Difference between revisions of "Pearl (for plates and rollfilm)"

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(more analysis)
(major reword, beginning to untangle the evolution of the camera line)
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All the models are vertical folders, and none is self-erecting: the front standard has to be pulled out manually after the folding bed is opened. They have a mixed construction, with a wooden main body and a folding bed made of metal. All the cameras have focusing rails, a distance scale on the photographer's left and a leather handle at the top. The back is detachable as a whole for film loading; its center part contains a single uncovered red window, and can be replaced by a ground glass holder or plate holders. The film spools are loaded in removable metal inserts, complete with film rollers. The name ''The Pearl'' is inscribed on a round nameplate attached to the photographer's left, except perhaps on the earliest cameras (see below).
 
All the models are vertical folders, and none is self-erecting: the front standard has to be pulled out manually after the folding bed is opened. They have a mixed construction, with a wooden main body and a folding bed made of metal. All the cameras have focusing rails, a distance scale on the photographer's left and a leather handle at the top. The back is detachable as a whole for film loading; its center part contains a single uncovered red window, and can be replaced by a ground glass holder or plate holders. The film spools are loaded in removable metal inserts, complete with film rollers. The name ''The Pearl'' is inscribed on a round nameplate attached to the photographer's left, except perhaps on the earliest cameras (see below).
  
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== The Pearl Hand Camera No.3 and No.4 ==
+
== Evolution summary ==
 +
The history of these Pearl cameras is long and complex, and the available data is scarce and sometimes confuse. This section first gives a short summary of the evolution of the camera line; the various models will be presented in detail further below. The following reconstitution is plausible and does not contradict the available data, but it is not confirmed and is probably oversimplified:
 +
# The '''first generation''' body, sold from 1909, has the advance knob at the bottom right (as seen by the photographer), a ''PEARL'' nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, a rectangular folding bed and straight struts. It was only sold in {{tefuda}}-size, under the names "Pearl Hand Camera No.3" (with single extension bellows and simple vertical movements) and "Pearl Hand Camera No.4" (with double extension bellows and geared vertical movements). A single surviving example has been observed (item 1107 of {{SUG}}).
 +
# The '''second generation''' body has a newer folding bed with an arched top, and slightly different struts. It still has the advance knob at the bottom right and the ''PEARL'' nameplate on the front standard. On the models with double extension bellows, the folding bed has a cut-out to allow the movement of the standing leg, which is attached to the focusing tray. The second generation body was perhaps first announced in 1911 as the "Minimum Pearl" in {{tefuda}}-size, but this name quickly disappeared, and the camera's official name evolved at some time from "Pearl Hand Camera No.3" or "No.4" to "Pearl No.3" or "No.4"; the camera was also sold under the name "Pearl Kodak" by at least one distributor. The {{hagaki}}-size models appeared around 1914 with this body type. A single surviving example is known, in {{tefuda}}-size, identified as a "Minimum Pearl" in an article in {{CCN}}.
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# The '''third generation''' body has the advance key at the top left, no nameplate on the front standard, and a rectangular folding bed again. At some time, the thin struts were replaced by wider parts. This body exists with single or double extension bellows, but does not seem to exist in {{hagaki}}-size. It was perhaps offered from the mid-1910s as a cheaper alternative to the Special Pearl, and apparently survived until the release of the [[Pearl No.2]] in 1923.
 +
# The '''Special Pearl''', released in 1913, has a completely different front standard built around a U-shaped metal part. Sometimes but not always, it has a Newton finder added to the side. The {{tefuda}} and {{hagaki}}-size models markedly differ by the shape of the lensboard and the position of the [[brilliant finder]]: to the side on the smaller camera, at the middle on the larger one.
 +
 
 +
== The first generation: Pearl Hand Camera No.3 and No.4 ==
 
The original model was released by Konishi Honten in January 1909<REF> Release date: chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10 (this document mentions postcard size by mistake); this is repeated in Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine, and in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371012&APage=2 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology. The date is simply given as 1909 in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> as the '''Pearl Hand Camera''' (パール手提暗函).<REF> The phrase ''tesage anbako'' (手提暗函) is rendered as "Hand Camera" in the [[Konica|Konishi]] catalogue dated December 1911. In modern sources, it is often translated as "Portable Camera" and the camera called "Pearl Portable". The Japanese word ''anbako'' literally means "dark box"; it was modeled after "camera obscura" and was used for cameras until around the 1910s. </REF> It was a copy of the No.3 Folding Pocket Kodak, but for {{tefuda}} (3¼×4¼ in.) format plates as well as 118 film.<REF> Copy of the No.3 Folding Pocket Kodak: Lewis, p.33. </REF>
 
The original model was released by Konishi Honten in January 1909<REF> Release date: chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10 (this document mentions postcard size by mistake); this is repeated in Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine, and in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371012&APage=2 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology. The date is simply given as 1909 in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> as the '''Pearl Hand Camera''' (パール手提暗函).<REF> The phrase ''tesage anbako'' (手提暗函) is rendered as "Hand Camera" in the [[Konica|Konishi]] catalogue dated December 1911. In modern sources, it is often translated as "Portable Camera" and the camera called "Pearl Portable". The Japanese word ''anbako'' literally means "dark box"; it was modeled after "camera obscura" and was used for cameras until around the 1910s. </REF> It was a copy of the No.3 Folding Pocket Kodak, but for {{tefuda}} (3¼×4¼ in.) format plates as well as 118 film.<REF> Copy of the No.3 Folding Pocket Kodak: Lewis, p.33. </REF>
  
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At least one surviving example of the No.3 is known with the advance key at the bottom right and the older folding struts; it has a ''PEARL'' nameplate at the base of the front standard and it is perhaps missing the round nameplate on the side.<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1107 (where it is called "The Pearl III"). </REF> Its lens is a [[Bausch & Lomb]] Rapid Rectilinear f/8 and its shutter only has T, B, I settings.
 
