Difference between revisions of "Nifcarette"

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{{Japanese Vest}}
 
{{Japanese Vest}}
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{{WIP}}
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The '''Nifcarette''' (ニフカレッテ) is a Japanese 4×6.5 folding camera, made by Nichi-Doku (the later [[Minolta]]) from 1929.
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The '''Nifcalette''' (ニフカレッテ) is a Japanese 4×6.5 folding camera.
 
  
 
== Origin ==
 
== Origin ==
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The Nifcalette was the first camera made by Nichi-Doku (the later [[Minolta]]) in 1929. To design this camera, Kazuo Tashima, the founder of the company, was helped by the German engineers Billy Neumann and Willy Heilemann (who later founded [[Neumann & Heilemann]]). Billy Neumann previously worked for [[Krauss]] and the Nifcalette was inspired from the [[Rollette]] made by this company. The lens and shutter were imported from Germany and only the body was made in Japan.
+
The Nifcarette was the first camera made by Nichi-Doku. It is said that the first example was completed in March 1929.<REF> Awano, p.&nbsp;6 of ''Classic Camera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. </REF> To design the camera, Tashima Kazuo, the founder of the company, was helped by the German engineers Billy Neumann and Willy Heilemann (who later founded [[Neumann & Heilemann]]). Billy Neumann previously worked for [[Krauss]] and the Nifcarette was inspired from the [[Rollette]] made by this company. The lens and shutter were imported from Germany and only the body was made in Japan.
  
 
== Name ==
 
== Name ==
 
"Nifca" comes 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.
 
"Nifca" comes 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.
  
−
Nifcalette is sometimes written '''Nifcarette'''. In Japanese it is written the same and the Roman name used by Nichi-Doku at the time is unsure. This name was certainly inspired by the names of some German cameras of the time, like the [[Icarette]], [[Cocarette]] and [[Rollette]], as well as the Japanese [[Pearlette]].
+
Nifcarette is often written '''Nifcalette'''. In Japanese it is written the same but the Roman name used by Nichi-Doku and appearing on the advertisements was "Nifcarette".<REF> Advertisements reproduced in Hagiya, p.&nbsp;9 of ''Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. </REF> This name was certainly inspired by the names of some German cameras of the time, like the [[Icarette]], [[Cocarette]] and [[Rollette]], as well as the Japanese [[Pearlette]].
  
−
== Description ==
+
== General description ==
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The Nifcalette is a vertical folder, taking 4&times;6.5cm exposures on [[127 film]]. It is not self-erecting and the front standard needs to be manually pulled out after opening the bed. It slides on two rails and focusing is done by an index running on a focusing scale placed on the right.
+
The Nifcarette is a vertical folder, taking 4&times;6.5cm exposures on [[127 film]]. It is not self-erecting: the front standard needs to be manually pulled out after opening the bed. There is a [[brilliant finder]] attached to the front standard, and sometimes a folding frame finder too. There is a winding key at the top right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically) and the film advance is controlled by red window.
  
−
A [[brilliant finder]] is attached to the front standard, sometimes also a folding frame finder. There is a winding key at the top right and film advance is controlled by red window. The body trimming is black or metal finish.
+
== Versions ==
−
 
+
The Nifcarette was offered in at least three body versions, called A, B and D. It is not known if there was a model C. 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, probably corresponding to the advertised variants:
−
== Reported versions ==
 
−
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:
 
 
* Xenar f/4.5, Compur;
 
* Xenar f/4.5, Compur;
 
* Wekar Double Anastigmat f/4.5, Compur;
 
* Wekar Double Anastigmat f/4.5, Compur;
Line 25: Line 22:
 
* Aplanat f/8, Pronto;
 
* Aplanat f/8, Pronto;
 
* Aplanat f/8, Vario.
 
* Aplanat f/8, Vario.
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This list probably comes from some original advertisement. It is said that the price of the Xenar version was {{yen|75|1929}}.<REF> Price given in an article by Taniguchi Masao (谷口匡男) reproduced in Tanimura, p.&nbsp;8 of Camera Collectors' News no.&nbsp;116. </REF>
+
The documents observed so far are insufficient to assign these combinations precisely to the body versions. Of course the most expensive combinations tended to be mounted on the most sophisticated Nifcarette A, and the cheapest on the simpler Nifcarette D. Only five different Nifcarette cameras have been observed so far, in the three body versions, in addition to one example of the Sirius Bebe.
  
