Difference between revisions of "Pearl (I), II and III"

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{{Japanese Semi and Six}}
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{{Japanese Semi postwar
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The name '''Pearl''' was given by Konishi and Konishiroku (the later [[Konica]]) to many models of rollfilm folders. Other articles deal with the [[Pearl (6×9 and larger folders)]], and the [[Baby Pearl]] and [[Pearlette]] cameras (both using [[127 film]]); this one deals with the Semi Pearl and Pearl for 4.5×6cm.
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mech_for_i/189875584/in/pool-camerawiki http://static.flickr.com/55/189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture by {{image author|Mech_for_i}}. {{non-commercial}}''
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}}
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The name '''Pearl''' was given by [[Konica|Konishiroku]] (the later Konica) to many models of rollfilm folders. This article deals with the Pearl (I), II and III made from 1949 in 4.5×6cm format, successors of the [[Semi Pearl]]. These were replaced in 1958 by the ephemeral [[Pearl IV]], which has a completely different construction.
  
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== The viewfinder-only Semi Pearl ==
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Other articles deal with the [[Pearl (for plates and rollfilm)|early models for plates and rollfilm]], the [[Pearl No.2]], [[Pearl (6×9 self-erecting)|self-erecting 6×9 Pearl]], and the [[Baby Pearl]] and [[Pearlette]] cameras (both using [[127 film]]).
  
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The '''Semi Pearl''' of 1938 is a 4.5&times;6 folder copied from the [[Ikonta A]], with curved folding struts, unit focusing, a folding optical finder, a shutter release on the door (parallel and close to the hinge), a key to advance the film (to the right, as seen by the photographer taking "vertical" photographs), and a strap along the edge of the camera next to the take-up spool. One version has an Optor 75mm f/4.5 lens (by [[Pentax|Asahi K&#333;gaku]]) and an Apus shutter (B, T, 10&ndash;100), another a Hexar 75mm f/4.5 lens and a Durax shutter (B, T, 1&ndash;100).<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;60.</ref>
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== Operation ==
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All these Pearl models share a design quirk that is likely to confuse somebody who is moderately accustomed to other folders but is new to any in this particular line. What are obviously the shutter-release button at the top of the body and the door-opening button at the top of the door are in fact the reverse of what they seem: the photographer opens the door with the button on the top plate or top housing, and releases the shutter with the button on the opened door.
  
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'''Postwar''' examples of the '''Semi Pearl''' are rare. Small-scale production was resumed between 1946 and 1948, largely from stocks of older parts. Perhaps because of difficulty in obtaining needed additional components, many of the postwar examples only have front-cell focusing. They also have slightly different finish. The earlier examples have Optor lenses, the later ones Hexar lenses. Miyazaki shows two examples, both with "SEMI PEARL" embossed on the leather (but in slightly different ways); the earlier one has front-cell focusing and a Hexar lens and Apus shutter both marked Rokuoh-sha; the later one has unit focusing and a Hexar lens and Durax shutter both marked Konishiroku.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.&nbsp;128; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;60.</ref>
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== Pearl and Pearl RS, with uncoupled rangefinder ==
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The '''Pearl''' (in retrospect '''Pearl I''', first half of 1949<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says March 1949, while Tanimura, "Pāru II", says April 1949. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl was tested in the August 1949 issues of {{AR}} and ''[[Kōga Gekkan]].'' </ref>) has the same basic body as the [[Semi Pearl]], with a top housing (simply inscribed "Pearl") for a viewfinder and an uncoupled rangefinder. The rangefinder is set by a knob above the top housing, and the distance read must be transfered by the user to the distance scale of the lens. Film advance is still by key. The back has only one red window and is similar to the last examples of the [[Semi Pearl]]. The camera retains the combination of a coated [[Hexar lenses|Hexar]] 75mm f/4.5 lens and a [[Durax]] shutter (1–100, B, T) found on the [[Semi Pearl]]. There is still no flash synchronization.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.60. For this and subsequent models: ''Konika-Minoruta-ten,'' p.8.</ref> Presumably "Semi" was dropped from the name in view of the unlikeliness of a revival of any 6×9 folder (the [[Pearl (6×9 self-erecting)|prewar 6×9 Pearl]] had been rather unusual among Japanese cameras even when new, and even a modernized successor would probably have struck most photographers in 1949 as a bulky extravagance); the disappearance of the [[Baby Pearl]] may have been another factor.
  
