Difference between revisions of "Ofuna Six"

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'''Ofuna Six''' (オフナーシックス, ''Ofunā Shikkusu''<ref>Note the change of pronunciation from that of Ōfuna (大船), the manufacturer.</ref>) was the name used by [[Ōfuna]] for two very different 6×6 rangefinder folders in the 1950s.<ref>Much of the information in this article derives from Hagiya, "Ōfuna Kōgaku no kamera."</ref> Both have a diecast body with two windows on the back, for 6×6 and 6×4.5, and have a unit-focussed Ofunar 75mm f/3.5 lens, designed by Kunitomo Kenji (国友健司) within Ōfuna, made by Ōfuna and the same as is used on the Ofunaflex.
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/48432407326/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48432407326_572be58030_m_d.jpg]<br />''{{public domain Japan new}}''
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'''Ofuna Six''' (オフナーシックス, ''Ofunā Shikkusu'')<ref group="n">Note the change of pronunciation from that of [[Ōfuna]] (大船), the manufacturer.</ref> was the name used by [[Ōfuna]] for two very different 6×6 rangefinder folders from 1953 to about 1957.
  
== Model with non-coupled rangefinder ==
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== Original Ofuna Six, with non-coupled rangefinder ==
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=== Description ===
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The earlier and much better-known model was released at the very end of 1953 and was still advertised in summer 1956.<REF> Advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, pp.348 and 379. </REF> It has a diecast body with rounded edges, and a non-coupled rangefinder which shares the eyepiece of the viewfinder, offset to the left as the camera is viewed by the photographer. The finder housing has an accessory shoe and is inscribed ''OFUNA SIX'' in the centre, and has the body serial number marked above the eyepiece. The rangefinder is controlled by a wheel falling under the right thumb, and the distance appears under a crescent-shaped window on the right end of the top plate. The film winding knob is to the left, and contains a film reminder.
  
The earlier and better-known model seems to have been sold from the very end of 1952 or the start of 1953 and it was still advertised in summer 1956. It has a non-coupled rangefinder, which shares the eyepiece of the viewfinder. As the camera is viewed by somebody using it to take a photograph, the eyepiece is slightly to the left, the focusing dial for the rangefinder is to the right, and the film winding knob is to the left. The finder housing has an accessory shoe in the centre and is inscribed "OFUNA SIX". The struts for the door are curved and are not marked with any manufacturer's name.
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The struts for the door are curved and are not marked with any manufacturer's name. The ''OFUNA'' logo is embossed in the leather covering of the front door. The back is hinged to the right and has two square red windows for 6×6 and 6×4.5, protected by horizontally sliding covers. The company name ''OFUNA OPTICAL CO.'' is embossed in the leather covering at the bottom of the back.
  
The shutter changed over time: originally a [[Nissei]] Rapid (B, 1–500), from December 1954 an [[NKS|NKS-FB]] (B, 1–300), and finally (from some time in 1955–6) a [[Copal]] (B, 1–300).
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The lens is a unit-focussed Ofunar 75mm f/3.5 F.C., designed by Kunitomo Kenji (国友健司) within Ōfuna and made by the company itself, the same lens as is used on the [[Ofunaflex]].
  
Cosmetic and perhaps other changes were made over the camera's lifetime. An early example (to judge by its Nissei shutter) has "''OFUNA SIX''" in one line in oblique script (the ends of the "S" extending below the "F" and above the X"), an "OFUNA" logo to the right of the accessory shoe (as the camera is held for use), "∞—feet—4" inscribed below the distance scale of the rangefinder, and no frame around the viewfinder window; a later example (to judge by its Copal shutter) has "OFUNA SIX" in one line and in a straightforward (non-oblique) script, no "OFUNA" logo, no inscription below the distance scale, and an added frame surrounding the viewfinder window.<ref> Older example shown [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm here], later example shown by Hagiya, pp.160–61. </ref>
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=== Evolution ===
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The shutter changed over time: originally a [[Nissei|Nissei-Rapid]] (B, 1–500), from December 1954 an [[NKS|NKS-FB]] (B, 1–300), and finally (from some time in 1955) a [[Copal]] (B, 1–300). All three are synchronized via a PC socket.
  