−
Francesch gives a similar list of lens and shutter combinations, grouped in three models called Nifcalette A, B and D, with a total of eleven versions.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;69. </REF> The Nifcalette A has all the Compur and Ibsor combinations, the Nifcalette B has all the combinations with a Wekar lens and the Nifcalette D only has the Aplanat lenses. Francesch also adds a Nifcalette A version with Heliostar f/6.3 lens and Koilos shutter. It is strongly suspected that this version does not appear in original documents and that it is only known from the surviving example mentioned below (perhaps a Nifcalette B).
+
=== The Nifcarette A ===
 +
The '''Nifcarette A''' has a focusing worm-screw on the right of the folding bed, moving the lens standard back and forth on precisely machined rails. There are two handles at the bottom of the lens standard to pull it out after opening the folding bed. The body edges have a metal finish and there is no frame finder.
  
−
Tanimura briefly mentions a '''Sirius Bebe''' (シリウスベベ) as the new name of the Nifcalette after the company became Molta Gōshi-gaisha in 1931.<REF> Tanimura, p.&nbsp;1 of Camera Collectors News no.&nbsp;131, citing an article by Awano in Camera Collectors News no.&nbsp;128. </REF>
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This model appears in an advertisement dated May 1930<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'' May 1930, reproduced in Hagiya, p.&nbsp;9 of ''Classic Camera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. </REF> where it is precisely called '''Nifcarette Model A''' (ニフカレッテ・モデルA). The advertising picture is heavily retouched and it is reproduced alone in Scheibel and Lewis.<REF> Scheibel, p.&nbsp;8, Lewis, p.&nbsp;49. </REF> It depicts an example with a [[Schneider]] Xenar 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a rim-set [[Compur]] shutter giving T, B, 1&ndash;300 speeds. The bottom of the lens standard is written ''Nifca'' and ''1370'' (certainly the serial number). It is said that the price of the Xenar version was {{yen|75|1929}} in 1929 and {{yen|90|1930}} in 1930.<REF> Awano, p.&nbsp;6 of ''Classic Camera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. </REF>
  
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== Actual examples ==
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The only surviving example of the Nifcarette A observed so far is pictured in Awano.<REF> Awano, p.&nbsp;13 of ''Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. Francesch, p.&nbsp;68, wrongly identifies the surviving example with Heliostar and Koilos as a Nifcarette A. </REF> The lens seems to be a Wekar Anastigmat f/6.3 and the shutter is a dial-set [[Pronto]]. The serial number is engraved at the same place and it is perhaps 1404.
−
Only five different Nifcalette cameras have been observed so far, in three different body versions. It is strongly suspected that these body variants correspond to the model A, B and D.
 
  
−
=== First version ===
+
=== The Nifcarette B ===
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The '''first body version''' has two handles at the bottom of the lens standard to pull it out. Focusing is done by turning a wheel engaging a rack and pinion mechanism and moving the lens standard back and forth on precisely machined rails. This version perhaps corresponds to the '''Nifcalette A'''.
+
The '''Nifcarette B''' has a focusing lever on the right instead of the worm-screw and simpler focusing rails made of folded sheet metal. There are two pins to pull out the lens standard.
  
−
One example is pictured in Scheibel and Lewis.<REF> Scheibel, p.&nbsp;8, Lewis, p.&nbsp;49. </REF> It has a [[Schneider]] Xenar 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a rim-set [[Compur]] shutter giving T, B, 1&ndash;300 speeds. The bottom of the lens standard is written ''Nifca'' and ''1370'' (certainly the serial number). The body edges have a metal finish. It seems that the pictures are retouched pictures found in period advertisements.
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This model appears in an advertisement dated September 1930<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'' May 1930, reproduced in Hagiya, p.&nbsp;9 of ''Classic Camera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. </REF> where it is called '''Nifcarette B''' (ニフカレッテB型). This advertisement gives a choice of two shutters: [[Pronto]] and [[Ibsor]]. The advertising picture shows metal body edges and a wireframe finder in addition to the brilliant finder.
  