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== Pearl, with rangefinder==
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The '''Pearl RS''' (in retrospect '''Pearl I RS''', but also simply inscribed "Pearl"; late 1950<ref> Tanimura, "Pāru II", and Miyazaki, p.128, both say October 1950. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II are mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. </ref>) has a Konirapid-S shutter (B, 1–500) with Kodak-type flash synchronization. An accessory shoe is added at the top right of the camera (as seen by a photographer holding it horizontally), the back latch is modified and the strap has disappeared.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–1; Uchida, "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku.</ref> The price in 1951 was {{yen|14,850|1951}}.<ref> Advertisement for the Pearl RS and Pearl II published in the January 1951 issue of ''[[Camera Fan]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.160. </ref>
  
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The '''Pearl''' (or '''Pearl I''', 1949) has the same basic body as the Semi Pearl, with a top housing (simply inscribed "Pearl") for a viewfinder and an uncoupled rangefinder. Film advance is now by knob. It retains the Hexar&ndash;Durax combination of late examples of the Semi Pearl, but now the Hexar lens is coated. There is still no flash synchronization.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;60. For this and subsequent models: ''Konika-Minoruta-ten,'' p.&nbsp;8.</ref> Presumably "Semi" was dropped from the name in view of the unlikeliness of a revival of any 6×9 folder: the [[Pearl (6×9 and larger folders)|prewar 6×9 Pearl]] had been rather unusual among Japanese cameras even when new, and even a modernized successor would probably have struck most photographers in 1949 as a bulky extravagance.
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center"
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| rowspan="2" | [https://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/49354828371/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49354828371_df47edc993_m_d.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/46855921802/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7904/46855921802_d5223675fc_t_d.jpg]
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/39943235253/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7835/39943235253_64a4887fdd_t_d.jpg]
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| colspan="5" | ''Pearl RS. Pictures courtesy of Thomas Harvey. {{with permission}}''
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|}
  
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The '''Pearl RS''' (or '''Pearl I RS''', but also simply inscribed "Pearl", 1950) has a Konirapid S shutter (B, 1&ndash;500) with Kodak-type flash synchronization. An accessory shoe is added at the top right of the camera (as seen by a photographer taking a "vertical" photograph).<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.&nbsp;60&ndash;61; Uchida, "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku.</ref>
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== Pearl II and IIB, with coupled rangefinder ==
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter-rabbit/7990585261/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7990585261_fbbfd7afc8_m.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= Konishiroku Pearl II
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|image_by= peter-rabbit
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|image_rights=  non-commercial
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}}
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{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=250px style="text-align: center;"
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| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/byebyebird/543749462/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/543749462_d63cf71c07_m_d.jpg]
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| Pearl II. <br><small> Image by {{image author|Ana Vieiros}} </small>{{non-commercial}}
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The '''Pearl II''' was released together with the Pearl RS and maybe sold a little after;<ref> Miyazaki, p.128, says that the Pearl II and Pearl RS were released in October 1950, but gives January 1951 for the Pearl II on p.183. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II were mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of {{ACA}}. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. It is reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.160, and shows a price for the Pearl RS but not for the Pearl II. Uchida, "Konpakuto na Pāru RS", says that the Pearl II was released in 1951, the year after the Pearl RS. </ref> it is the same camera with a coupled rangefinder and inscribed ''Pearl II'' on the top housing. The focusing tab is modified and the focusing scale has disappeared from the front assembly. It is replaced by a rotating disc that shows the distance against a simple depth-of-field scale, placed under a window in the top housing, where the uncoupled model has a focusing knob for the rangefinder. In 1952<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1952. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the f/3.5 lens is first advertised in the November 1952 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. </ref> an f/3.5 Hexar option ({{yen|30,150|1953}}) was added to the standard f/4.5 Hexar ({{yen|26,650|1953}}). With the f/4.5 lens, the camera's dimensions open are 120×100×92mm (43mm closed); it weighs 580g.<ref> Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61; Tanimura, "Pāru II." </ref>
  
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== Pearl II and III, with coupled rangefinder ==
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In response to increasing competition from 35mm cameras, the '''Pearl IIB''' (still engraved ''Pearl II'') was released in mid-1955<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1955. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl IIB was reviewed in the issues dated July or August 1955 of many Japanese magazines. The first advertisements are dated August 1955. </ref> as a cheaper ({{yen|23,500|1955}}) alternative to the <!-- presumably f/3.5 -->II ({{yen|30,150|1955}}). It retains the f/3.5 Hexar lens but the shutter is a [[Durax|Durax-S]] (top speed 1/400) and the focusing scale is back to the front assembly. There is still a depth-of-field scale above the top housing, but it must be turned manually. The Pearl IIB has one innovation: a PC rather than Kodak flash terminal.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61.</ref> (At least one example of the Pearl II has been observed with this feature.)
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{{br}}
  