At least one surviving example of the No.3 is known with the advance key at the bottom right and the older folding struts; it has a ''PEARL'' nameplate at the base of the front standard and it is perhaps missing the round nameplate on the side.<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 1107 (where it is called "The Pearl III"). </REF> Its lens is a [[Bausch & Lomb]] Rapid Rectilinear f/8 and its shutter only has T, B, I settings.
  
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== The Minimum Pearl ==
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== The second generation ==
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The '''Minimum Pearl''' (ミニマムパール) was announced in March 1911.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10; and Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine. </REF> One source says that it was a "smaller, improved version of the 1909 Pearl [Hand Camera]", introduced together with the [[Minimum Idea]].<REF> Lewis, p.21. </REF> A single picture is known, certainly reproduced from an original advertisement; it shows some differences from the Pearl No.4 but it is not good enough to elaborate further.<REF> Picture reproduced in Kikuoka, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> No surviving example has been clearly identified as a Minimum Pearl. Kikuoka mentions a camera owned in the 1980s by the [[Konica]] company which has some similarity with the original picture.<REF> Kikuoka, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> Andō shows a Pearl camera with unusual features in an article in {{CCN}}, guessing that it corresponds to the Minimum Pearl.<REF> Andō, in {{CCN}} no.150. </REF> The latter camera takes 8×10.5cm pictures, has a [[Rodenstock]] Extra Aplanat f/7.7 elns and a [[Pronto]] shutter. Its body exactly corresponds to an illustration in ''Shashin Geppō'' November 1914, supposedly showing a {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 (see the description below), and nothing is yet clearly understood.<REF> Illustration reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
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Some Pearl cameras are distinguished by a different folding bed with an arched end. These retain some early features, such as the ''PEARL'' nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, and the advance key at the bottom right. These are arbitrarily grouped together in this section, as "second generation" cameras.
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 +
=== The Minimum Pearl ===
 +
The '''Minimum Pearl''' (ミニマムパール) was announced in March 1911.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10; and Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine. </REF> One source says that it was a "smaller, improved version of the 1909 Pearl [Hand Camera]", introduced together with the [[Minimum Idea]].<REF> Lewis, p.21. </REF> This model was reportedly advertised in ''Shashin Geppō'', but this original advertisement has not yet been observed.<REF> ''Shashin Geppō'' is mentioned as a source in the table in Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF>
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 +
No surviving camera has been clearly identified as a Minimum Pearl. The article by Kikuoka in {{KKS}} no.10 mentions a camera owned in the 1980s by the [[Konica]] company which is said to have some similarity with the original illustration.<REF> Kikuoka, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It also displays a small reproduction of a picture, which might show this surviving camera; this reproduction is too bad to elaborate further.<REF> Picture in Kikuoka, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF>
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 +
An article by Andō in {{CCN}} shows a surviving Pearl camera, and says that it might correspond to the Minimum Pearl. Its identification is nonetheless unsure.
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 +
A plausible interpretation is that the name "Minimum Pearl" was initially adopted for the newer "second generation" Pearl body, then the name was abandoned for some reason, perhaps because it was illogical for this large and expensive camera, and conflicting with that of the small and inexpensive [[Minimum Idea]].
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 +
=== Advertisement for a "Pearl Kodak" ===
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Mention of a "Pearl Kodak" (パール、コダック) is found in an original advertisement or catalogue.<REF> [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearlkodak.htm Advertisement] reproduced at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha. </REF> This document was probably not published by the [[Konica|Konishi]] company, and the name "Pearl Kodak" was probably crafted by the distributor.
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 +
The illustration shows a camera with the arched folding bed, the ''PEARL'' nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, and the film advance knob at the bottom right. The bellows have single extension, and the front standard is the same as on the Pearl Hand Camera No.3.
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 +
The text of the advertisement says that "the Pearl is a copy of the 'Eastman Kodak No.3', made from imported materials and assembled in Japan";<REF> From the advertisement: パールは舶来の材料を以て内地に於て造りたるイーストマンコダック三號の模造品なり. </REF> it does not mention Konishi at all. Three versions are offered, all in {{tefuda}}-size, along with some accessories:<REF> ''Kō'' (甲), ''otsu'' (乙), ''hei'' (丙) are the three first characters of a sequence used to count from one to ten. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestial_stem this Wikipedia page]. </REF>
 +
* "Kō" (甲), ¥25.50;
 +
* "Otsu" (乙), with a Symmetrical lens and Auto shutter, ¥40;
 +
* "Hei" (丙), with an Extra Aplanat lens and [[Compound]] shutter, ¥56;
 +
* case, ¥3;
 +
* ground glass holder and three double-sided plate holders, ¥4.10;
 +
* case for the plate holders, ¥2.
 +
The model names "Kō", "Otsu", "Hei" were probably not officially given by [[Konica|Konishi]], and were probably crafted by the distributor too.
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 +
=== Early {{hagaki}}-size Pearl ===
 +
The Pearl No.3 was reportedly released in November 1914 in a larger {{hagaki}}-size (i.e. postcard-size) version, and the Pearl No.4 reportedly followed in November 1915.<REF> Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> They take 8×14cm pictures on 122 film or 8×10.5cm pictures on glass plates.<REF> The {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 is said to take 8×10.5cm glass plates or 8×14cm pictures on rollfilm in {{SUG}}, item 1110, where it is called "The Pearl (Meiji 44)". Film type is mentioned as 118 film by mistake, and this is repeated in {{MK}}, p.543, for the "Pearl (1911)". </REF> (These models appeared after the {{hagaki}}-size Special Pearl, see below.)
 +
 
 +
The earliest known advertisement for the {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 is in ''Shashin Geppō'' November 1914.<REF> [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearlhagaki.htm Advertisement] reproduced at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha. The illustration is also reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm this page] of the same website. </REF> It offers the camera for {{yen|38|1914}} with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens and a Singlo shutter; a set containing the ground glass holder and three double-sided plate holders is listed separated for ¥6, the camera case is at ¥3.20 and the case for the plate holders is at ¥2.
 +
 