An advertisement in the November 1953 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' offers the Ofuna Six (with Nissei Rapid shutter) for {{yen|15,000|1953}} (exactly half the price of the Ofunaflex); one in the December 1954 issue offers it (with NKS shutter) for {{yen|14,500|1954}} (and the [[Mamiya Six|Mamiya Six&nbsp;K]] for {{yen|18,800|1954}}).<ref> Both advertisements are reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.125. </ref>
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Cosmetic and perhaps other changes were made over the camera's lifetime. The early examples, with [[Nissei|Nissei-Rapid]] shutter, have ''OFUNA SIX'' in one line in oblique script (the ends of the "S" extending below the "F" and above the X"), an ''OFUNA'' logo to the right of the accessory shoe (as seen by the photographer), ''∞—feet—4'' inscribed below the distance scale of the rangefinder, and no frame around the viewfinder or rangefinder window.<REF group="n"> This version is called "Ofuna Six (I)" in {{Kokusan}}, p.348. Examples with [[Nissei|Nissei-Rapid]] shutter are shown in [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm this page at Kamera no heya] and in the November 1953 advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.125. </REF> Some might have 1/400 instead of 1/500 top speed.<REF group="n"> The example pictured in [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm this page at Kamera no heya] seems to have 1/400 top speed, though this is not clearly legible on the picture. </REF>
  
About 2000 of these cameras were made.<ref> Hagiya, p.162.</ref>
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The later examples, with [[NKS]] or [[Copal]] shutter, have "OFUNA SIX" in one line and in a straightforward (non-oblique) script, no ''OFUNA'' logo on the top, no inscription below the distance scale, and frames added around the viewfinder and rangefinder windows.<REF group="n"> The version with [[NKS]] shutter is called "Ofuna Six (II)" in {{Kokusan}}, p.348. Detailed pictures of an example [[NKS]] shutter are shown in Hagiya, pp.160–61 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari''. </REF> It is said that the rangefinder mirror became gilded together with the adoption of the [[NKS]] shutter.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.348. </REF> At least one late camera with a [[Copal]] shutter has an additional screw at the right end of the top housing.<REF> Picture in Hagiya, p.161 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari''. </REF>
  
== Model with coupled rangefinder ==
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=== Advertisements and price ===
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The Ofuna Six was advertised in Japanese magazines from November 1953, and featured as a new product in various magazines dated November and December.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.348. </REF> The advertisement in the November 1953 issue of {{ACA}} offers the Ofuna Six with [[Nissei|Nissei-Rapid]] shutter for {{yen|15,000|1953}} (exactly half the price of the [[Ofunaflex]]).<REF group="n"> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.125. See also the 1954 advertisement reproduced in [http://blog.livedoor.jp/united3arrows/archives/51212433.html this page at Shashin-Bako], and the advertisement reproduced in Hagiya, p.157 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari'' (certainly dated 1954 despite what is said in the caption). </REF> The model with Nissei-Rapid was advertised until November 1954, and the switch to the [[NKS|NKS-FB]] shutter occurred on the following month.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.348. </REF> The advertisement in the December issue of {{ACA}} offers the camera with [[NKS]] shutter for {{yen|14,500|1954}} (and the [[Mamiya Six|Mamiya Six&nbsp;K]] for {{yen|18,800|1954}}).<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.125. </REF>
  
A later model (c.1956–7) is much less known in Japan. It has a sliding control on the front of the finder housing to move the 6×4.5 finder mask in and out of position. "OFUNA-SIX" is inscribed in one line of a non-oblique lettering across the top. In other ways, too, it looks very different from its predecessor, and very similar to certain models of [[Mihama Six]] and [[Mine Six]].  
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|-
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|| ''October 1955''
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|| ''November 1955''
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|-
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| colspan=2 | ''Columns on the Ofuna Six in special issues of {{FAR}}. {{public domain Japan new}}''
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|}
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An advertisement dated August 1955 reportedly mentions the [[NKS]] shutter again.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.348. </REF> The Ofuna Six is featured in special issues of {{FAR}} dated October and November 1955, where the price is given as {{yen|12,500|1955}}.<REF> Special issues of {{FAR}} October 1955, p.85, and November 1955, p.62. </REF> The article dated October mentions the [[NKS|NKS-FB]] shutter and that dated November mentions the [[Copal]], but the picture seems to be the same in both, certainly showing a camera with a Copal shutter, recognized by its ''CPL'' logo faintly visible on the side. The Ofuna Six was finally advertised with the Copal shutter in June and July 1956 issues of Japanese magazines.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.379. </REF> The June advertisement in {{ACA}} does not mention a price, and presents the camera along with the [[Taron 35]].
  