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The '''Pearl II''' (1952) is based on the I&nbsp;RS but the rangefinder is coupled. There is a depth-of-field knob where the earlier camera had a focusing knob for the rangefinder. In addition to the f/4.5 Hexar, there is an f/3.5 Hexar option.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.&nbsp;60&ndash;61.</ref>
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== Pearl III, with auto-stop advance ==
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{| class="floatright plainlinks" width=250px style="text-align: center;"
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| ''Pearl III&nbsp;L. Picture by {{image author|Mech_for_i}}. {{non-commercial}}''
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|}
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The '''Pearl III''' (late 1955<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says December 1955. {{Kokusan}}, p.395, says that the first mention in Japanese magazines was in January 1951 issues. </ref>, inscribed ''Pearl III'' above the top housing) adds "semi-automatic" (auto-stop) film advance: once the "start" line on the backup paper is lined up with a dot on the film rail, the camera calculates how far the photographer may wind the film before each exposure. The red window accordingly disappears from the film back. An advance knob replaces the advance key of the previous models, it contains a manually reset exposure counter. The auto-stop mechanism was designed by Nakagawa Kenzō and supplied to Konishiroku by his company [[Aram|Aram Kōgaku]], at a pace of 2,000 units per month.<REF> {{SUG}}, p.76; Yazawa, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.254. </REF>
  
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In response to increasing competition from 35mm cameras, the '''Pearl IIB''' was released in April 1955 as a cheaper (&yen;23,500) alternative to the <!-- presumably f/3.5 -->II (&yen;30,150). It retains the f/3.5 Hexar lens but has a Durax shutter (top speed 400) and lacks the depth-of-field scale. It has one innovation: a PC rather than Kodak flash terminal.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.&nbsp;60&ndash;61.</ref>
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The Pearl III also substitutes a film-reminder dial (color, panchromatic, etc., as well as speed) for the distance and depth-of-field dial of the II. It retains the Konirapid S shutter of the II but has the PC flash terminal of the IIB. The lens is the Hexar f/3.5, except for a few examples said to be fitted with a three-element Konitor lens, certainly the same 75mm f/3.5 as on the [[Aram Six]]. The focusing ring is fitted with a concave tab and a depth-of-field scale.<ref> Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.129 (the source for examples with Konitor lenses); Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61. All Konitor lenses have three elements, see Yazawa in {{CCN}} no.254. </ref>
  
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The '''Pearl III''' (December 1955) adds "semi-automatic" (auto-stop) film advance: once the "start" line on the backup paper is lined up with a dot on the film rail, the camera calculates how far the photographer may wind the film before each exposure. The red window accordingly disappears from the film back. The III also substitutes a film-reminder dial (color, panchromatic, etc., as well as speed) for the depth-of-field dial of the II. It retains the Hexar f/3.5 lens and Konirapid S shutter of the II (although Miyazaki says that a small number are fitted with Konitar lenses), but has the PC flash terminal of the IIB. A concave lever is added to the focusing dial.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.&nbsp;129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref>
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There are two later variants, which are also simply inscribed ''Pearl III'' and must be distinguished by looking at the lens. The '''Pearl IIIMX''' (1956<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the May 1956 issue of ''[[Camera Mainichi]]''. </ref>) replaces the Konirapid S with a [[Seikosha-MX]] shutter. This adds X synchronization for electronic flash, becoming popular at around this time. In a time of increased competition in the industry, companies such as Konishiroku that had previously produced shutters for their own cameras found it more economical to buy them in from either [[Hattori|Seikosha]] or [[Copal]].<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.</ref> The Hexar lens on this model has a seven-digit serial number and is said to be an improved model (maybe recomputed).<ref> Miyazaki, p.131. </ref> The '''Pearl IIIL''' (1957<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the June 1957 issue of ''[[Nippon Camera]]''. </ref>) has two further innovations: a [[Seikosha-MX|Seikosha-MXL]] shutter, using the [[light-value system]], and a new amber coating for the lens.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.</ref> When closed, the IIIL has the same dimensions as the II<!-- very surprising given that the advance knob protrudes much more than the key -->, and weighs 600g.<ref>Kawamata, p.98.</ref>
  
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There are two later variants, which are also simply inscribed "Pearl III" and must be distinguished by looking at the name on the shutter. The '''Pearl IIIMX''' (1956) replaces the Konirapid S with a Seik&#333;-sha MX shutter. The advantage for the photographer is that this adds X synchronization for electronic flash, becoming popular at around this time. Tanaka points out that in a time of increased competition in the industry, companies such as Konishiroku that had previously been producing shutters for their own cameras found it more economical to buy them in from either Seik&#333;-sha or Copal.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref> The '''Pearl IIIL''' (1957) has two further innovations: a Seik&#333;-sha MXL shutter, using the light-value system (whereby changing among the various aperture&ndash;speed combinations that result in the same exposure does not need separate adjustments of aperture and speed but instead can be effected by a single twist of both rings ''together''<!-- but this ought to be in the glossary -->), and a new amber coating for the lens.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.&nbsp;129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref>
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The Pearl III was succeeded in December 1958 by the [[Pearl IV]], which is a radical redesign of the original concept.
  
