Primo
For the Primoflex and Primo Junior TLR cameras, see Topcon.
The Primo (プリモ) is a 4.5×6 folding camera that was made by Daiichi Kikō around 1942. It has a horizontal folding body, unusual for a 4.5×6 format camera. It is equipped with a folding optical finder, a body release and strap lugs. The advance knob is on the left and there is one red window at the top of the back, protected by a sliding cover, to control the film advance.
According to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, the Primo was advertised from 1941 to 1944. In 1942[1] and 1943[2] advertisements, two variants are offered: the Primo I (プリモⅠ型) with f:4.5 lens (¥136, then ¥157.5) and the Primo II (プリモⅡ型) with f:3.5 lens (¥160, then ¥184.94), both with chrome trimming. The camera is advertised as "the smallest of the 4.5×6, with an ideal horizontal construction". The distributor is K.K. Ōsawa Shōkai[3] (株式會社大澤商會 in old writing). After the war Ōsawa Shōkai (now written 大沢商会) distributed the Primoflex and Primo Junior TLRs made by Tōkyō Kōgaku.[4] It was certainly the owner of the Primo name.
The Primo has been observed with chrome trimming, but McKeown also mentions a black variant (calling the black variant "Primo I" and the chrome variant "Primo II", but this is contradicted by the advertisements). The examples observed have an Oscar Anastigmat 75/3.5 or 75/4.5 lens and a shutter with T, B, 1–500 speeds, marked PRIMO at the top and RAPID-PRESTO at the bottom.
Notes
- ↑ Template:Gochamaze
- ↑ Advertisement for the Primo I and II, published in the May 43 issue of Hōdō Shashin, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 223.
- ↑ Its address at the time was Tōkyō, Ginza, 42, 5 (東京・銀座・四二ノ五).
- ↑ McKeown, p. 924.
Printed bibliography
- 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. Item 223.
- 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). Page 239.
Links
- Primo at Japan Family Camera, identified as a Primo II but having a f:4.5 lens
- Template:Gochamaze