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=== Second version ===
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Three actual examples have been observed. One is pictured in Francesch and {{Sugiyama}} and in [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/minolta/1940/1929.html this page of the Konica Minolta website].<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;68 and cover page, Sugiyama, item 1180. Also pictured in [http://www.kefk.net/Fotografie/Kameras/Mittelformat/Anbieter/Minolta/Nifcalette/index.asp this page at kefk.net] and in [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/minroll.htm this page at Manual Minolta]. </REF> This example belonged to the Minolta Gallery in the 1980s<REF> According to Sugiyama, item 1180. </REF> and today it is probably the property of Konica Minolta or Sony. It has a Wekar<REF> Sugiyama, item 1180, says "Weker" but this is a typo. </REF> Anastigmat 75mm f/6.3 lens (''Nr.3782''), probably made by [[Kenngott]], and a dial-set [[Pronto]] shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and sporting an ''AGC'' logo. The bottom of the lens standard is written ''Nifca'' and ''3774''. This example has metal finished body edges and a folding frame finder, similar to the advertising picture. The frame finder consists of a wireframe attached to the front standard and a simple eyepiece, retractable by sliding along the back.
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The '''second body version''' has two pins to pull out the lens standard. Focusing is done by a lever placed on the right side and the sliding rails are simply made of folded sheet metal. This version perhaps corresponds to the '''Nifcalette B'''.
 
  
−
One example is pictured in Francesch and {{Sugiyama}} and in [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/minolta/1940/1929.html this page of the Konica Minolta website].<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;68 and cover page, Sugiyama, item 1180. Also pictured in [http://www.kefk.net/Fotografie/Kameras/Mittelformat/Anbieter/Minolta/Nifcalette/index.asp this page at kefk.net] and in [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/minroll.htm this page at Manual Minolta]. </REF> This example belongs to the Minolta Gallery.<REF> According to Sugiyama, item 1180. </REF> It has a Wekar<REF> Sugiyama, item 1180, says "Weker" but this is a typo. </REF> Anastigmat 75mm f/6.3 lens (''Nr.3782''), probably made by [[Kenngott]], and a dial-set [[Pronto]] shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and sporting an ''AGC'' logo. The bottom of the lens standard is written ''Nifca'' and ''3774''. The body edges are metal finished. There is a folding frame finder made of a wireframe attached to the front standard and a simple eyepiece attached to the back. It is the only example known with a frame finder.
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A very similar example with Pronto shutter is pictured in [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/antique/nifcarette/nifcarette.html this page at Yone Lab]. It has no frame finder. It is reported to have a "Wekar-Aplanat" 75/8 lens but this is unconfirmed.
  
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A very similar example with Pronto shutter is pictured in [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/antique/nifcarette/nifcarette.html this page at Yone Lab]. It is reported to have a "Wekar-Aplanat" 75/8 lens but this is unconfirmed.
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A third example is pictured in Francesch, Scheibel, {{McKeown}} and Baird.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;68, Scheibel, p.&nbsp;8 and cover page, McKeown, p.&nbsp;671, Baird, p.&nbsp;39. Also pictured in [http://www.infocam.co.kr/R3-Minol/minolta-1.htm this page at Infocam]. Francesch says that it is a Nifcarette A but this is a mistake. </REF> It has a Heliostar<REF> The name is confirmed by another Heliostar Anastigmat München lens observed on a plate folder that is probably a [[Tokiwa Hand]]. The engraving is easily misread "Hellostar". </REF> Anastigmat München 75mm f/6.3 lens (''Nr&nbsp;75004'') and a dial-set [[Koilos]] shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds. The shutter plate is written ''Nifca Photo''. The nameplate with the serial number is absent, perhaps because it is missing: a hole is visible that was probably intended for the attaching screw. This example has black body edges and a different advance key.
  