This new Ofuna Six was ordered by [[Kashimura]] for export. While the lens is an Ofunar as claimed, the body is indeed made by [[Takane]] and is the same as that of the [[Mine Six|Mine Six IIF]].<ref>Takane's manufacture of this camera for Ōfuna was one part of an arrangement whereby Takane was able to obtain [[Zunow]]-brand (but in fact Ofunar) lenses for the [[Mine Six|Mine Six IIIS(B)]]; see [[Takane]].</ref>
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=== Production estimate ===
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According to Kano Masayuki (狩野正之), who was responsible for the assembly and quality control of the [[Ofunaflex]] and Ofuna Six from 1954, and whose testimony was recorded by Hagiya, about 2,000 Ofuna Six were made, four times more than the Ofunaflex.<REF> Production figures and details of Kano Masayuki: Hagiya, p.162 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari''. </REF> The known body numbers have five digits in the 60xxx, 62xxx or 63xxx range,<REF group="n"> Lowest body number is 60532, on the camera pictured in [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm this page at Kamera no heya]. Highest is 63386, observed in an online auction. </REF> Lens numbers have four digits, in the 7xxx, 8xxx and perhaps 6xxx range, and do not follow the evolution of the camera in strict sequence.<REF group="n"> Lowest is perhaps 6418, on the camera pictured in [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm this page at Kamera no heya]. Highest is 8748, visible in the photograph of a camera with Copal shutter pictured in Hagiya, p.166 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari'', from Kano Masayuki's album. Not in strict sequence: lens no.8210 is mounted on an [[NKS]] shutter, whereas lens no.7xxx is mounted on a [[Copal]]. </REF> This data might indicate that the production was closer to 3,000 units.
  
==Notes==
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== Rebadged Mine Six, with coupled rangefinder ==
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A later model (c.1956–7) is only known from a single photograph, published in Hagiya from the album of Kano Masayuki.<REF> Picture in Hagiya, p.166 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari''. </REF>
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According to the testimonies of Kano Masayuki and Kunitomo Kenji recorded by Hagiya, this new Ofuna Six was ordered by [[Kashimura]] for export, after the production of the previous model had stopped.<REF> Hagiya, p.167 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari''. </REF> The body was supplied by [[Takane]] and is the same as that of the [[Mine Six|Mine Six IIF]]. The lens is the Ofunar 7.5cm f/3.5 of the previous [[Ōfuna]] models. (Takane's manufacture of this camera was one part of an arrangement whereby Takane was able to obtain these Ofunar lenses rebranded as the [[Zunow]] Zuminor for the [[Mine Six|Mine Six IIIS(B)]]; see [[Takane]].)<REF> Hagiya, p.167 of ''Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari''. </REF>
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The pictured camera is indeed very similar to the [[Mine Six|Mine Six IIF]]. It has a sliding control on the front of the finder housing to move a 6×4.5 finder mask in and out of position. ''OFUNA–SIX'' is inscribed in one line of a non-oblique lettering across the top, and another illegible marking is written below. The knobs at both ends of the top housing are identical, and differ from those of the Mine Six IIF; the one at the photographer's left notably does not have a film reminder. The shutter is of an unknown type. It gives B, 1–300 speeds, engraved in the reverse order (300–1, B) on the silver shutter plate, and is synchronized via a PC synch socket. The pictured camera has a four-digit lens number, perhaps in the 78xx range.
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== Notes ==
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<references group="n" />
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== References ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
==Sources / further reading==
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== Sources / further reading ==
* {{Showa10}} Items 436–7, 1141.
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=== Original documents ===
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* {{FAR87}} "Kokusan kamera no hatten 2: Supuringu kamera" (国産カメラの祭典2・スプリングカメラ, Japanese camera festival 2: folding cameras). Pp.83–6.
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* {{FAR89}} "Supuringu kamera mihonshi" (スプリングカメラ見本市, Folding camera trade fair). Pp.55–69.
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* Sakurai Minoru. "Kokusan supuringu kamera benran" (国産スプリングカメラ便覽, Guide to Japanese folding cameras.) In ''Shashin zasshi Camera zōkan shirīzu: Supuringu kamera'' (写真雑誌Camera増刊シリーズ・スプリングカメラ). Tokyo: Ars, February 1954. Pp.31–56.
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=== Recent sources ===
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* {{Showa10}} Items 436–7 and 1141.
 