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== Pearl IV, with brightframe finder ==
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== Notes ==
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The '''Pearl IV''' (December 1958) is a radical redesign, with a completely different diecast aluminium body and a very advanced projected frame finder.
 
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The door over the bellows is hinged on the right hand side (as experienced by a photographer taking a "vertical" photograph), as opposed to all the earlier models; the shutter release is still at the top of the door and near the hinge. The diecast body (also a novelty), pushes the weight over 700g. The housing for the finders extends almost the whole way across the top, and the accessory shoe is no longer next to it but instead above it, centrally. The Hexar lens and Seikosha MXL shutter are inherited from the IIIL, but the focusing aid is no longer convex but instead a simple knob. There is double exposure prevention as well as auto-stop.
 
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At &yen;22,000, the IV was slightly cheaper than the IIIL (&yen;24,800). However, interest in 120 cameras was waning fast, and production of this camera stopped after about six months and after only about five thousand had been made.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' pp.&nbsp;129&ndash;30; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref>
 
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The Pearl IV is now regarded as one of the finest cameras of this format. Konishiroku would never again attempt anything like it (and abandoned the name "Pearl", almost fifty years after its first appearance). The closest thing to a successor is probably the [[Fujica GS645]] of 1983.
 
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The Pearl IV is often referred to as a rarity. This is an exaggeration: five thousand is not so few, and it is not the kind of device that even the ignorant will unhesitatingly throw into the trash. Examples are not particularly hard to find in the Japanese market; however, they are expensive by folder standards, now (2006) costing around three times as much as examples of the Pearl III in similar condition.
 
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==Notes==
 
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
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==Sources and further reading==
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== Sources and further reading ==
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In Japanese:
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* {{Showa10}} Items 676–9 and 1440–42. (See also the picture on p.20.)
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* Iwama Tomohisa (岩間倶久). ''Atarashii Pāru no tsukaikata'' (新しいパールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico, 1956.<!-- Not seen -->
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* Kawamata Masataku (川又正卓). "Konishiroku Pāru III" (小西六パールIII, Konishiroku Pearl III). ''Supuringu kamera de ikō: Zen 69 kishu no tsukaikata to jissha sakurei'' (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の使い方と実写作例, Let's try spring cameras: The use of and actual examples from 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha<!--yes, this is how it writes its name in roomaji-->, 2004. <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 4879560723 Pp.98–9. About the Pearl IIIL.
 
* ''Konika-Minoruta-ten'' (コニカミノルタ展, Konica Minolta exhibition). Exhibition catalogue. Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 2005.
 
* ''Konika-Minoruta-ten'' (コニカミノルタ展, Konica Minolta exhibition). Exhibition catalogue. Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 2005.
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*''Konishiroku Kamera no Rekishi'' (小西六カメラの歴史, History of Konishiroku cameras), vol. 10 (Autumn 1985 issue) of ''Kamera Rebyū Bessatsu: Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' / ''All about Historical Cameras.''<!-- Not seen. Source of info: http://www.kanroshobo.com/KANROKANRO/CLACAMESENKA/clacame6-10.html -->
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* {{KKS010}}<!-- Not used yet -->
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* Miyazaki Shigemoto (宮崎繁幹). ''Konika kamera no 50nen: Konika I-gata kara Hekisā RF e'' (コニカカメラの50年：コニカI型からヘキサーRFへ, Fifty years of Konica cameras: From the Konica I to the Hexar RF). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 2003. ISBN 4-257-12038-X  
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* {{Lewis}} Pp.67–8, 74 and 92.
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* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku" (日本のスプリングカメラ Konishiroku,<!-- Yes, the name is written in roomazi --> The spring cameras of Japan: Konishiroku). ''Kamera Rebyū Bessatsu: Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' / ''All about Historical Cameras,''<!-- Yes, it has an English-language alternative title; later issues I have seen do not. --> no.&nbsp;8, Autumn 1986 (special issue on ''Supuringu Kamera'' [スプリングカメラ, spring cameras]), 58&ndash;61.
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* {{McKeown12}} P.544.
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* Uchida Yasuo (内田康男). "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku ni osamatta sangaku-shashin: Konpakuta na Pāru RS" (ヘキサー75mmの視角に収まった山岳写真: コンパクトなパールRS, Mountain photography from the perspective of a 75mm Hexar: The compact Pearl RS). ''Kamera Rebyū Bessatsu: Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' / ''All about Historical Cameras,'' no.&nbsp;76, Summer 2005 (special issue on ''Supuringu Kamera'' [スプリングカメラ, spring cameras]), 32&ndash;5.
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* Miki Akira (三木旺). ''Pāru no tsukaikata'' (パールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico.<!-- Not seen -->
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* Miyazaki Shigemoto (宮崎繁幹). ''Konika kamera no 50nen: Konika I-gata kara Hekisā RF e'' (コニカカメラの50年：コニカI型からヘキサーRFへ, Fifty years of Konica cameras: From the Konica I to the Hexar RF). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 2003. <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 4-257-12038-X.
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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.18.
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* {{Zukan}} P.76.
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* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku" (日本のスプリングカメラ Konishiroku,<!-- Yes, the name is written in roomazi --> The spring cameras of Japan: Konishiroku). {{KKS008}} Pp.58–61.
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* Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Dentō aru kyorikei-rendō semi-han supuringu kamera Pāru II" (伝統ある距離計連動セミ判スプリングカメラ：パールII, A coupled-rangefinder 4.5×6 spring camera with tradition: The Pearl II). {{KKS035}} P.63.
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* Uchida Yasuo (内田康男). "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku ni osamatta sangaku-shashin: Konpakuto na Pāru RS" (ヘキサー75mmの視角に収まった山岳写真: コンパクトなパールRS, Mountain photography from the perspective of a 75mm Hexar: The compact Pearl RS). {{KKS076}} Pp.32–5.
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* Yazawa Seiichirō (矢沢征一郎). "Renzu no hanashi (164) Konitā" (レンズの話[164]コニター, Lens story [164] Konitor). In {{CCN}} no.254 (August 1998). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.13–6. (On the outsourcing of the auto-stop mechanism of the Pearl III to Aram.)
  