−
A third example is pictured in Francesch, Scheibel, {{McKeown}} and Baird.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;68, Scheibel, p.&nbsp;8 and cover page, McKeown, p.&nbsp;671, Baird, p.&nbsp;39. Also pictured in [http://www.infocam.co.kr/R3-Minol/minolta-1.htm this page at Infocam]. </REF> It has a Heliostar<REF> The name is confirmed by another Heliostar Anastigmat München lens observed on a plate folder that is probably a [[Tokiwa Hand]]. The engraving is easily misread "Hellostar". </REF> Anastigmat München 75mm f/6.3 lens (''Nr&nbsp;75004'') and a dial-set [[Koilos]] shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds. The shutter plate is written ''Nifca Photo''. It seems that the nameplate with the serial number has fallen from the lens standard and a hole is visible for the attaching screw. This example has black body edges and a different advance key. This variant with Heliostar and Koilos is reported by Francesch to be a Nifcalette A but this is perhaps a mistake.<REF> Francesh, p.&nbsp;69. </REF>
+
=== The Nifcarette D ===
 +
The '''Nifcarette D''' has a simpler lens standard. Focusing is done by moving the lens standard back and forth by hand, with an index on the left moving along a distance scale. It is said that the cheapest variant with Vario shutter cost &yen;18.<REF> Scheibel, p.&nbsp;9. </REF>
  
−
=== Third version ===
+
One example is pictured in Francesch and Sugiyama.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;28, Sugiyama, item 1179. </REF> It has a dial-set [[Vario]] shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and it is reported to have an Aplanat 75mm f/8 lens. The body edges are black painted and the lens standard is left in plain metal finish.
−
The '''third body version''' has a simpler lens standard in plain metal finish. There is an index on the left that is perhaps used for focusing. This version perhaps corresponds to the '''Nifcalette D'''.
 
  
−
One example is pictured in Francesch and Sugiyama.<REF> Francesch, p.&nbsp;28, Sugiyama, item 1179. </REF> It has a dial-set [[Vario]] shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and it is reported to have an Aplanat 75mm f/8 lens. The body edges are black painted.
+
=== The Sirius Bebe ===
 +
It seems that the Nifcarette was renamed '''Sirius Bebe''' (シリウスベベ) after the company changed its name from Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shōten to Molta Gōshi-gaisha in 1931.<REF> Tanimura, p.&nbsp;1 of ''Camera Collectors' News'' no.&nbsp;131, citing an article by Awano in ''Camera Collectors' News'' no.&nbsp;128. </REF> Only one example has been observed so far, pictured in Awano.<REF> Awano, p.&nbsp;13 of ''Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12. </REF> It has a dial-set [[Compur]] shutter and black painted body edges. A folding frame finder is attached to the side plate but it is probably not original: it has two bars for 3&times;4cm format (a picture format that was not introduced until 1932) and an attach clamp is visible for a wireframe at the side of the lens standard.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 57: Line 54:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 +
* Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Minolta shōryaku" (ミノルタ略史, "Minolta short history"). ''Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12, October 1988 (special issue on ''Minolta camera no subete'' [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), pp.&nbsp;13&ndash;17.
 +
* Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Senzen no Minolta kamera" (戦前のミノルタカメラ, "Prewar Minolta cameras"). ''Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12, October 1988 (special issue on ''Minolta camera no subete'' [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), pp.&nbsp;13&ndash;17.
 
* {{Baird Japanese}} Pp.&nbsp;37&ndash;9.
 
* {{Baird Japanese}} Pp.&nbsp;37&ndash;9.
 
* {{Francesch Minolta}}
 
* {{Francesch Minolta}}
 +
* Hagiya Takeshi (萩谷剛). "Kōkoku ni miru Minolta 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"). ''Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' no.&nbsp;12, October 1988 (special issue on ''Minolta camera no subete'' [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), pp.&nbsp;9&ndash;12.
 
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;49.
 
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;49.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;671.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;671.
 
* {{Scheibel}} Pp.&nbsp;8&ndash;9.
 
* {{Scheibel}} Pp.&nbsp;8&ndash;9.
 
* {{Zukan}} Items 1179&ndash;80.
 
