Nifcarette

The Nifcarette (ニフカレッテ) is a Japanese 4×6.5 folding camera, made by Nichidoku Shashinki Shōten (predecessor of Minolta) from 1929.

Origin

The Nifcarette was the first camera made by Nichidoku. The first example was completed in March 1929. 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 lenses and shutters were imported from Germany and only the body was made in Japan.

Name

Nifcarette embossing. (Image rights)

The Roman spelling appearing on the advertisements and on the camera itself is "Nifcarette". Nifcarette was thus the Roman name used by Nichidoku at the time, and it is used throughout this article. The camera is often called "Nifcalette" by mistake. It would be written and pronounced the same in Japanese, and the name "Nifcalette" is probably the result of an old translation mistake, occurred during the redaction of an early company history after 1945.

"Nifca" comes 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 name Nifcarette 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

Nifcarette B. Pictures courtesy of Andrea Apra. (Image rights)

Advance key and folding bed release. (Image rights)

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 folding brilliant finder attached to the front standard, and sometimes a hinged wireframe too. The word Nifca and the serial number are normally engraved on a small plate screwed to the base of the front standard.

There is a winding key at the top right (as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically), and the folding bed release is placed next to it. The film advance is controlled by a single uncovered red window in the middle of the back. This red window is surrounded by a circular metal frame, which extends to the side and contains the retracting bead for the wireframe finder on the cameras originally equipped with such device.

Nifcarette B. Pictures courtesy of Andrea Apra. (Image rights)

Locking button (A and Z). (Image rights)

The side plate and the film chamber with the bellows assembly and spool holders slides out of the body shell when the camera is opened, like on the Krauss Rollette. The camera is locked in closed position by a small sliding button on one side of the body, with A and Z indications (for Aus and Zu, i.e. open and closed in German).

Nichidoku logo. (Image rights)

The name Nifcarette is embossed in the leather covering on the folding bed. The logo of Nichidoku is engraved between the lens rails, with the letters N, D, PH and Co assembled inside a circle, surely for Nichi Doku Photo Company.

Versions

Naming

Many sources say that the Nifcarette was sold in three models, called Nifcarette A, B and D. The names "Nifcarette A" and "Nifcarette B" are confirmed by original advertisements in Asahi Camera, respectively dated May and September 1930. The pictured cameras show important differences in the focusing mechanism and in the layout of the front standard, and the names "A" and "B" clearly refer to two different body versions. The name "Nifcarette D" certainly applies to the cheaper body version, but no original document has yet been observed to confirm this name. It is not known if there was a model C.

Lens and shutter list

Anastigmat Wekar f/6.3 and Pronto. (Image rights)

A table compiled by the company Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō (i.e. Minolta) and published in Shashin Kōgyō in September 1958 gives the following list of lens and shutter combinations:

• Xenar f/4.5, Compur (1–300);
• Wekar Double Anastigmat f/4.5, Compur (1–300);
• Wekar Anastigmat f/4.5, Ibsor (1–125);
• Wekar Anastigmat f/6.3, Ibsor (1–125);
• Wekar Anastigmat f/6.3, Pronto (25–100);
• Aplanat f/8, Pronto (25–100);
• Aplanat f/8, Vario (25–100).

The Xenar lens was supplied by Schneider and the Wekar lenses were supplied by Kenngott.

The original documents observed so far are insufficient to assign these combinations precisely to the body versions. Sources agree that the Aplanat f/8 lens corresponds to the Nifcarette D. The other combinations presumably apply to the Nifcarette A and B; of course the most expensive combinations tended to be mounted on the most sophisticated Nifcarette A.

The Nifcarette A

The Nifcarette A has a focusing worm-screw sunken in the folding bed, to the photographer's right, moving the lens standard back and forth on precisely machined rails. This focusing device is copied on the Goerz Roll-Tenax. The lens standard has two handles at the bottom, used to pull it out after opening the folding bed. The body edges have a metal finish and there is no wireframe finder.

This model appears in the May 1930 advertisement in Asahi Camera, where its name is given in Roman letters ("Nifcarette Mod. A") and in katakana script (ニフカレッテ・モデルA). The picture is heavily retouched; it was used alone by the company in an early historical article, and is reproduced in various sources. The pictured camera has body no.1370, a Schneider Xenar 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a rim-set Compur shutter (T, B, 1–300).

It is said that the version with Xenar and rim-set Compur was initially priced at ¥75 in 1929, and that advertisements dated 1930 give the price of ¥90. Other lenses and shutters were reportedly available, presumably in the following combinations:

• Wekar f/4.5, dial-set Compur;
• Wekar f/4.5, Ibsor;
• Wekar f/6.3, Ibsor;
• Wekar f/6.3, Pronto (reportedly priced at ¥45).