 +
The advertisement shows an illustration of a Pearl camera with the arched folding bed, the ''PEARL'' nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, and the film advance knob at the bottom right. It has double extension bellows and vertical movements controlled by two small wheels, features which are supposed to be specific of the Pearl No.4. The folding bed has a cut-out to accommodate the standing leg, which certainly moves together with the focusing tray. The overall proportions are the same as on the {{tefuda}}-size surviving example mentioned below, and the illustration was perhaps mismatched in the original advertisement.
 +
 
 +
The surviving camera presented as a {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 in {{SUG}} and in Kikuoka's article probably corresponds to a Special Pearl instead, without the Newton finder (see below).<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10, and in {{SUG}}, item 1110 (this is certainly the same). </REF>
 +
 
 +
=== Surviving example ===
 +
The surviving example pictured in the article by Andō in {{CCN}} mentioned above is very similar to the illustration of the {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 in ''Shashin Geppō'' November 1914. The camera takes {{tefuda}}-size pictures, has double extension bellows, a [[Rodenstock]] Extra Aplanat f/7.7 lens and a [[Pronto]] shutter. This is the only surviving example of the "second generation" Pearl observed so far; its identification as a Minimum Pearl is unsure, and it might correspond to a Pearl No.4 instead.
  
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== The Pearl No.3 and No.4 in {{tefuda}} size ==
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== Third generation: {{tefuda}}-size Pearl No.3 and No.4 ==
−
The model name was simplified to '''Pearl No.3''' (パール3号) and '''No.4''' (4号) at some time. The camera was modified at about the same time, as indicated by an illustration of an original advertisement.<REF> Illustration reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], showing the 1914 {{tefuda}}-size Pearl No.3. </REF> The film running direction was switched, and the advance key was accordingly moved to the top left. The folding struts were also replaced by thinner arched struts. A third, wider type of folding struts is known on some surviving examples. (These second and third types are similar to the struts observed on the [[Lily (original)|original Lily]].)
+
The {{tefuda}}-size model was certainly modified again around 1914, and was sold as the '''Pearl No.3''' (パール3号) and '''No.4''' (4号). The new features are visible in an illustration dated 1914.<REF> Illustration reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], showing the 1914 {{tefuda}}-size Pearl No.3. </REF> The film running direction was switched, and the advance key was accordingly moved to the top left. The folding bed became rectangular again, and the ''PEARL'' nameplate disappeared from the front standard. The shape of the struts was altered: thin arched struts were initially adopted, later replaced by wider parts. (These thin and wide struts are similar to those observed on the [[Lily (original)|original Lily]].)
  
 
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The Pearl still appears in the advertisement in {{AR}} April 1922, also showing the "[[Lily (horizontal)|Lily]]" and "[[Idea A]]", with almost no detail. The illustration is laterally reversed, obviously a mistake in the advertisement. It shows a {{tefuda}}-size Pearl No.3 similar to the models of the early 1910s, but it might come from the company's illustration bank, and might not correspond to the model actually sold at the time.
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The Pearl still appears in the advertisement in {{AR}} April 1922, also showing the "[[Lily (horizontal)|Lily]]" and "[[Idea A]]", with almost no detail. The illustration is laterally reversed, obviously a mistake in the advertisement. It shows a {{tefuda}}-size Pearl No.3 with the third generation body, probably indicating that the camera was offered as a cheaper alternative to the Special Pearl until the release of the [[Pearl No.2]] in 1923.
  
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== The Pearl No.3 and No.4 in {{hagaki}} size ==
+
====
−
The Pearl No.3 was reportedly released in November 1914 in a larger {{hagaki}}-size (i.e. postcard-size) version, and the Pearl No.4 reportedly followed in November 1915.<REF> Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> They take 8×14cm pictures on 122 film or 8×10.5cm pictures on glass plates.<REF> The {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 is said to take 8×10.5cm glass plates or 8×14cm pictures on rollfilm in {{SUG}}, item 1110, where it is called "The Pearl (Meiji 44)". Film type is mentioned as 118 film by mistake, and this is repeated in {{MK}}, p.543, for the "Pearl (1911)". </REF> These models appeared after the {{hagaki}}-size Special Pearl (see below). However the data about these cameras is quite inconsistent, and it is not clear whether they were distinct from the Special Pearl.
 
  
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The original advertisement in ''Shashin Geppō'' November 1914 mentioning the {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3 shows an illustration of a Pearl camera with many unusual features.<REF> Illustration reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> It has double extension bellows and vertical movements controlled by two small wheels, features which are supposed to be specific of the Pearl No.4. The front standard is essentially the same as that of the {{tefuda}}-size Pearl No.4, and has a ''PEARL'' nameplate attached to the bottom. The most unusual feature is the shape of the folding bed, which has an arched top and a cut-out to accommodate the standing leg, certainly attached to the focusing tray. The advance key is at the bottom right. A camera exactly corresponding to that illustration and taking 8×10.5cm pictures was presented by Andō in {{CCN}} as a Minimum Pearl (see above).<REF> Andō, in {{CCN}} no.150. </REF> The many problems raised by that illustration perhaps indicate that it was mismatched in the original advertisement.
 
  
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At least one surviving camera is presented in Kikuoka as a {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3.<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10, and in {{SUG}}, item 1110 (this is certainly the same). </REF> Its lens is an Idea Anastigmat f/7.5 lens and its shutter is a Victo (T, B, 10–100). It is very similar to the {{hagaki}}-size Special Pearl, notably having the newer front standard, the [[brilliant finder]] in the middle and the film advance key to the photographer's right (see below). The camera actually differs from the Special Pearl only by the absence of the Newton finder, but it is currently unclear whether this was truly a distinguishing feature between a "Special Pearl" and a regular "Pearl", or if all the name "Special Pearl" was gradually adopted for the whole range at some time.
 