* {{Zukan}} Items 1179&ndash;80.
−
* 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 gaibun." (セミミノルタⅠ型外聞, "Things heard about the Semi Minolta I") In Camera Collectors' News no. 131 (May 1988). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
+
* Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata gaibun" (セミミノルタⅠ型外聞, "Things heard about the Semi Minolta I"). In ''Camera Collectors' News'' no. 131 (May 1988). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
Line 70: Line 70:
 
* [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/minroll.htm Minolta folding cameras] in the [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/ Manual Minolta website]
 
* [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/minroll.htm Minolta folding cameras] in the [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/ Manual Minolta website]
 
In German:
 
In German:
−
* [http://www.kefk.net/Fotografie/Kameras/Mittelformat/Anbieter/Minolta/Nifcalette/index.asp Nifcalette] at [http://www.kefk.net/home.asp kefk.net]
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* [http://www.kefk.net/Fotografie/Kameras/Mittelformat/Anbieter/Minolta/Nifcalette/index.asp Nifcarette] at [http://www.kefk.net/home.asp kefk.net]
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
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* [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/minolta/1940/1929.html Nifcalette] in the [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/ Konica Minolta official history site]
+
* [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/minolta/1940/1929.html Nifcarette] in the [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/ Konica Minolta official history site]
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* [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/antique/nifcarette/nifcarette.html Nifcalette] and [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/antique/antique.html specs] at the [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/main.html Yone Lab website]
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* [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/antique/nifcarette/nifcarette.html Nifcarette] and [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/antique/antique.html specs] at the [http://home.n05.itscom.net/yone-lab/main.html Yone Lab website]
−
* [http://www2.mapcamera.com/museum/t_data.php?m_id=mib0062&cate=B Nifcalette] in the [http://www2.mapcamera.com/museum/museum_top.php Map Camera Museum]
+
* [http://www2.mapcamera.com/museum/t_data.php?m_id=mib0062&cate=B Nifcarette] in the [http://www2.mapcamera.com/museum/museum_top.php Map Camera Museum]
−
* [http://www.kitamura.co.jp/museum/02_mid/min_npc.html Nifcalette] in the [http://www.kitamura.co.jp/museum/camera2.html Kitamura Camera Museum]
+
* [http://www.kitamura.co.jp/museum/02_mid/min_npc.html Nifcarette] in the [http://www.kitamura.co.jp/museum/camera2.html Kitamura Camera Museum]
 
In Korean:
 
In Korean:
−
* [http://www.infocam.co.kr/R3-Minol/minolta-1.htm Nifcalette] at [http://www.infocam.co.kr/ infocam.co.kr]
+
* [http://www.infocam.co.kr/R3-Minol/minolta-1.htm Nifcarette] at [http://www.infocam.co.kr/ infocam.co.kr]
 
In Chinese:
 
In Chinese:
−
* [http://www.xitek.com/info/showarticle.php?id=1040 Nifcalette] in a Chinese webpage
+
* [http://www.xitek.com/info/showarticle.php?id=1040 Nifcarette] in a Chinese webpage
  
  

Revision as of 20:56, 27 January 2007

Japanese Vest (4×5 and 4×6.5) (edit)
folding
4×4.5 Orient
4×5 Minion
4×6.5 Clover Vest | Dianette | Eagle | Friend | Kooa | National | New Vest | Nifcarette | Pearlette | B Pearlette | Special Pearlette | Pionette | Pocket Prince | Sirius Bebe | Speed Pocket | Tsubasa Spring | Victory
rigid or collapsible
4×5 Alfax | Olympus Standard | Sakura (bakelite) | Well Standard
4×6.5 Vest Adler | Vest Alex | Kowa Kid | Light | Light Super | Baby Minolta | Minolta Vest | Regal Olympic | Vest Olympic | Tsubasa Chrome | Zen-99
box
4×6.5 Baby Clover | Sakura (box) | Spirit
unknown
4×5 Vesten
4×6.5 Victor Vest
unknown Meiro
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Nifcarette (ニフカレッテ) is a Japanese 4×6.5 folding camera, made by Nichi-Doku (the later Minolta) from 1929.