Some sources mention a Heliostar lens and Koilos shutter combination, mainly because the surviving Nifcarette B having such equipment is misidentified as a Nifcarette A; this combination was probably not originally advertised on any Nifcarette model.

The only surviving example of the Nifcarette A observed so far is pictured in Awano. Its body number is hardly legible as 1404. It has a Wekar-Anastigmat f/6.3 lens and a dial-set Pronto shutter.

The Nifcarette B

Focusing mechanism of the Nifcarette B. Pictures courtesy of Andrea Apra. (Image rights)

The Nifcarette B has a focusing lever on the right instead of a worm-screw. The lens rails are simpler and made of folded sheet metal. The front standard is pulled out by two pins; these are mounted on a small plate hinged to the bottom of the lens standard itself and retracting together with the folding bed when the camera is closed. The wireframe finder seems to be part of the standard equipment, in addition to the brilliant finder; it has an indent at the bottom to allow the pulling pins to retract.

Base of the front standard, extending and retracting inside the body. Pictures courtesy of Andrea Apra. (Image rights)

This model appears in the September 1930 advertisement in Asahi Camera, where the name "Nifcarette B" is given in Japanese characters (ニフカレッテB型). The advertisement gives a choice of two versions:

• Ibsor shutter (T, B, 1–100), Anastigmat f/6.3 three-element lens, ¥42;
• Pronto shutter, ¥33.

The pictured camera has metal body edges and a wireframe finder. Its shutter is an Ibsor; the words IBSOR and DRP are inscribed at the top of the shutter plate, and NIFCAPHOTO is faintly legible on the speed-setting dial,

The January 1931 advertisement in Asahi Camera lists the "Nifcarette B" (ニフカレッテB) and shows the same picture, but gives no detail.

One source, certainly based on some original advertisement published at a different date, says that the Nifcarette B was available in four versions from ¥35 to ¥60:

• Wekar f/4.5, dial-set Compur;
• Wekar f/4.5, Ibsor;
• Wekar f/6.3, Ibsor;
• Wekar f/6.3, Pronto.

Another source mentions Vario shutters in addition to the above options.

Nifcarette B no.3089, Pronto shutter, Anastigmat Wekar 75mm f.6.3 lens. (Image rights)

Pictures of at least four actual examples have been observed. The example pictured in this article has body no.3089. It has metal finished body edges and a wireframe finder, the same as in the advertisements. The shutter is a dial-set Pronto giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds; the name PRONTO is inscribed in the speed-setting dial and the front plate has the AGC logo of Gauthier. The lens is engraved W. Kenngott Stuttgart Anastigmat Wekar 1:6.3 F=75mm and has no serial number.

Other two examples are twins, with body no.3773 and 3774. The better known is no.3774, which was belonging to the Minolta Gallery in the 1980s; it is certainly the example that was displayed in the JCII exhibition about Konica and Minolta in 2005. Today (2008) it is probably the property of Konica Minolta or Sony. The two cameras have metal body edges and a wireframe finder. They have the same dial-set Pronto shutter as the previous camera. The lens is a Wekar f/6.3 on both, but the lens engraving differs: on the available pictures of no.3773, it is faintly legible as W. Kenngott Stuttgart Wekar–Anastigmat 6.3 7.5cm with no lens number, whereas it is Wekar–Anastigmat 1:6.3 f=75mm Nr.3782 with no mention of the lens maker on no.3774.

The fourth example is pictured in many sources, where it is sometimes misidentified as a "Nifcarette A". It has a Heliostar f/6.3 lens by Steinheil, engraved Heliostar Anastigmat München 1:6.3 f=75mm Nr75004, and a dial-set Koilos shutter giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds. The name KOILOS is inscribed on the cover of the speed setting wheel; this cover extends down above the lens and also has the words Nifca Photo. There is a hole under the lens, certainly for a thread-and-pin self-timer device. The nameplate with the serial number is missing: the hole for the attaching screw is visible at the bottom of the lens standard. The wireframe is absent, perhaps because it is missing too. The body edges are black painted, and the advance key differs from that of the other Nifcarette.

The Nifcarette D

The Nifcarette D reportedly corresponds to a simpler version, with a lens standard back and forth by hand for focusing, and an Aplanat f/8 lens. It is said that two versions were offered: with a Pronto shutter for ¥20 and with a Vario shutter for ¥18.

Pictures of at least two surviving examples with hand-driven focusing have been observed. These two examples present important differences in the shape of the lens standard. It is not known for sure if either one of the two, or both, correspond to the Nifcarette D. The more elaborate example might correspond to an hypothetical "Nifcarette C", whereas the simpler one might be a Nifcarette D, but this is mere guesswork.