  
 
== The Special Pearl, in {{tefuda}} and {{hagaki}} size ==
 
== The Special Pearl, in {{tefuda}} and {{hagaki}} size ==
 
The '''Special Pearl''' (スペシャルパール) was reportedly released in May 1913.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10; this is repeated in Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine. The date is simply given as 1913 in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> It simultaneously appeared in {{tefuda}}-size (8×10.5cm) for 118 film and in {{hagaki}}-size (8×14cm) for 122 film; it seems that both versions take {{tefuda}}-size plates only.<REF> The {{hagaki}}-size Special Pearl is said to take 8×10.5cm glass plates or 8×14cm pictures on rollfilm in {{SUG}}, item 1109 (film type is mentioned as 101 film by mistake). </REF>
 
The '''Special Pearl''' (スペシャルパール) was reportedly released in May 1913.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10; this is repeated in Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine. The date is simply given as 1913 in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> It simultaneously appeared in {{tefuda}}-size (8×10.5cm) for 118 film and in {{hagaki}}-size (8×14cm) for 122 film; it seems that both versions take {{tefuda}}-size plates only.<REF> The {{hagaki}}-size Special Pearl is said to take 8×10.5cm glass plates or 8×14cm pictures on rollfilm in {{SUG}}, item 1109 (film type is mentioned as 101 film by mistake). </REF>
  
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The exact distinguishing feature of the Special Pearl is unclear; as said above, it is not unlikely that the whole "Pearl" range was called "Special Pearl" at some time. Some sources say that the Special Pearl adds a folding Newton finder on the side;<REF> Kikuoka, pp.24–5 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> however some advertisements for the Special Pearl show a camera without this feature.<REF> Advertisements dated November 1918 (in ''Shashin no Shumi'') and February 1922 (in ''Shashin Geppō'') reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/specialpearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> The apparition of the Special Pearl actually seems to correspond to the adoption of a newer front standard, going together with a larger focusing wheel and revised focusing mechanism on the double extension models. (Similar features are found on the [[Lily (horizontal)|Lily No.2]].) The front standard is built around a U-shaped metal part, with vertical and horizontal movement ability. The [[brilliant finder]] is perched on the photographer's left on the {{tefuda}} model whereas it is attached to the middle of the lensboard on the {{hagaki}} model. The advance key is at the top left on the smaller model, and on the right on the larger one.
+
The exact distinguishing feature of the Special Pearl is unclear. Some sources say that the Special Pearl adds a folding Newton finder on the side;<REF> Kikuoka, pp.24–5 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> however some advertisements for the Special Pearl show a camera lacking this feature.<REF> Advertisements dated November 1918 (in ''Shashin no Shumi'') and February 1922 (in ''Shashin Geppō'') reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/specialpearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> It actually seems that the apparition of the Special Pearl corresponds to the adoption of a newer front standard, going together with a larger focusing wheel and revised focusing mechanism on the double extension models. (Similar features are found on the [[Lily (horizontal)|Lily No.2]].) The front standard is built around a U-shaped metal part, with vertical and horizontal movement ability. The [[brilliant finder]] is perched on the photographer's left on the {{tefuda}} model whereas it is attached to the middle of the lensboard on the {{hagaki}} model. The advance key is at the top left on the smaller model, and on the right on the larger one.
  
 
An advertisement dated November 1918 says nothing of the lens and shutter options, and gives the following prices:<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/specialpearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
 
An advertisement dated November 1918 says nothing of the lens and shutter options, and gives the following prices:<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/specialpearl.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
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One source also mentions a Deltas f/6.8 lens for the {{tefuda}}-size model.<REF> Lewis, p.33. </REF>
 
One source also mentions a Deltas f/6.8 lens for the {{tefuda}}-size model.<REF> Lewis, p.33. </REF>
  
−
At least two surviving examples of the Special Pearl are known in {{tefuda}}-size; one has an Auto shutter (T, B, 100–1) and the same hooded [[brilliant finder]] with bubble level as the regular Pearl No.3, the other has a Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10) and a smaller brilliant finder with no bubble level.<REF> Examples pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> Another camera is known in {{hagaki}}-size, with an Ilex Anastigmat f/6.3 lens and an Acme shutter (T, B, 1–300).<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.10, and in {{SUG}}, item 1109 (this is certainly the same). </REF>
+
At least two surviving examples of the Special Pearl are known in {{tefuda}}-size; one has an Auto shutter (T, B, 100–1) and the same hooded [[brilliant finder]] with bubble level as the regular Pearl No.3, the other has a Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10) and a smaller brilliant finder with no bubble level.<REF> Examples pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF>
 +
 
 +
One camera is known in {{hagaki}}-size, with a Newton finder, an Ilex Anastigmat f/6.3 lens and an Acme shutter (T, B, 1–300).<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.24 of {{KKS}} no.10, and in {{SUG}}, item 1109 (this is certainly the same). </REF> Another {{hagaki}}-size camera is known with an Idea Anastigmat f/7.5 lens and a Victo shutter (T, B, 10–100).<REF> Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of {{KKS}} no.10, and in {{SUG}}, item 1110 (this is certainly the same). </REF> It does not have the Newton finder, and is therefore presented in Kikuoka as a {{hagaki}}-size Pearl No.3. However it is otherwise similar to the other {{hagaki}}-size camera, and probably corresponds to a Special Pearl too.
  