* Hagiya Takeshi (萩谷剛). "Ōfuna Kōgaku no kamera: Kamera kara kōgaku heiki e" (大船光学のカメラ:カメラから光学兵器へ, The cameras of Ōfuna Kōgaku: From cameras to military optics). Chapter 8 of {{Zunow10}} Originally published in {{KKS039}}.
 
* Hagiya Takeshi (萩谷剛). "Ōfuna Kōgaku no kamera: Kamera kara kōgaku heiki e" (大船光学のカメラ:カメラから光学兵器へ, The cameras of Ōfuna Kōgaku: From cameras to military optics). Chapter 8 of {{Zunow10}} Originally published in {{KKS039}}.
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* {{Lewis}} P.82. (The camera is wrongly presented as a copy of the [[Mamiya Six]].)
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* {{McKeown12}} P.743.
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* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.23.
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* {{Zukan}} Item 1368.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
* [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm Ofuna Six] (very early version) at [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/camera.htm Kamera no heya]
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* [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/cameraofuna.htm Ofuna Six] (Nissei-Rapid shutter) at [http://www.sagi-sake.com/bassevo/camera.htm Kamera no heya]
* [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.31.htm#Yamamoto Ofuna Six] (early version) in a page of the [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/ All Japan Classic Camera Club]. The photograph shows four folders with non-coupled rangefinders; clockwise from top left these are: Ofuna Six, [[Zenobia]], [[Sisley 1 and Balm Six|Sisley&nbsp;1 and Balm Six]].
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* [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.31.htm#Yamamoto Ofuna Six] (perhaps with Copal shutter) in a page of the [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/ All Japan Classic Camera Club]. The photograph shows four folders with non-coupled rangefinders; clockwise from top left these are: Ofuna Six, [[Zenobia]], [[Sisley 1 and Balm Six|Sisley&nbsp;1 and Balm Six]].
* [http://bin2001.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ofuna6/ofuna6.htm Ofuna Six] (Copal shutter) at [http://bin2001.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ Doraku Oyaji no Kamera Koheya]
 
 
* [http://blog.livedoor.jp/united3arrows/archives/51212433.html Advertisement for the Ofuna Six and Ofunaflex] dated 1954, reproduced in [http://blog.livedoor.jp/united3arrows/ Shashin-Bako]
 
* [http://blog.livedoor.jp/united3arrows/archives/51212433.html Advertisement for the Ofuna Six and Ofunaflex] dated 1954, reproduced in [http://blog.livedoor.jp/united3arrows/ Shashin-Bako]
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{{Ōfuna}}
  
 
[[Category: Japanese 6x6 rangefinder folding]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 6x6 rangefinder folding]]
 
[[Category: O]]
 
[[Category: O]]

Latest revision as of 17:51, 1 August 2019

Japanese Six (6×6)
Postwar models (edit)
folding
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Japanese 6×6 TLR, pseudo TLR and medium format SLR ->
Japanese Semi (4.5×6) and older 6×9 ->

Ofuna Six (オフナーシックス, Ofunā Shikkusu)[n 1] was the name used by Ōfuna for two very different 6×6 rangefinder folders from 1953 to about 1957.