Origin

The Nifcarette was the first camera made by Nichi-Doku. It is said that the first example was completed in March 1929.[1] To design the camera, Tashima Kazuo, the founder of the company, was helped by the German engineers Billy Neumann and Willy Heilemann (who later founded Neumann & Heilemann). Billy Neumann previously worked for Krauss and the Nifcarette was inspired from the Rollette made by this company. The lens and shutter were imported from Germany and only the body was made in Japan.

Name

"Nifca" comes from Nichi-Doku Foto Camera.[2] Nichi in Nichi-Doku means Japan, and it is certainly not coincidental that "Nifca" can also be read as Nippon Foto Camera.

Nifcarette is often written Nifcalette. In Japanese it is written the same but the Roman name used by Nichi-Doku and appearing on the advertisements was "Nifcarette".[3] This name was certainly inspired by the names of some German cameras of the time, like the Icarette, Cocarette and Rollette, as well as the Japanese Pearlette.

General description

The Nifcarette is a vertical folder, taking 4×6.5cm exposures on 127 film. It is not self-erecting: the front standard needs to be manually pulled out after opening the bed. There is a brilliant finder attached to the front standard, and sometimes a folding frame finder too. There is a winding key at the top right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically) and the film advance is controlled by red window.

Versions

The Nifcarette was offered in at least three body versions, called A, B and D. It is not known if there was a model C. An anonymous Japanese source reproduced in Tanimura[4] gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations, probably corresponding to the advertised variants:

  • Xenar f/4.5, Compur;
  • Wekar Double Anastigmat f/4.5, Compur;
  • Wekar Anastigmat f/4.5, Ibsor;
  • Wekar Anastigmat f/6.3, Ibsor;
  • Wekar Anastigmat f/6.3, Pronto;
  • Aplanat f/8, Pronto;
  • Aplanat f/8, Vario.

The documents observed so far are insufficient to assign these combinations precisely to the body versions. Of course the most expensive combinations tended to be mounted on the most sophisticated Nifcarette A, and the cheapest on the simpler Nifcarette D. Only five different Nifcarette cameras have been observed so far, in the three body versions, in addition to one example of the Sirius Bebe.

The Nifcarette A

The Nifcarette A has a focusing worm-screw on the right of the folding bed, moving the lens standard back and forth on precisely machined rails. There are two handles at the bottom of the lens standard to pull it out after opening the folding bed. The body edges have a metal finish and there is no frame finder.

This model appears in an advertisement dated May 1930[5] where it is precisely called Nifcarette Model A (ニフカレッテ・モデルA). The advertising picture is heavily retouched and it is reproduced alone in Scheibel and Lewis.[6] It depicts an example with a Schneider Xenar 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a rim-set Compur shutter giving T, B, 1–300 speeds. The bottom of the lens standard is written Nifca and 1370 (certainly the serial number). It is said that the price of the Xenar version was ¥75 in 1929 and ¥90 in 1930.[7]

The only surviving example of the Nifcarette A observed so far is pictured in Awano.[8] The lens seems to be a Wekar Anastigmat f/6.3 and the shutter is a dial-set Pronto. The serial number is engraved at the same place and it is perhaps 1404.

The Nifcarette B

The Nifcarette B has a focusing lever on the right instead of the worm-screw and simpler focusing rails made of folded sheet metal. There are two pins to pull out the lens standard.

This model appears in an advertisement dated September 1930[9] where it is called Nifcarette B (ニフカレッテB型). This advertisement gives a choice of two shutters: Pronto and Ibsor. The advertising picture shows metal body edges and a wireframe finder in addition to the brilliant finder.

Three actual examples have been observed. One is pictured in Francesch and Sugiyama and in this page of the Konica Minolta website.[10] This example belonged to the Minolta Gallery in the 1980s[11] and today it is probably the property of Konica Minolta or Sony. It has a Wekar[12] Anastigmat 75mm f/6.3 lens (Nr.3782), probably made by Kenngott, and a dial-set Pronto shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and sporting an AGC logo. The bottom of the lens standard is written Nifca and 3774. This example has metal finished body edges and a folding frame finder, similar to the advertising picture. The frame finder consists of a wireframe attached to the front standard and a simple eyepiece, retractable by sliding along the back.

A very similar example with Pronto shutter is pictured in this page at Yone Lab. It has no frame finder. It is reported to have a "Wekar-Aplanat" 75/8 lens but this is unconfirmed.

