertical and horizontal movement ability, driven by two knobs.

The advertisement in Asahi Camera January 1931 shows a picture of a Nifcasport in extended position, but gives no other detail. The camera has two cylindrical pulling posts, apparently similar to those of the late Nifcaklapp.

The best known picture is another retouched image, certainly used by the company for advertising purpose too. It appears in the September 1958 historical article, and in many later sources. The camera differs from the previous one by some details: two handles replaced the pulling posts at the bottom of the front standard, and the wireframe has a different shape with a larger indent at the bottom to accommodate the two handles. The shutter is a dial-set Compur, and has a small plate marked Nifca Photo under the speed setting wheel. The lens is engraved Wekar-Anastigmat and the lens diameter probably indicates an aperture of f/4.5.

The official chronology published in September 1958 gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:

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

One source says that the prices were ¥75, ¥85 and ¥90.

The best known surviving example was belonging to the Minolta Gallery in the 1980s, and is probably still the property of the Konica Minolta or Sony company. It is pictured in various sources, and is easily recognized because it is lacking the hinged wireframe and the front standard is missing a part, revealing the gearing mechanism for vertical movements. It is easily recognized because it lacks the front wireframe of the sportsfinder (the rear eyepiece is still present). It has a Compur shutter (T, B, 1–250) and is said to have a Wekar f/4.5 lens.

Another surviving example is known with the two pulling handles. It has yet another type of wireframe finder, with an indent at the bottom but no offset at the hinge. The available pictures are very small and do not allow to tell the lens and shutter equipment.

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.

The Sirius

Sirius no.75692, Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens no.79355, Koilos shutter. Pictures courtesy of eBayer hbpartner. (Image rights)

Description

Double extension bellows. (Image rights)	Focusing worm-screw. (Image rights)

The Sirius (シリウス) is the simplest model. It seems to be a continuation of the Nifca Klapp. The main difference is the double extension bellows. The longitudinal focusing wheel is replaced by a worm screw and a bubble level is attached 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. It seems that the advertised camera has the same closing mechanism as the Nifca models, with a button on each side of the body.

Koilos shutter, Heliostar Anastigmat 105mm f/6.3 lens. (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 that 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 (アルカディア) 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. This shutter challenges the Magna by Seikōsha for the title of first Japanese leaf shutter. 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. The lens is a Heliostar Anastigmat München 105/4.5. It is said that the price was ¥40.

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

The Eaton

The Eaton (イートン) is reported by various sources but no picture has ever been observed. It seems to be a version of the Arcadia with a Coronar 105/4.5 lens and a Crown A shutter giving T, B, 1–200 speeds. It is said that the price was ¥40, but possibly it was never sold.

The Happy

Happy n°6647, Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 105mm f/4.5 lens n°103001, Crown B shutter. Pictures courtesy of eBayer hbpartner. (Image rights)

Serial number inside the back.
(Image rights)

Description

The Happy (ハッピー) is nearly identical to the late Arcadia variant, with the new folding struts and the cut-off in the wireframe for the brilliant finder. The main visible difference is the absence of horizontal movements and the new shape of the handles used to pull out the lens standard after opening. The serial number is engraved inside the back.

At least one example is known with a different finder eyepiece, consisting of a rectangle mounted on a small arm and a different wireframe (the latter is perhaps not original).

Crown B shutter, late shutter plate,
Coronar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens.
(Image rights)

The Happy has a Coronar Anastigmat 105mm f/4.5 lens, made by Asahi Kōgaku (later Pentax). It was the first lens made by that company. The Happy and Eaton were among the first cameras entirely made in Japan, lens and shutter included. The shutter is a version of the Crown made by Molta itself, either a Crown B giving T, B, 5–200 speeds or a Crown S with an added self-timer. On the early examples, the shutter plate is all black, engraved Patents-Nippon at the top and CROWN at the bottom with an MTS logo on the right. On later cameras, it has three metal strips on each side, is engraved PATENTS–NIPPON at the top and has no MTS logo. It has a larger aperture scale screwed to the bottom, inscribed with the name CROWN.

Advertising

Happy. The pictured model has the Crown B shutter with no self-timer. Extract from a leaflet dated about 1936. Scan courtesy of Andrea Apra. (Image rights)

The Happy was the longest-lived member of the family. Said to have been released in 1931, together with the Sirius, Arcadia and Eaton, it was advertised at least until 1939.