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==Links==
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== Links ==
 
In English:
 
In English:
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* [http://www.geocities.com/antjam65/Pearl.html Konishiroku (Konica) Pearl I & II] by Anthony, aka antjam65, at [http://www.geocities.com/antjam65/index.html his photo website]: on the Pearl I&nbsp;RS and II
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170609160112/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl_e.htm Pearl IIB] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20170609131749/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera] (archived at archive.org in June 2017)
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* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl_e.htm Pearl IIB and IV] at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera]
+
* [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Konishiroku-Pearl-II/AI-6-23926 Pearl II] and [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Konishiroku-Pearl-IIB/AI-6-23927 Pearl IIB], lots no.655 and 656 of the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-6/ sixth Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 6 November 2004
 +
* [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/pearl/pearl.htm Pearl II and Pearl III instruction manual] from [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com]
  
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
−
* [http://ha1.seikyou.ne.jp/home/sarusuberi/konica.htm Semi Pearl] within a Konica page at [http://ha1.seikyou.ne.jp/home/sarusuberi/ Sarusuberi]
+
* [http://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/konicaminolta/history/konica/1940/1949.html Pearl I] and [http://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/konicaminolta/history/konica/1950/1951.html Pearl II] in the official [http://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/konicaminolta/history/index.html (Kenco Tokina) Konica Minolta camera history site]  
−
* [http://mutohide.ddo.jp/etccam/semipeal.html Semi Pearl overhaul] at [http://mutohide.ddo.jp/index.html Handmade and Classic Camera]
+
* [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/%7Ezeppan_tousan/col4/col4.cgi?mode=main&no=121 Pearl I] in the [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/ Zeppan Tōsan photo site] (incorporating [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/col4/coldata/121.jpg this photograph]). If the link does not work, go to the [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/ main site], follow the link marked "武器庫" in the page menu, and search for "パールI" in the left menu
−
* [http://www.kitamura.co.jp/navi/camera.php?old_id=kon_pearl_1 Pearl I] at [http://www.kitamura.co.jp/navi/index.html Kitamura camera museum]
+
* [http://tomshome.sakura.ne.jp/others/konica/pearl1.html Restoration of a Pearl I] at [http://tomshome.sakura.ne.jp/ ME Fukkatsu Ōjō]
−
* [http://hunmut.c-get.ne.jp/camera/pearlI/photos1.htm Pearl I] at [http://hunmut.c-get.ne.jp/camera/index.htm Yukara's site]  
+
*[https://kanscamera.ilma.cc/hp7/html/p155.html Restoration of a Pearl RS] at [https://kanscamera.ilma.cc/index.html Kan's Room]
−
* [http://kans1948.zero-yen.com/html/p155.html Restoration of a Pearl I RS] at [http://kans1948.zero-yen.com/ Kan's Room]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060313182944/http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/2005/06/post_c046.html Pearl II] in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20050830202223mp_/http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/ Damono Suki blog] (archived at archive.org)
−
* [http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/2005/06/post_c046.html Pearl II] at [http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/ this blog]
+
* [http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/m-bon/camera/camera_135.html Pearl II] at [http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/m-bon/index.html Bon's Homepage]
−
* [http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/konica.html Pearl II, III and IV within a Konishiroku page] at [http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/fotoaprt1.html Yume o hakobu shashinki]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161221135418/http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/konica.html Pearl II and III] within a Konishiroku page at [https://web.archive.org/web/20161111064729/http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/fotoaprt1.html Yume o hakobu shashinki] (archived at archive.org in 2016)
−
* [http://www3.kiy.jp/%7Edaddy/pearl3/pearl.html Pearl II] (with sample photos) at [http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~puppy/ Puppy's Island]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20171208083214/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl.htm Pearl family], with pictures of the Pearl IIB and III, at [https://web.archive.org/web/20171229015938/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index.html The Classic Camera]
−
* [http://kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl2/index.htm Restoration of a Pearl II] at [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/ Shiroto shashinki sh&#363;ri k&#333;b&#333;]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070713070158/http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/336.html Pearl III] (blog post from 2006, archived at archive.org in 2007) at [https://web.archive.org/web/20070701085612/http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/ Gacha's Box]
−
* [http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/336.html Pearl III] at [http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/ Gacha's Box]
+
* Pearl III in the [http://www.jmcy.co.jp/goto/yamada/Y061021/P001_099.html first page] of the [http://www.jmcy.co.jp/goto/yamada/ Yamada Camera Museum]
−
* [http://mtakigawa.exblog.jp/i7 Pearl III] (photo and short comment only) at [http://mtakigawa.exblog.jp/ Kurakame to dejikame monokuro]
 
