Primo

For the Primoflex and Primo Junior TLR cameras, see Tōkyō Kōgaku.

The Primo (プリモ) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera made by Daiichi Kikō in the first half of the 1940s.

Description

The Primo 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.

Advertisements

According to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, the Primo was advertised from 1941 to 1944. In 1942 and 1943 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 Ōsawa Shōkai.

Actual examples

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.

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
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