Original Ofuna Six, with non-coupled rangefinder

Description

The earlier and much better-known model was released at the very end of 1953 and was still advertised in summer 1956.[1] It has a diecast body with rounded edges, and a non-coupled rangefinder which shares the eyepiece of the viewfinder, offset to the left as the camera is viewed by the photographer. The finder housing has an accessory shoe and is inscribed OFUNA SIX in the centre, and has the body serial number marked above the eyepiece. The rangefinder is controlled by a wheel falling under the right thumb, and the distance appears under a crescent-shaped window on the right end of the top plate. The film winding knob is to the left, and contains a film reminder.

The struts for the door are curved and are not marked with any manufacturer's name. The OFUNA logo is embossed in the leather covering of the front door. The back is hinged to the right and has two square red windows for 6×6 and 6×4.5, protected by horizontally sliding covers. The company name OFUNA OPTICAL CO. is embossed in the leather covering at the bottom of the back.

The lens is a unit-focussed Ofunar 75mm f/3.5 F.C., designed by Kunitomo Kenji (国友健司) within Ōfuna and made by the company itself, the same lens as is used on the Ofunaflex.

Evolution

The shutter changed over time: originally a Nissei-Rapid (B, 1–500), from December 1954 an NKS-FB (B, 1–300), and finally (from some time in 1955) a Copal (B, 1–300). All three are synchronized via a PC socket.

Cosmetic and perhaps other changes were made over the camera's lifetime. The early examples, with Nissei-Rapid shutter, have OFUNA SIX in one line in oblique script (the ends of the "S" extending below the "F" and above the X"), an OFUNA logo to the right of the accessory shoe (as seen by the photographer), ∞—feet—4 inscribed below the distance scale of the rangefinder, and no frame around the viewfinder or rangefinder window.[n 2] Some might have 1/400 instead of 1/500 top speed.[n 3]

The later examples, with NKS or Copal shutter, have "OFUNA SIX" in one line and in a straightforward (non-oblique) script, no OFUNA logo on the top, no inscription below the distance scale, and frames added around the viewfinder and rangefinder windows.[n 4] It is said that the rangefinder mirror became gilded together with the adoption of the NKS shutter.[2] At least one late camera with a Copal shutter has an additional screw at the right end of the top housing.[3]

Advertisements and price

The Ofuna Six was advertised in Japanese magazines from November 1953, and featured as a new product in various magazines dated November and December.[4] The advertisement in the November 1953 issue of Asahi Camera offers the Ofuna Six with Nissei-Rapid shutter for ¥15,000 (exactly half the price of the Ofunaflex).[n 5] The model with Nissei-Rapid was advertised until November 1954, and the switch to the NKS-FB shutter occurred on the following month.[5] The advertisement in the December issue of Asahi Camera offers the camera with NKS shutter for ¥14,500 (and the Mamiya Six K for ¥18,800).[6]

An advertisement dated August 1955 reportedly mentions the NKS shutter again.[7] The Ofuna Six is featured in special issues of Photo Art dated October and November 1955, where the price is given as ¥12,500.[8] The article dated October mentions the NKS-FB shutter and that dated November mentions the Copal, but the picture seems to be the same in both, certainly showing a camera with a Copal shutter, recognized by its CPL logo faintly visible on the side. The Ofuna Six was finally advertised with the Copal shutter in June and July 1956 issues of Japanese magazines.[9] The June advertisement in Asahi Camera does not mention a price, and presents the camera along with the Taron 35.

Production estimate

According to Kano Masayuki (狩野正之), who was responsible for the assembly and quality control of the Ofunaflex and Ofuna Six from 1954, and whose testimony was recorded by Hagiya, about 2,000 Ofuna Six were made, four times more than the Ofunaflex.[10] The known body numbers have five digits in the 60xxx, 62xxx or 63xxx range,[n 6] Lens numbers have four digits, in the 7xxx, 8xxx and perhaps 6xxx range, and do not follow the evolution of the camera in strict sequence.[n 7] This data might indicate that the production was closer to 3,000 units.