−
* [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl3/ Restoration] and [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl3/photo/index.htm sample photos] from a Pearl III at [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/ Shiroto shashinki sh&#363;ri k&#333;b&#333;]
 
−
 
 
  
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[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding]]
 
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 rangefinder folding]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 rangefinder folding]]
 
[[Category: Konica]]
 
[[Category: Konica]]
 
[[Category: P]]
 
[[Category: P]]

Latest revision as of 08:20, 8 February 2024

189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg
Picture by Mech_for_i. (Image rights)
Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Postwar models (edit)
folding
Apollo | Semi Blond | Semi Crystar | Daido Semi | Doris | Semi Frank | Semi Gelto | Semi Golder | Karoron | Karoron RF | Kely | Kiko Semi | Korin | Kuri | BB Kuri | Lark | Semi Leotax | Semi Leotax DL / R | Lo Ruby | Semi Lord | Luck | Semi Lyra | Semi Masmy | Middl 120 | Semi Mihama | Mikado | Million Proud | Semi Minolta III | Semi Minolta P | Semi Oscon | Semi Pearl | Pearl I–III | Pearl IV | Petri | Petri RF | Petri Super | Pioneer | Semi Proud | Semi Rocket | Rocky Semi | Rosen | Ruby | Shinkoh Rabbit | Semi Sport | Tsubasa Semi | Union Semi | Union Model U | Walcon Semi | Waltax | Semi Wester | Zenobia
rigid or collapsible
Semi Dak | Semi Hobix | Super Semi Plum | Rocket Camera | Tomy
Prewar and wartime models ->
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6 and older 6×9 ->

The name Pearl was given by Konishiroku (the later Konica) to many models of rollfilm folders. This article deals with the Pearl (I), II and III made from 1949 in 4.5×6cm format, successors of the Semi Pearl. These were replaced in 1958 by the ephemeral Pearl IV, which has a completely different construction.

Other articles deal with the early models for plates and rollfilm, the Pearl No.2, self-erecting 6×9 Pearl, and the Baby Pearl and Pearlette cameras (both using 127 film).

Operation

All these Pearl models share a design quirk that is likely to confuse somebody who is moderately accustomed to other folders but is new to any in this particular line. What are obviously the shutter-release button at the top of the body and the door-opening button at the top of the door are in fact the reverse of what they seem: the photographer opens the door with the button on the top plate or top housing, and releases the shutter with the button on the opened door.

Pearl and Pearl RS, with uncoupled rangefinder

The Pearl (in retrospect Pearl I, first half of 1949[1]) has the same basic body as the Semi Pearl, with a top housing (simply inscribed "Pearl") for a viewfinder and an uncoupled rangefinder. The rangefinder is set by a knob above the top housing, and the distance read must be transfered by the user to the distance scale of the lens. Film advance is still by key. The back has only one red window and is similar to the last examples of the Semi Pearl. The camera retains the combination of a coated Hexar 75mm f/4.5 lens and a Durax shutter (1–100, B, T) found on the Semi Pearl. There is still no flash synchronization.[2] Presumably "Semi" was dropped from the name in view of the unlikeliness of a revival of any 6×9 folder (the prewar 6×9 Pearl had been rather unusual among Japanese cameras even when new, and even a modernized successor would probably have struck most photographers in 1949 as a bulky extravagance); the disappearance of the Baby Pearl may have been another factor.