 
== The Pearl No.3 in {{meishi}} size ==
 
== The Pearl No.3 in {{meishi}} size ==
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** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm Pearl cameras]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl.htm Pearl cameras]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl42nen.htm Advertisements for the Pearl Hand Camera]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl42nen.htm Advertisements for the Pearl Hand Camera]
 +
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearlhagaki.htm Advertisement for the hagaki-size Pearl No.3]
 +
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearlkodak.htm Advertisement for the "Pearl Kodak"]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/specialpearl.htm Advertisements for the Special Pearl]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/specialpearl.htm Advertisements for the Special Pearl]
−
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearlkodak.htm Advertisement for the "Pearl Kodak"]
 
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl000s.htm Pearl Hand Camera] in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm camera list]
 
** [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/pearl000s.htm Pearl Hand Camera] in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm camera list]
 
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371012&APage=2 Pearl Hand Camera] in the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/set_brws_01.php?id=1033 Camera database] of the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/ Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology]
 
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371012&APage=2 Pearl Hand Camera] in the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/set_brws_01.php?id=1033 Camera database] of the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/ Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology]

Revision as of 18:45, 14 July 2008

342695521_7041656b00_m_d.jpg
Picture courtesy of eBayer stan7623. (Image rights)
Japanese plate cameras, folding bed (edit)
No.0 (4×5cm) Alpha | Sweet | Pony Sweet | Taishō-shiki
atom (4.5×6cm) Monarch | Need | Palma
meishi (5.5×8cm) Eagle | Idea A | Idea B | Idea Snap | Idea No.1 | Iris | Lily (horizontal) | Pearl No.3 | Special Camera | Venis | X
daimeishi (6.5×9cm) Apollo | Arcadia | Crite | Special East | Eaton | Elliotte | First | First Etui | Gold | Happy | Hope | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Kinka | Kokka | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Tropical Lily | Lloyd | Lomax | Masnette | Mikuni | Need | Nifca Klapp | Nifca Sport | Ohca | Palma | Peter | Prince | Prince Peerless | Proud | Romax | Rosen | Rubies | Sirius | Sun | Super | Tokiwa | Venus | Weha Idea | Weha Light
tefuda (8×10.5cm) Eagle | Idea A | Idea B | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Iris | Lily (original) | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Palma | Pearl No.3, No.4 | Minimum Pearl | Special Pearl | Sakura Palace | Sakura Pocket Prano | Star | Tokiwa | Weha
nimaigake (8×12cm) Eagle | Idea | Idea Binocular | Sakura Prano | Sakura Binocular Prano | Star Premo
hagaki (8×14cm) Eagle | Noble | Pearl No.3, No.4 | Star
kabine (12×16.5cm) Idea | Noble | Sakura Prano | Star Premo
Japanese plate film: monocular, box, strut-folding and SLR ->
3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->
Japanese older 6×9 (edit)
folding First Center | First Roll | Kinka Roll | Lyra (6×9) | Pearl No.3 | Pearl No.2 | Year-Eight Pearl | Reex | Royal Junior
box Dox | Sakura (box)
3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and plate ->
Modern 6×9 RF and SLR ->

The name Pearl (パール) was given by Konishi Honten and Konishiroku Honten (the later Konica) to many models of rollfilm folders.[1] This article deals with the early models taking both film plates and rollfilm.

See also the Pearl No.2, the self-erecting 6×9 Pearl, the 4.5×6 Pearl; and, for 127 film, the Baby Pearl and Pearlette.

Common features

All the models are vertical folders, and none is self-erecting: the front standard has to be pulled out manually after the folding bed is opened. They have a mixed construction, with a wooden main body and a folding bed made of metal. All the cameras have focusing rails, a distance scale on the photographer's left and a leather handle at the top. The back is detachable as a whole for film loading; its center part contains a single uncovered red window, and can be replaced by a ground glass holder or plate holders. The film spools are loaded in removable metal inserts, complete with film rollers. The name The Pearl is inscribed on a round nameplate attached to the photographer's left, except perhaps on the earliest cameras (see below).

Evolution summary

The history of these Pearl cameras is long and complex, and the available data is scarce and sometimes confuse. This section first gives a short summary of the evolution of the camera line; the various models will be presented in detail further below. The following reconstitution is plausible and does not contradict the available data, but it is not confirmed and is probably oversimplified:

  1. The first generation body, sold from 1909, has the advance knob at the bottom right (as seen by the photographer), a PEARL nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, a rectangular folding bed and straight struts. It was only sold in tefuda-size, under the names "Pearl Hand Camera No.3" (with single extension bellows and simple vertical movements) and "Pearl Hand Camera No.4" (with double extension bellows and geared vertical movements). A single surviving example has been observed (item 1107 of Sugiyama).
  2. The second generation body has a newer folding bed with an arched top, and slightly different struts. It still has the advance knob at the bottom right and the PEARL nameplate on the front standard. On the models with double extension bellows, the folding bed has a cut-out to allow the movement of the standing leg, which is attached to the focusing tray. The second generation body was perhaps first announced in 1911 as the "Minimum Pearl" in tefuda-size, but this name quickly disappeared, and the camera's official name evolved at some time from "Pearl Hand Camera No.3" or "No.4" to "Pearl No.3" or "No.4"; the camera was also sold under the name "Pearl Kodak" by at least one distributor. The hagaki-size models appeared around 1914 with this body type. A single surviving example is known, in tefuda-size, identified as a "Minimum Pearl" in an article in Camera Collectors' News.
  3. The third generation body has the advance key at the top left, no nameplate on the front standard, and a rectangular folding bed again. At some time, the thin struts were replaced by wider parts. This body exists with single or double extension bellows, but does not seem to exist in hagaki-size. It was perhaps offered from the mid-1910s as a cheaper alternative to the Special Pearl, and apparently survived until the release of the Pearl No.2 in 1923.
  4. The Special Pearl, released in 1913, has a completely different front standard built around a U-shaped metal part. Sometimes but not always, it has a Newton finder added to the side. The tefuda and hagaki-size models markedly differ by the shape of the lensboard and the position of the brilliant finder: to the side on the smaller camera, at the middle on the larger one.

The first generation: Pearl Hand Camera No.3 and No.4

The original model was released by Konishi Honten in January 1909[2] as the Pearl Hand Camera (パール手提暗函).[3] It was a copy of the No.3 Folding Pocket Kodak, but for tefuda (3¼×4¼ in.) format plates as well as 118 film.[4]

The front standard is similar to that of the original Lily Hand Camera. It mainly consists of two cylindrical masts, and allows horizontal and vertical movements. A hooded brilliant finder is perched atop the left-hand mast, and a bubble level is attached to it; the camera has no other viewfinder.