One of them is shown in this page at Yone Lab; its body number is legible as 5019. It has metal body edges and is not equipped with a wireframe finder. Its lens standard is similar to that of the Nifcarette B; there is no focusing lever but an index moving along a black distance scale on the photographer's left. The shutter is a dial-set Pronto, similar to that of no.3089, 3773 and 3774. The lens has f/8 to f/32 aperture settings and is reportedly engraved "Wekar-Aplanat".

The other example is pictured in various sources. Its body edges are black painted, and no wireframe finder is visible. The lens standard differs from that of no.5019; it does not have the hinged plate with the two pulling pins, its focusing index has a different shape, and the whole assembly is in bare metal finish. The plate displaying the maker's short name and the serial number is absent, and was perhaps never fitted (no mounting hole is visible). The shutter is a dial-set Vario giving 25, 50, 100, B, T speeds; the name VARIO is inscribed on the setting dial and no other marking is visible. The lens is reported as an Aplanat 75mm f/8; on the available pictures, the marking is faintly legible as Aplanat 1:8 F=75mm with no mention of the name "Wekar".

The Sirius Bebe

The Sirius Bebe (シリウスベベ) is an evolution of the Nifcarette; it is said that the camera was renamed after the company changed its name from Nichidoku Shashinki Shōten to Molta Gōshi-gaisha in 1931. This model reportedly appears in an original catalogue with a Heliostar f/4.5 lens.

At least two surviving examples of the Sirius Bebe are known. They have an advance knob instead of a key. The front standard and focusing system are similar to those of the Nifcarette B. The body edges and standing leg are black painted. Both examples have a folding sportsfinder on the side, above the back opening button, with two bars indicating the field of view for 3×4cm pictures. This finder is similar to that mounted on the later Minolta Vest or Baby Minolta; its presence on two different examples might indicate that this is an original fitting, and that the camera itself is dual-format.

One example has a dial-set Compur shutter and a metal finished advance knob. The lens type is unknown, and the aperture scale is at the top. A clamp is visible on the side of the lens standard to attach a wireframe, perhaps inherited from the lens standard of the Nifcarette B. On the available picture, the body number is hardly legible as 4x21; this number is curiously lower than no.5019 found on a Nifcarette.

The other example has a different shutter type, probably a Pronto, and a black advance knob; the small size of the only available picture does not allow to draw any further.

Bibliography

• Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Minolta 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.
• Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Senzen no Minoruta kamera" (戦前のミノルタカメラ, "Prewar Minolta cameras"). 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.13–7.
• Baird, John R. The Japanese Camera. Yakima, WA: Historical Camera Publications, 1990. ISBN 1-879561-02-6. Pp.37–9.
• Eimukku (エイムック) 735. Minolta: Minoruta kamera no subete (Minolta:ミノルタカメラのすべて, Minolta: all of Minolta cameras). "Jabara-shiki kamera no kiseki" (蛇腹式カメラの軌跡", ). P.133. (Gives a brief summary of the Minolta Vest and shows a few pictures.)
• 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.17–8, 67–9 and 263.
• 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). 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.
• 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.)
• 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.
• 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.)
• Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Neumann & Heilemann: kieta ashiato, Minoruta setsuritsu to sono ato no karera wo otte" (Neumann & Heilemann 消えた足跡・ミノルタ設立とその後の彼等を追って, On the traces of Neumann & Heilemann at the founding of Minolta and afterwards.) 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.96–9. (Quoting Tashima's book Watakushi no rirekisho.)
• Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minoruta 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 Nifcarette.)
• Zaisu Ikon (座椅子遺恨, probably a pseudonym of Y. Saji). "Besuto sanka (M–O)" (ベスト讃歌[M–O], Vest hymn [M–O]). In Camera Collectors' News no.63 (September 1982). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P.7.

Links

In English:

• Minolta folding cameras, with a picture of the Nifcarette B (Pronto, Wekar f/6.3), in the Manual Minolta website

In German:

• Nifcarette B (Pronto, Wekar f/6.3) at kefk.net

In Japanese:

• Nifcarette B (Pronto, Wekar f/6.3) in the Konica Minolta official history site
• Nifcarette B (Pronto, Wekar f/6.3) in the Map Camera Museum
• Nifcarette B (Pronto, Wekar f/6.3) in the Kitamura Camera Museum
• Nifcarette D (Pronto, Wekar-Aplanat f/8) and specs at the Yone Lab website

In Korean:

• Nifcarette B (Koilos, Heliostar f/6.3) at infocam.co.kr

In Chinese:

• Nifcarette B (Koilos, Heliostar f/6.3) in a Chinese webpage