Difference between revisions of "Prince"
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It seems that "Prince Camera Works" was just a dummy name, used by the distributor Fukada Shōkai for advertising purpose or to hide the real maker's name. This practice was not uncommon among Japanese distributors at the time (see the discussion at [[Camera Works]]). | It seems that "Prince Camera Works" was just a dummy name, used by the distributor Fukada Shōkai for advertising purpose or to hide the real maker's name. This practice was not uncommon among Japanese distributors at the time (see the discussion at [[Camera Works]]). | ||
| − | It is well established that the [[Semi Prince]], a camera associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, was actually manufactured by [[Fujimoto]].<REF> [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html Company history] of the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website]; Lewis, p. | + | It is well established that the [[Semi Prince]], a camera associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, was actually manufactured by [[Fujimoto]].<REF> [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html Company history] of the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website]; Lewis, p.53; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.78–80; {{McKeown}}, pp.331–2. </REF> On that basis, some sources<REF> Including {{McKeown}}, p.331–2. </REF> attribute to Fujimoto all the other cameras named Prince and associated with Prince Camera Works. It is not known if this attribution is correct or not. |
The [[Prince Flex]], another camera associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, is prominently inscribed ''Neumann & Heilemann.'' It was certainly developed by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], and it seems that it was taken over by Fujimoto (see [[Prince Flex]]). | The [[Prince Flex]], another camera associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, is prominently inscribed ''Neumann & Heilemann.'' It was certainly developed by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], and it seems that it was taken over by Fujimoto (see [[Prince Flex]]). | ||
=== Other attributions === | === Other attributions === | ||
| − | Some sources attribute the [[Doris ( | + | Some sources attribute the [[Doris (3×4)]] and [[Baby Doris]] cameras to "Prince Camera Works".<REF> {{McKeown}}, p.803; {{Sugiyama}}, items 1038–9. </REF> They were distributed by [[Fukada]], and at least the Doris was advertised in a context associating it with the Prince cameras (it is called the "sister of the Semi Prince": セミプリンスの姉妹品).<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.80. </REF> However the actual maker of these cameras is not known for sure: see the discussion in the corresponding pages. |
=== Postwar developments === | === Postwar developments === | ||
| − | From 1953 to 1956, | + | From 1953 to 1956, 6×6 TLR cameras called [[Princeflex]] and [[Princeflex|Prince Junior]] were distributed by [[Mima|Mima Shōkai]]. These were made by the company [[Tōyō Seiki Kōgaku]], and perhaps by [[Cosmo|Cosmo Camera Seisakusho]] from 1955. These cameras were advertised with the ''P.C.W.'' logo and the mention of "Prince Camera Works" next to the distributor's name.<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, pp.167–7. A very similar advertisement is reproduced [http://blog.livedoor.jp/united3arrows/archives/51212433.html here at Shashin-Bako]. </REF> This is certainly why these cameras are sometimes attributed to "Prince Camera Co.", probably a mistake.<REF> For example {{Sugiyama}}, item 2225, and {{McKeown}}, p.803. </REF> |
== Prince products == | == Prince products == | ||
=== Prewar and wartime cameras === | === Prewar and wartime cameras === | ||
| − | * [[Prince plate | + | * [[Prince plate folders|Prince]] 6.5×9 plate folder |
| − | * [[Prince Peerless]] 6. | + | * [[Prince Peerless]] 6.5×9 plate folder (1934–6) |
| − | * [[Semi Prince]] 4. | + | * [[Semi Prince]] 4.5×6 folder (1934/5–9) |
| − | * [[Prince Flex]] | + | * [[Prince Flex]] 6×6 TLR (1937–9) |
| − | * [[Pocket Prince]] | + | * [[Pocket Prince]] 4×6.5 folder (1939–40) |
| − | * [[Japanese | + | * [[Japanese 3×4 and 4×4 pseudo TLR|Prince Baby Ref]], 3×4 pseudo TLR (1939–40) |
Only the Prince Peerless, Semi Prince and Prince Flex are known for sure to be associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, either through the full name or through the ''P.C.W.'' logo. The other models are known to appear in advertisements by [[Fukada|Fukada Shōkai]], except for the Prince plate folder, for which no original document has been observed. | Only the Prince Peerless, Semi Prince and Prince Flex are known for sure to be associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, either through the full name or through the ''P.C.W.'' logo. The other models are known to appear in advertisements by [[Fukada|Fukada Shōkai]], except for the Prince plate folder, for which no original document has been observed. | ||
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=== Other === | === Other === | ||
| − | * Prince auxiliary rangefinder (sold ¥11 in 1936 and ¥12.50 in 1939)<REF> Advertisement in the winter 1936 supplement to ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', and advertisement dated October 1939 published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. | + | * Prince auxiliary rangefinder (sold ¥11 in 1936 and ¥12.50 in 1939)<REF> Advertisement in the winter 1936 supplement to ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', and advertisement dated October 1939 published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> |
The rangefinder is engraved ''PRINCE CAMERA WORKS.''<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> | The rangefinder is engraved ''PRINCE CAMERA WORKS.''<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> | ||
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* {{McKeown12}} | * {{McKeown12}} | ||
* {{Zukan}} | * {{Zukan}} | ||
| − | * ''Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten'' (私の二眼レフカメラ展, Exhibition of twin lens reflex cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. | + | * ''Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten'' (私の二眼レフカメラ展, Exhibition of twin lens reflex cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.28. |
== Links == | == Links == | ||
Revision as of 00:00, 15 January 2008
Prince Camera Works is a trademark, associated with many Japanese cameras called Prince. It was used by the distributor Fukada Shōkai before 1945 (as プリンスカメラウアークス, Purinsu Kamera Uākusu), and it was revived by the distributor Mima Shōkai from 1953 to 1956 (as プリンスカメラワークス, Purinsu Kamera Wākusu). It seems that it was not the name of any actual company.