The camera exists in two models, the No.3 (3号) and No.4 (4号). The Pearl No.3 and No.4 cameras made a few years later differ by the bellows extension and by the vertical movement mechanism; it is supposed that these features distinguished the two models from the start. The No.3 have single extension bellows and the No.4 have double extension bellows driven by a wheel on the photographer's right. For vertical movements, the No.4 have rack-and-pinion assemblies on each side of the front standard, driven by two small wheels, whereas the No.3 have smooth masts and a single arresting screw on the left-hand mast — as seen from the front. As a consequence, the No.4 looks very much like an original Lily with a removable back and spool compartments added at both ends.

An advertisement probably dated 1909 shows an illustration of the Pearl Hand Camera No.3 with three plate holders, the ground glass holder and the rollfilm back.[5] The pictured camera has the film advance key at the bottom right, as seen by the photographer, and has straight struts for the folding bed. The following versions are listed:[6]

  • No.3, Symmetrical lens, Simplex shutter, ¥40;
  • No.4, Symmetrical lens, Auto shutter, ¥48;
  • No.4, Carl Zeiss Tessar Ser.IIIa No.1 lens (f/9),[7] Auto shutter, ¥93;
  • No.4, Carl Zeiss Tessar Ser.IIb No.4 lens (135/6.3),[7] ¥135.

The case was available for ¥3 extra.

The December 1911 catalogue by Konishi Honten shows the same illustration, and lists the following versions:[8]

  • No.3, Rapid Rectilinear lens, Simplex shutter, ¥28;
  • No.4, Symmetrical lens, Auto shutter, ¥43;
  • No.4, Extra Aplanat lens, Compound shutter, ¥60;
  • No.4, Carl Zeiss Tessar Ser.IIb No.4 lens (135/6.3),[7] ¥115.

All the prices are given for the rollfilm camera alone. The set of three double-sided plate holders and one ground glass holder was sold separately, for ¥4.50, and a case was available for ¥3 extra. Other lens and shutter options were certainly available, at the customer's request.

At least one surviving example of the No.3 is known with the advance key at the bottom right and the older folding struts; it has a PEARL nameplate at the base of the front standard and it is perhaps missing the round nameplate on the side.[9] Its lens is a Bausch & Lomb Rapid Rectilinear f/8 and its shutter only has T, B, I settings.

The second generation

Some Pearl cameras are distinguished by a different folding bed with an arched end. These retain some early features, such as the PEARL nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, and the advance key at the bottom right. These are arbitrarily grouped together in this section, as "second generation" cameras.

The Minimum Pearl

The Minimum Pearl (ミニマムパール) was announced in March 1911.[10] One source says that it was a "smaller, improved version of the 1909 Pearl [Hand Camera]", introduced together with the Minimum Idea.[11] This model was reportedly advertised in Shashin Geppō, but this original advertisement has not yet been observed.[12]

No surviving camera has been clearly identified as a Minimum Pearl. The article by Kikuoka in Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10 mentions a camera owned in the 1980s by the Konica company which is said to have some similarity with the original illustration.[13] It also displays a small reproduction of a picture, which might show this surviving camera; this reproduction is too bad to elaborate further.[14]

An article by Andō in Camera Collectors' News shows a surviving Pearl camera, and says that it might correspond to the Minimum Pearl. Its identification is nonetheless unsure.

A plausible interpretation is that the name "Minimum Pearl" was initially adopted for the newer "second generation" Pearl body, then the name was abandoned for some reason, perhaps because it was illogical for this large and expensive camera, and conflicting with that of the small and inexpensive Minimum Idea.

Mention of a "Pearl Kodak" (パール、コダック) is found in an original advertisement or catalogue.[15] This document was probably not published by the Konishi company, and the name "Pearl Kodak" was probably crafted by the distributor.

The illustration shows a camera with the arched folding bed, the PEARL nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, and the film advance knob at the bottom right. The bellows have single extension, and the front standard is the same as on the Pearl Hand Camera No.3.

The text of the advertisement says that "the Pearl is a copy of the 'Eastman Kodak No.3', made from imported materials and assembled in Japan";[16] it does not mention Konishi at all. Three versions are offered, all in tefuda-size, along with some accessories:[17]

  • "Kō" (甲), ¥25.50;
  • "Otsu" (乙), with a Symmetrical lens and Auto shutter, ¥40;
  • "Hei" (丙), with an Extra Aplanat lens and Compound shutter, ¥56;
  • case, ¥3;
  • ground glass holder and three double-sided plate holders, ¥4.10;
  • case for the plate holders, ¥2.

The model names "Kō", "Otsu", "Hei" were probably not officially given by Konishi, and were probably crafted by the distributor too.

Early hagaki-size Pearl

The Pearl No.3 was reportedly released in November 1914 in a larger hagaki-size (i.e. postcard-size) version, and the Pearl No.4 reportedly followed in November 1915.[18] They take 8×14cm pictures on 122 film or 8×10.5cm pictures on glass plates.[19] (These models appeared after the hagaki-size Special Pearl, see below.)

The earliest known advertisement for the hagaki-size Pearl No.3 is in Shashin Geppō November 1914.[20] It offers the camera for ¥38 with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens and a Singlo shutter; a set containing the ground glass holder and three double-sided plate holders is listed separated for ¥6, the camera case is at ¥3.20 and the case for the plate holders is at ¥2.

The advertisement shows an illustration of a Pearl camera with the arched folding bed, the PEARL nameplate at the bottom of the front standard, and the film advance knob at the bottom right. It has double extension bellows and vertical movements controlled by two small wheels, features which are supposed to be specific of the Pearl No.4. The folding bed has a cut-out to accommodate the standing leg, which certainly moves together with the focusing tray. The overall proportions are the same as on the tefuda-size surviving example mentioned below, and the illustration was perhaps mismatched in the original advertisement.