The camera was distributed by Asanuma Shōkai. Advertisements dated April and July 1935 offered the model with Crown B shutter for ¥55 and the model with Crown S for ¥65. The leaflet reproduced in this page, dating about 1936, shows the same prices.

Bibliography

Original documents

• Leaflet for the Happy, dating c.1935. Kokusan no hokori Happī kamera (国産の誇・ハッピーカメラ, Happy camera, praise of Japanese cameras). Document owned by Andrea Apra and reproduced in this Flickr album by Rebollo_fr.
• Leaflet for the Minolta and Happy range, dating c.1936. Danzen kesshutsu shita kokusan kamera (断然傑出した国産カメラ, Definitely excellent Japan-made cameras). Document owned by Andrea Apra and reproduced in this Flickr album by Rebollo_fr.

Older historical accounts

• Shashin Kōgyō no.77 (September 1958). "Hensen kamera ichiran-pyō" (変遷カメラ一らん表, Table of camera evolution.) P.295. (This is a chronology of Minolta cameras from the Nifcarette onwards. This document is also reproduced in Tanimura, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.116.)
• Taniguchi Masao (谷口匡男), from the commercial department (営業部) of Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō. "Minoruta kamera no sakujitsu, konnichi" (ミノルタ・カメラの昨日、今日, Minolta cameras, yesterday and today). In Shashin Kōgyō no.77 (September 1958). Pp.275–9. (The two first pages of this document, on pre-1937 cameras, are also reproduced in Tanimura, p.8 of Camera Collectors' News no.116.)

Collectors' sources

• Andō Yoshinobu (安藤嘉信). "Arukadia no nazo" (アルカデリアの謎, Arcadia mystery). In Camera Collectors' News no.127 (January 1988). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
• 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. Items 179 and 269.
• Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Minoruta ryakushi" (ミノルタ略史, "Minolta short history"). 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.6–8.
• Baird, John R. The Japanese Camera. Yakima, WA: Historical Camera Publications, 1990. ISBN 1-879561-02-6. Pp.38–40.
• Eimukku 735, Manyuaru Kamera Shirīzu 15 (エイムック735・マニュアルカメラシリーズ15). Minolta: Minoruta kamera no subete (Minolta:ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta: all of Minolta cameras). Tokyo: Ei Shuppansha, 2003. ISBN 4-87099-923-4. "Jabara-shiki kamera no kiseki" (蛇腹式カメラの軌跡", Evolution of folding cameras). Pp.130–2.
• 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.18, 20 and 70–3.
• Hagiya Takeshi (萩谷剛). "Kōkoku ni miru Minoruta kamera no rekishi" (広告に見るミノルタカメラの歴史, "Minolta camera history seen through the advertisements"). 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.9–12.
• 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). Pp.45–8 and 182.
• 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, 1183–4 and 1186–7. (Item 1185 is wrongly identified as a "Happy Hand Camera", but is actually a Kokka.)
• Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Supuringu kamera <semi minoruta>" (スプリングカメラ<セミミノルタ>, "'Semi Minolta' self-erecting camera"). Kamera Rebyū Bessatsu: Kurashikku Kamera Senka / All about Historical Cameras, no.12, October 1988 (special issue on Minoruta kamera no subete [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), pp.19–24. (Contains a reproduction of an advertisement showing the Happy, and no other information on the plate folders.)
• 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. (Contains a reproduction of the articles in Shashin Kōgyō no.77, a discussion of the release dates and no other information on the plate folders.)
• 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. (Contains a reproduction of an advertisement showing the Happy, and no other information on the plate folders.)

Links

In English:

• Minolta folding cameras in the Manual Minolta website
• Nifcasport and Arcadia in the 70th anniversary Minolta poster, reproduced at Photoclub Alpha

In Japanese:

• Nifcasport and Arcadia in the Map Camera Museum
• Nifcasport and Arcadia in the Kitamura Camera Museum
• Arcadia and Happy in the Camera database of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology
• Advertisement for the Sirius, reproduced in this page of Takasaki Motohiro's camera site
• Sirius and Happy at Asacame
• Plate folder (certainly a Happy) with Heliostar lens and Lidex shutter at takemovies