The Pearl RS (in retrospect Pearl I RS, but also simply inscribed "Pearl"; late 1950[3]) has a Konirapid-S shutter (B, 1–500) with Kodak-type flash synchronization. An accessory shoe is added at the top right of the camera (as seen by a photographer holding it horizontally), the back latch is modified and the strap has disappeared.[4] The price in 1951 was ¥14,850.[5]

49354828371_df47edc993_m_d.jpg 31966707487_b7a8ddb007_t_d.jpg 46182933594_3a7be7144a_t_d.jpg 46855832432_fa6f81cd05_t_d.jpg 31966787497_2e51823ce8_t_d.jpg
31966813817_3b5205be93_t_d.jpg 39943179043_e130cae4de_t_d.jpg 46855921802_d5223675fc_t_d.jpg 39943235253_64a4887fdd_t_d.jpg
Pearl RS. Pictures courtesy of Thomas Harvey. (Image rights)

Pearl II and IIB, with coupled rangefinder

7990585261_fbbfd7afc8_m.jpg
Konishiroku Pearl II
image by peter-rabbit (Image rights)
543749462_d63cf71c07_m_d.jpg
Pearl II.
Image by Ana Vieiros (Image rights)

The Pearl II was released together with the Pearl RS and maybe sold a little after;[6] it is the same camera with a coupled rangefinder and inscribed Pearl II on the top housing. The focusing tab is modified and the focusing scale has disappeared from the front assembly. It is replaced by a rotating disc that shows the distance against a simple depth-of-field scale, placed under a window in the top housing, where the uncoupled model has a focusing knob for the rangefinder. In 1952[7] an f/3.5 Hexar option (¥30,150) was added to the standard f/4.5 Hexar (¥26,650). With the f/4.5 lens, the camera's dimensions open are 120×100×92mm (43mm closed); it weighs 580g.[8]

In response to increasing competition from 35mm cameras, the Pearl IIB (still engraved Pearl II) was released in mid-1955[9] as a cheaper (¥23,500) alternative to the II (¥30,150). It retains the f/3.5 Hexar lens but the shutter is a Durax-S (top speed 1/400) and the focusing scale is back to the front assembly. There is still a depth-of-field scale above the top housing, but it must be turned manually. The Pearl IIB has one innovation: a PC rather than Kodak flash terminal.[10] (At least one example of the Pearl II has been observed with this feature.)

Pearl III, with auto-stop advance

189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg
Pearl III L. Picture by Mech_for_i. (Image rights)

The Pearl III (late 1955[11], inscribed Pearl III above the top housing) adds "semi-automatic" (auto-stop) film advance: once the "start" line on the backup paper is lined up with a dot on the film rail, the camera calculates how far the photographer may wind the film before each exposure. The red window accordingly disappears from the film back. An advance knob replaces the advance key of the previous models, it contains a manually reset exposure counter. The auto-stop mechanism was designed by Nakagawa Kenzō and supplied to Konishiroku by his company Aram Kōgaku, at a pace of 2,000 units per month.[12]

The Pearl III also substitutes a film-reminder dial (color, panchromatic, etc., as well as speed) for the distance and depth-of-field dial of the II. It retains the Konirapid S shutter of the II but has the PC flash terminal of the IIB. The lens is the Hexar f/3.5, except for a few examples said to be fitted with a three-element Konitor lens, certainly the same 75mm f/3.5 as on the Aram Six. The focusing ring is fitted with a concave tab and a depth-of-field scale.[13]

There are two later variants, which are also simply inscribed Pearl III and must be distinguished by looking at the lens. The Pearl IIIMX (1956[14]) replaces the Konirapid S with a Seikosha-MX shutter. This adds X synchronization for electronic flash, becoming popular at around this time. In a time of increased competition in the industry, companies such as Konishiroku that had previously produced shutters for their own cameras found it more economical to buy them in from either Seikosha or Copal.[15] The Hexar lens on this model has a seven-digit serial number and is said to be an improved model (maybe recomputed).[16] The Pearl IIIL (1957[17]) has two further innovations: a Seikosha-MXL shutter, using the light-value system, and a new amber coating for the lens.[18] When closed, the IIIL has the same dimensions as the II, and weighs 600g.[19]

The Pearl III was succeeded in December 1958 by the Pearl IV, which is a radical redesign of the original concept.