The surviving camera presented as a hagaki-size Pearl No.3 in Sugiyama and in Kikuoka's article probably corresponds to a Special Pearl instead, without the Newton finder (see below).[21]

Surviving example

The surviving example pictured in the article by Andō in Camera Collectors' News mentioned above is very similar to the illustration of the hagaki-size Pearl No.3 in Shashin Geppō November 1914. The camera takes tefuda-size pictures, has double extension bellows, a Rodenstock Extra Aplanat f/7.7 lens and a Pronto shutter. This is the only surviving example of the "second generation" Pearl observed so far; its identification as a Minimum Pearl is unsure, and it might correspond to a Pearl No.4 instead.

Third generation: tefuda-size Pearl No.3 and No.4

The tefuda-size model was certainly modified again around 1914, and was sold as the Pearl No.3 (パール3号) and No.4 (4号). The new features are visible in an illustration dated 1914.[22] The film running direction was switched, and the advance key was accordingly moved to the top left. The folding bed became rectangular again, and the PEARL nameplate disappeared from the front standard. The shape of the struts was altered: thin arched struts were initially adopted, later replaced by wider parts. (These thin and wide struts are similar to those observed on the original Lily.)

342689711_e44bc8378d_t_d.jpg 342689720_5300a1750a_t_d.jpg 342689723_38517a13b7_t_d.jpg 342695513_785bee4e88_t_d.jpg
342689718_e1f41122d7_t_d.jpg 342689721_fee9a103eb_t_d.jpg 342689725_e7adb4a91b_t_d.jpg 342695518_5f72eeb4c5_t_d.jpg
Pearl No.3, tefuda-size, Wollensak Voltas f/8 lens, Gammax shutter.
Pictures courtesy of eBayer stan7623. (Image rights)

Most surviving examples belong to that period; they have been observed in the following versions:

  • No.3, simple f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10), thin struts;[23]
  • No.3, simple f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10), wide struts;[24]
  • No.3, Wollensak Voltas f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10);[25]
  • No.3, Wollensak Voltas f/8 lens, Gammax shutter (T, B, 100–10), wide struts;[26]
  • No.4, Goerz Dagor 125/6.8 lens, Kodak pneumatic shutter (T, B, 1–100), thin struts;[27]
  • No.4, Wollensak Voltas f/8 lens, Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10), wide struts;[28]
2401596396_e7bcc58e72_m_d.jpg
Advertisement in Ars Camera April 1922. (Image rights)

The Pearl still appears in the advertisement in Ars Camera April 1922, also showing the "Lily" and "Idea A", with almost no detail. The illustration is laterally reversed, obviously a mistake in the advertisement. It shows a tefuda-size Pearl No.3 with the third generation body, probably indicating that the camera was offered as a cheaper alternative to the Special Pearl until the release of the Pearl No.2 in 1923.

==

The Special Pearl, in tefuda and hagaki size

The Special Pearl (スペシャルパール) was reportedly released in May 1913.[29] It simultaneously appeared in tefuda-size (8×10.5cm) for 118 film and in hagaki-size (8×14cm) for 122 film; it seems that both versions take tefuda-size plates only.[30]

The exact distinguishing feature of the Special Pearl is unclear. Some sources say that the Special Pearl adds a folding Newton finder on the side;[31] however some advertisements for the Special Pearl show a camera lacking this feature.[32] It actually seems that the apparition of the Special Pearl corresponds to the adoption of a newer front standard, going together with a larger focusing wheel and revised focusing mechanism on the double extension models. (Similar features are found on the Lily No.2.) The front standard is built around a U-shaped metal part, with vertical and horizontal movement ability. The brilliant finder is perched on the photographer's left on the tefuda model whereas it is attached to the middle of the lensboard on the hagaki model. The advance key is at the top left on the smaller model, and on the right on the larger one.

An advertisement dated November 1918 says nothing of the lens and shutter options, and gives the following prices:[33]

tefuda-size (8×10.5cm) hagaki-size (8×14cm)
camera ¥86 ¥95
ground glass holder and three plate holders ¥6 ¥7
camera case and accessory case ¥7.80 ¥8.50

A Konishiroku price list dated 1921 and an advertisement dated February 1922 give the following ranges:[34]

tefuda-size (8×10.5cm) hagaki-size (8×14cm)
1921 Feb. 1922 1921 Feb. 1922
Wollensak Idea Anastigmat f/7.5 lens, Victo shutter ¥108 ¥121
Wollensak Velostigmat Ser.IV f/6.3 lens, Auto shutter ¥133 _ ¥149 _
Wollensak Vinco Anastigmat lens, Auto shutter _ ¥133 _ ¥140
Wollensak Velostigmat Ser.IV f/6.3 lens, Optimo shutter ¥153 _ ¥170 _
Wollensak Vinco Anastigmat lens, Optimo shutter _ ¥153 _ ¥170
Voigtländer Dynar f/6 lens, Compur shutter ¥194 _ ¥232 _
Voigtländer Collinear f/6.3 lens, Compur shutter ¥221 ¥253
Carl Zeiss Tessar Ser.IIb lens, Optimo shutter _ ¥231 _ ¥276
Goerz Dagor f/6.3 lens, Compur shutter ¥233 ¥272
ground glass holder and three double-sided wooden plate holders ¥9.50 ¥11.50
ground glass holder and six single-sided metal plate holders ¥12 _
camera case ¥6.50 ¥6.80
accessory case ¥5.50 ¥6

One source also mentions a Deltas f/6.8 lens for the tefuda-size model.[35]

At least two surviving examples of the Special Pearl are known in tefuda-size; one has an Auto shutter (T, B, 100–1) and the same hooded brilliant finder with bubble level as the regular Pearl No.3, the other has a Victo shutter (T, B, 100–10) and a smaller brilliant finder with no bubble level.[36]

One camera is known in hagaki-size, with a Newton finder, an Ilex Anastigmat f/6.3 lens and an Acme shutter (T, B, 1–300).[37] Another hagaki-size camera is known with an Idea Anastigmat f/7.5 lens and a Victo shutter (T, B, 10–100).[38] It does not have the Newton finder, and is therefore presented in Kikuoka as a hagaki-size Pearl No.3. However it is otherwise similar to the other hagaki-size camera, and probably corresponds to a Special Pearl too.