Rebadged Mine Six, with coupled rangefinder

A later model (c.1956–7) is only known from a single photograph, published in Hagiya from the album of Kano Masayuki.[11]

According to the testimonies of Kano Masayuki and Kunitomo Kenji recorded by Hagiya, this new Ofuna Six was ordered by Kashimura for export, after the production of the previous model had stopped.[12] The body was supplied by Takane and is the same as that of the Mine Six IIF. The lens is the Ofunar 7.5cm f/3.5 of the previous Ōfuna models. (Takane's manufacture of this camera was one part of an arrangement whereby Takane was able to obtain these Ofunar lenses rebranded as the Zunow Zuminor for the Mine Six IIIS(B); see Takane.)[13]

The pictured camera is indeed very similar to the Mine Six IIF. It has a sliding control on the front of the finder housing to move a 6×4.5 finder mask in and out of position. OFUNA–SIX is inscribed in one line of a non-oblique lettering across the top, and another illegible marking is written below. The knobs at both ends of the top housing are identical, and differ from those of the Mine Six IIF; the one at the photographer's left notably does not have a film reminder. The shutter is of an unknown type. It gives B, 1–300 speeds, engraved in the reverse order (300–1, B) on the silver shutter plate, and is synchronized via a PC synch socket. The pictured camera has a four-digit lens number, perhaps in the 78xx range.

Notes

  1. Note the change of pronunciation from that of Ōfuna (大船), the manufacturer.
  2. This version is called "Ofuna Six (I)" in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.348. Examples with Nissei-Rapid shutter are shown in this page at Kamera no heya and in the November 1953 advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.125.
  3. The example pictured in this page at Kamera no heya seems to have 1/400 top speed, though this is not clearly legible on the picture.
  4. The version with NKS shutter is called "Ofuna Six (II)" in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.348. Detailed pictures of an example NKS shutter are shown in Hagiya, pp.160–61 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.
  5. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.125. See also the 1954 advertisement reproduced in this page at Shashin-Bako, and the advertisement reproduced in Hagiya, p.157 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari (certainly dated 1954 despite what is said in the caption).
  6. Lowest body number is 60532, on the camera pictured in this page at Kamera no heya. Highest is 63386, observed in an online auction.
  7. Lowest is perhaps 6418, on the camera pictured in this page at Kamera no heya. Highest is 8748, visible in the photograph of a camera with Copal shutter pictured in Hagiya, p.166 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari, from Kano Masayuki's album. Not in strict sequence: lens no.8210 is mounted on an NKS shutter, whereas lens no.7xxx is mounted on a Copal.

References

  1. Advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp.348 and 379.
  2. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.348.
  3. Picture in Hagiya, p.161 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.
  4. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.348.
  5. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.348.
  6. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.125.
  7. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.348.
  8. Special issues of Photo Art October 1955, p.85, and November 1955, p.62.
  9. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.379.
  10. Production figures and details of Kano Masayuki: Hagiya, p.162 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.
  11. Picture in Hagiya, p.166 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.
  12. Hagiya, p.167 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.
  13. Hagiya, p.167 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.

Sources / further reading

Original documents

  • Photo Art rinji zōkan: Kamera no chishiki (フォトアート臨時増刊・カメラの知識, Photo Art special issue: Knowledge of cameras). October 1955, no.87 of the magazine. "Kokusan kamera no hatten 2: Supuringu kamera" (国産カメラの祭典2・スプリングカメラ, Japanese camera festival 2: folding cameras). Pp.83–6.
  • Photo Art rinji zōkan: Saishin supuringu kamera zensho (フォトアート臨時増刊・最新スプリングカメラ全書, Photo Art special issue: All the latest folding cameras). November 1955, no.89 of the magazine. "Supuringu kamera mihonshi" (スプリングカメラ見本市, Folding camera trade fair). Pp.55–69.
  • Sakurai Minoru. "Kokusan supuringu kamera benran" (国産スプリングカメラ便覽, Guide to Japanese folding cameras.) In Shashin zasshi Camera zōkan shirīzu: Supuringu kamera (写真雑誌Camera増刊シリーズ・スプリングカメラ). Tokyo: Ars, February 1954. Pp.31–56.

Recent sources

Links

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