Notes

  1. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says March 1949, while Tanimura, "Pāru II", says April 1949. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl was tested in the August 1949 issues of Ars Camera and Kōga Gekkan.
  2. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.60. For this and subsequent models: Konika-Minoruta-ten, p.8.
  3. ↑ Tanimura, "Pāru II", and Miyazaki, p.128, both say October 1950. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II are mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of Asahi Camera. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951.
  4. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–1; Uchida, "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku.
  5. ↑ Advertisement for the Pearl RS and Pearl II published in the January 1951 issue of Camera Fan, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.160.
  6. ↑ Miyazaki, p.128, says that the Pearl II and Pearl RS were released in October 1950, but gives January 1951 for the Pearl II on p.183. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II were mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of Asahi Camera. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. It is reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.160, and shows a price for the Pearl RS but not for the Pearl II. Uchida, "Konpakuto na Pāru RS", says that the Pearl II was released in 1951, the year after the Pearl RS.
  7. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1952. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the f/3.5 lens is first advertised in the November 1952 issue of Asahi Camera.
  8. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61; Tanimura, "Pāru II."
  9. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1955. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl IIB was reviewed in the issues dated July or August 1955 of many Japanese magazines. The first advertisements are dated August 1955.
  10. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61.
  11. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says December 1955. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.395, says that the first mention in Japanese magazines was in January 1951 issues.
  12. ↑ Sugiyama, p.76; Yazawa, p.13 of Camera Collectors' News no.254.
  13. ↑ Miyazaki, Konika kamera no 50nen, p.129 (the source for examples with Konitor lenses); Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61. All Konitor lenses have three elements, see Yazawa in Camera Collectors' News no.254.
  14. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the May 1956 issue of Camera Mainichi.
  15. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.
  16. ↑ Miyazaki, p.131.
  17. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the June 1957 issue of Nippon Camera.
  18. ↑ Miyazaki, Konika kamera no 50nen, p.129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.
  19. ↑ Kawamata, p.98.

Sources and further reading

  • 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 676–9 and 1440–42. (See also the picture on p.20.)
  • Iwama Tomohisa (岩間倶久). Atarashii Pāru no tsukaikata (新しいパールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico, 1956.
  • Kawamata Masataku (川又正卓). "Konishiroku Pāru III" (小西六パールIII, Konishiroku Pearl III). Supuringu kamera de ikō: Zen 69 kishu no tsukaikata to jissha sakurei (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の使い方と実写作例, Let's try spring cameras: The use of and actual examples from 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4879560723 Pp.98–9. About the Pearl IIIL.
  • Konika-Minoruta-ten (コニカミノルタ展, Konica Minolta exhibition). Exhibition catalogue. Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 2005.
  • 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.10, September 1987. No ISBN number. Konishiroku kamera no rekishi (小西六カメラの歴史, special issue on Konishiroku).
  • 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.67–8, 74 and 92.
  • 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.544.
  • Miki Akira (三木旺). Pāru no tsukaikata (パールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico.
  • Miyazaki Shigemoto (宮崎繁幹). Konika kamera no 50nen: Konika I-gata kara Hekisā RF e (コニカカメラの50年：コニカI型からヘキサーRFへ, Fifty years of Konica cameras: From the Konica I to the Hexar RF). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 2003. ISBN 4-257-12038-X.
  • 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.18.
  • 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. P.76.
  • Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku" (日本のスプリングカメラ Konishiroku, The spring cameras of Japan: Konishiroku). 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.8, September 1986. No ISBN number. Supuringu kamera (スプリングカメラ, special issue on spring cameras). Pp.58–61.
  • Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Dentō aru kyorikei-rendō semi-han supuringu kamera Pāru II" (伝統ある距離計連動セミ判スプリングカメラ：パールII, A coupled-rangefinder 4.5×6 spring camera with tradition: The Pearl II). 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.35, November 1995. Nihon no kamera 50nen (日本のカメラ50年, special issue on 50 years of Japanese cameras). P.63.
  • Uchida Yasuo (内田康男). "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku ni osamatta sangaku-shashin: Konpakuto na Pāru RS" (ヘキサー75mmの視角に収まった山岳写真: コンパクトなパールRS, Mountain photography from the perspective of a 75mm Hexar: The compact Pearl RS). 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.76, June 2005. ISBN 4-257-13078-4. Kurashikku kamera katachi to kinō 'supuringu kamera hen' (クラシックカメラ形と機能「スプリングカメラ編」, special issue on spring cameras). Pp.32–5.
  • Yazawa Seiichirō (矢沢征一郎). "Renzu no hanashi (164) Konitā" (レンズの話[164]コニター, Lens story [164] Konitor). In Camera Collectors' News no.254 (August 1998). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.13–6. (On the outsourcing of the auto-stop mechanism of the Pearl III to Aram.)

Links

In English:

In Japanese:

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