A third example is pictured in Francesch, Scheibel, McKeown and Baird.[13] It has a Heliostar[14] Anastigmat München 75mm f/6.3 lens (Nr 75004) and a dial-set Koilos shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds. The shutter plate is written Nifca Photo. The nameplate with the serial number is absent, perhaps because it is missing: a hole is visible that was probably intended for the attaching screw. This example has black body edges and a different advance key.

The Nifcarette D

The Nifcarette D has a simpler lens standard. Focusing is done by moving the lens standard back and forth by hand, with an index on the left moving along a distance scale. It is said that the cheapest variant with Vario shutter cost ¥18.[15]

One example is pictured in Francesch and Sugiyama.[16] It has a dial-set Vario shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds and it is reported to have an Aplanat 75mm f/8 lens. The body edges are black painted and the lens standard is left in plain metal finish.

The Sirius Bebe

It seems that the Nifcarette was renamed Sirius Bebe (シリウスベベ) after the company changed its name from Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shōten to Molta Gōshi-gaisha in 1931.[17] Only one example has been observed so far, pictured in Awano.[18] It has a dial-set Compur shutter and black painted body edges. A folding frame finder is attached to the side plate but it is probably not original: it has two bars for 3×4cm format (a picture format that was not introduced until 1932) and an attach clamp is visible for a wireframe at the side of the lens standard.

Notes

  1. ↑ Awano, p. 6 of Classic Camera Senka no. 12.
  2. ↑ See Francesch, p. 17, and the Nifcalette page of the Konica Minolta website.
  3. ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Hagiya, p. 9 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 12.
  4. ↑ Minolta chronology published in Shashin Kōgyō no. 77, reproduced in Tanimura, p. 7 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116.
  5. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera May 1930, reproduced in Hagiya, p. 9 of Classic Camera Senka no. 12.
  6. ↑ Scheibel, p. 8, Lewis, p. 49.
  7. ↑ Awano, p. 6 of Classic Camera Senka no. 12.
  8. ↑ Awano, p. 13 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 12. Francesch, p. 68, wrongly identifies the surviving example with Heliostar and Koilos as a Nifcarette A.
  9. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera May 1930, reproduced in Hagiya, p. 9 of Classic Camera Senka no. 12.
  10. ↑ Francesch, p. 68 and cover page, Sugiyama, item 1180. Also pictured in this page at kefk.net and in this page at Manual Minolta.
  11. ↑ According to Sugiyama, item 1180.
  12. ↑ Sugiyama, item 1180, says "Weker" but this is a typo.
  13. ↑ Francesch, p. 68, Scheibel, p. 8 and cover page, McKeown, p. 671, Baird, p. 39. Also pictured in this page at Infocam. Francesch says that it is a Nifcarette A but this is a mistake.
  14. ↑ The name is confirmed by another Heliostar Anastigmat München lens observed on a plate folder that is probably a Tokiwa Hand. The engraving is easily misread "Hellostar".
  15. ↑ Scheibel, p. 9.
  16. ↑ Francesch, p. 28, Sugiyama, item 1179.
  17. ↑ Tanimura, p. 1 of Camera Collectors' News no. 131, citing an article by Awano in Camera Collectors' News no. 128.
  18. ↑ Awano, p. 13 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 12.

Bibliography

  • Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Minolta shōryaku" (ミノルタ略史, "Minolta short history"). Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 12, October 1988 (special issue on Minolta camera no subete [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), pp. 13–17.
  • Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Senzen no Minolta kamera" (戦前のミノルタカメラ, "Prewar Minolta cameras"). Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 12, October 1988 (special issue on Minolta camera no subete [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), pp. 13–17.
  • 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.
  • Hagiya Takeshi (萩谷剛). "Kōkoku ni miru Minolta 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"). Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 12, October 1988 (special issue on Minolta camera no subete [ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta history]), 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). P. 49.
  • 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. 671.
  • 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 1179–80.
  • 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 gaibun" (セミミノルタⅠ型外聞, "Things heard about the Semi Minolta I"). In Camera Collectors' News no. 131 (May 1988). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.

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