The Pearl No.3 in meishi size

The meishi-size Pearl No.3 (パール3号) was reportedly released in August 1916.[39] It takes 6×9cm exposures on 120 film, and was the first Japanese camera to use this rollfilm type; it also certainly takes 5.5×8cm glass plates. The main body is mostly a reduced version of the tefuda model. However the focusing rails allow single extension only, and the front standard, made of pressed metal and very similar to that of the meishi-size Idea A, has no movement ability. The advance knob is at the bottom right, as seen by the photographer, and the pivoting brilliant finder is offset to the left. Surviving examples are known with Victo, Deltax or Gammax shutters.[40]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Pearl" is written in roman script on most or all of these models. In Japanese, the line was and is called Pāru (i.e. the English word "Pearl" within Japanese phonology); the Japanese word for "pearl" is shinju (真珠), but this does not seem ever to have been applied to the camera. None of the cameras dealt with in this article was exported, and it is unlikely that any was either labeled or advertised with any roman script other than "Pearl" or "The Pearl". Thus the choice of names within this article is sometimes difficult.
  2. ↑ Release date: chronology from the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10 (this document mentions postcard size by mistake); this is repeated in Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine, and in this page of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology. The date is simply given as 1909 in the chronology at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  3. ↑ The phrase tesage anbako (手提暗函) is rendered as "Hand Camera" in the Konishi catalogue dated December 1911. In modern sources, it is often translated as "Portable Camera" and the camera called "Pearl Portable". The Japanese word anbako literally means "dark box"; it was modeled after "camera obscura" and was used for cameras until around the 1910s.
  4. ↑ Copy of the No.3 Folding Pocket Kodak: Lewis, p.33.
  5. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha (at the top).
  6. ↑ The same versions are listed in Tanaka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Lens features: December 1911 catalogue of Konishi Honten, pp.40–1.
  8. ↑ December 1911 catalogue of Konishi Honten, p.15. The advertisement reproduced at the bottom of this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha is very similar to the catalogue entry, and gives the same price list.
  9. ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1107 (where it is called "The Pearl III").
  10. ↑ Chronology from the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10; and Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine.
  11. ↑ Lewis, p.21.
  12. ↑ Shashin Geppō is mentioned as a source in the table in Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  13. ↑ Kikuoka, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  14. ↑ Picture in Kikuoka, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  15. ↑ Advertisement reproduced at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  16. ↑ From the advertisement: パールは舶来の材料を以て内地に於て造りたるイーストマンコダック三號の模造品なり.
  17. ↑ Kō (甲), otsu (乙), hei (丙) are the three first characters of a sequence used to count from one to ten. See this Wikipedia page.
  18. ↑ Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  19. ↑ The hagaki-size Pearl No.3 is said to take 8×10.5cm glass plates or 8×14cm pictures on rollfilm in Sugiyama, item 1110, where it is called "The Pearl (Meiji 44)". Film type is mentioned as 118 film by mistake, and this is repeated in McKeown, p.543, for the "Pearl (1911)".
  20. ↑ Advertisement reproduced at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha. The illustration is also reproduced in this page of the same website.
  21. ↑ Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and in Sugiyama, item 1110 (this is certainly the same).
  22. ↑ Illustration reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, showing the 1914 tefuda-size Pearl No.3.
  23. ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1106 (where it is called "The Pearl II" by mistake), and in this page at Neco's collection.
  24. ↑ Examples pictured in Tanaka, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and in this page at Neco's collection.
  25. ↑ Example pictured on p.26 of Camera Collectors' News no.259.
  26. ↑ Example pictured in this page.
  27. ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1108 (where it is called "The Pearl IV").
  28. ↑ Example pictured in Tanaka, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10. The lens engraving is very similar to that of the camera pictured in this page; this is why it is most certainly a Voltas.
  29. ↑ Chronology from the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10; this is repeated in Kikuoka, p.24 of the same magazine. The date is simply given as 1913 in the chronology at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  30. ↑ The hagaki-size Special Pearl is said to take 8×10.5cm glass plates or 8×14cm pictures on rollfilm in Sugiyama, item 1109 (film type is mentioned as 101 film by mistake).
  31. ↑ Kikuoka, pp.24–5 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  32. ↑ Advertisements dated November 1918 (in Shashin no Shumi) and February 1922 (in Shashin Geppō) reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  33. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  34. ↑ Documents reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  35. ↑ Lewis, p.33.
  36. ↑ Examples pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  37. ↑ Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.24 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and in Sugiyama, item 1109 (this is certainly the same).
  38. ↑ Example pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and in Sugiyama, item 1110 (this is certainly the same).
  39. ↑ Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  40. ↑ Victo: example pictured in this page of Neco's collection. Deltax: example pictured in this page of the same website. Gammax: example pictured in Kikuoka, p.25 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.

Sources and further reading

Links

In Japanese:


Konishiroku prewar and wartime cameras (edit)
plate hand cameras stereo hand cameras strut folders box telephoto SLR
Idea (original) | Idea A | Idea B | Idea Snap | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Lily (original) | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Tropical Lily | Noble | Ohca | Sakura Palace | Sakura Pocket Prano | Sakura Prano Idea Binocular | Sakura Binocular Prano Minimum Idea | Idea Spring | Korok Champion | Cherry | Sakura Army | Sakura Honor | Sakura Navy Idea Telephoto Idea Reflex (1910 and 1911) | Idea Reflex (1932) | Neat Reflex | Sakura Reflex Prano
rollfilm folders box or collapsible TLR
Pearlette | Special Pearlette | B Pearlette | Pearl (for plates and rollfilm) | Pearl No.2 | Pearl (Year 8) | Baby Pearl | Semi Pearl | Sakura Palace Record | Sakura (box) | Sakura (bakelite) Sakura-flex
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