Contents
History
Prewar and wartime Prince cameras
The name Prince Camera Works was first associated with prewar Japanese cameras distributed by the company Fukada Shōkai. It appears in original advertisements and on some products,[1] either in its full form or through a P.C.W. logo. All these products were distributed by the company Fukada Shōkai, which was certainly the owner of the Prince trademark.
It seems that "Prince Camera Works" was just a dummy name, used by the distributor Fukada Shōkai for advertising purpose or to hide the real maker's name. This practice was not uncommon among Japanese distributors at the time (see the discussion at Camera Works).
It is well established that the Semi Prince, a camera associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, was actually manufactured by Fujimoto.[2] On that basis, some sources[3] attribute to Fujimoto all the other cameras named Prince and associated with Prince Camera Works. It is not known if this attribution is correct or not.
The Prince Flex, another camera associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, is prominently inscribed Neumann & Heilemann. It was certainly developed by Neumann & Heilemann, and it seems that it was taken over by Fujimoto (see Prince Flex).
Other attributions
Some sources attribute the Doris (3×4) and Baby Doris cameras to "Prince Camera Works".[4] They were distributed by Fukada, and at least the Doris was advertised in a context associating it with the Prince cameras (it is called the "sister of the Semi Prince": セミプリンスの姉妹品).[5] However the actual maker of these cameras is not known for sure: see the discussion in the corresponding pages.
Postwar developments
From 1953 to 1956, 6×6 TLR cameras called Princeflex and Prince Junior were distributed by Mima Shōkai. These were made by the company Tōyō Seiki Kōgaku, and perhaps by Cosmo Camera Seisakusho from 1955. These cameras were advertised with the P.C.W. logo and the mention of "Prince Camera Works" next to the distributor's name.[6] This is certainly why these cameras are sometimes attributed to "Prince Camera Co.", probably a mistake.[7]
Prince products
Prewar and wartime cameras
- Prince 6.5×9 plate folder
- Prince Peerless 6.5×9 plate folder (1934–6)
- Semi Prince 4.5×6 folder (1934/5–9)
- Prince Flex 6×6 TLR (1937–9)
- Pocket Prince 4×6.5 folder (1939–40)
- Prince Baby Ref, 3×4 pseudo TLR (1939–40)
Only the Prince Peerless, Semi Prince and Prince Flex are known for sure to be associated with Prince Camera Works in original advertisements, either through the full name or through the P.C.W. logo. The other models are known to appear in advertisements by Fukada Shōkai, except for the Prince plate folder, for which no original document has been observed.
Postwar cameras
Other
- Prince auxiliary rangefinder (sold ¥11 in 1936 and ¥12.50 in 1939)[8]
The rangefinder is engraved PRINCE CAMERA WORKS.[9]
Notes
- ↑ For example the Prince accessory rangefinder.
- ↑ Company history of the Fujimoto official website; Lewis, p.53; Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp.78–80; McKeown, pp.331–2.
- ↑ Including McKeown, p.331–2.
- ↑ McKeown, p.803; Sugiyama, items 1038–9.
- ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.80.
- ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp.167–7. A very similar advertisement is reproduced here at Shashin-Bako.
- ↑ For example Sugiyama, item 2225, and McKeown, p.803.
- ↑ Advertisement in the winter 1936 supplement to Asahi Camera, and advertisement dated October 1939 published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
- ↑ Example observed in an online auction.
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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten (私の二眼レフカメラ展, Exhibition of twin lens reflex cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.28.
Links
In Japanese:
- Advertisement by Mima Shōkai mentioning Prince Camera Works, dated 1954, reproduced in Shashin-Bako
