Difference between revisions of "Prince Flex"

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(description reworked and moved to the bottom)
(done, a really interesting beast)
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{{Japanese prewar and wartime 6×6 TLR}}
 
{{Japanese prewar and wartime 6×6 TLR}}
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{{WIP}}
 
 
The '''Prince Flex''' is a Japanese 6×6 TLR, made by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], then by [[Fujimoto|Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho]] and distributed by [[Fukada|Fukada Shōkai]] from 1937 to 1939.
 
The '''Prince Flex''' is a Japanese 6×6 TLR, made by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], then by [[Fujimoto|Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho]] and distributed by [[Fukada|Fukada Shōkai]] from 1937 to 1939.
  
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== First Japanese 6×6 TLR ==
 
== First Japanese 6×6 TLR ==
−
The Prince Flex was the first Japanese 6×6 TLR, announced in summer 1937, before the [[Minoltaflex]] (December). The first advertisement appeared in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in August, and the camera was featured in the new products column of the same magazine in September.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> (One source says that the camera was released in July, but no original document has been found to confirm this.)<REF> July: ''The Japanese Historical Camera'', p.29 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371058&APage=6 this page of the JCII]. </REF> It is said that the announce of the camera was precipitated by the news that the [[Minoltaflex]] would be released soon.<REF> Awano, p.3 of {{CCN}} no.114, and Tanimura, p.439 of {{Kokusan}}. </REF> It seems that the camera was not really ready for production, hence the problems met by the company.
+
The Prince Flex was the first Japanese 6×6 TLR, announced in summer 1937, before the [[Minoltaflex]] (December). The first advertisement appeared in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in August, and the camera was featured in the new products column of the same magazine in September.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> (Some sources say that the camera was released in July, but no original document has been found to confirm this.)<REF> July: ''The Japanese Historical Camera'', p.29 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371058&APage=6 this page of the JCII]; [http://www.geocities.jp/yume_camera/princeflex.html this page at yume_camera], quoting the book ''Nihon kamera no rekishi''. </REF> It is said that the announce of the camera was precipitated by the news that the [[Minoltaflex]] would be released soon.<REF> Awano, p.3 of {{CCN}} no.114, and Tanimura, p.439 of {{Kokusan}}. </REF> It seems that the camera was not really ready for production, hence the problems met by the company.
  
 
A year previously, the 4.5×6 [[Union Ref and Hansa Rollette Ref|Hansa Rollette Ref]] had been the first TLR-shaped Japanese camera, but the viewing lens was not used for focusing.<REF> ''The Japanese Historical Camera'', p.23 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371046&APage=5 this page of the JCII]. </REF> The 4.5×6 [[Roll Light Ref]] was released in January 1937 but it is not entirely clear if it is a real TLR or a pseudo TLR.<REF> Date: {{Kokusan}}, p.342, and [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?18=&key=103310371055&APage=618 this page of the JCII]. </REF>
 
A year previously, the 4.5×6 [[Union Ref and Hansa Rollette Ref|Hansa Rollette Ref]] had been the first TLR-shaped Japanese camera, but the viewing lens was not used for focusing.<REF> ''The Japanese Historical Camera'', p.23 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371046&APage=5 this page of the JCII]. </REF> The 4.5×6 [[Roll Light Ref]] was released in January 1937 but it is not entirely clear if it is a real TLR or a pseudo TLR.<REF> Date: {{Kokusan}}, p.342, and [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?18=&key=103310371055&APage=618 this page of the JCII]. </REF>
  
 
== Advertisements and other documents ==
 
== Advertisements and other documents ==
−
The earliest advertisement, in the August 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', gives the price of {{yen|165|1937}}.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.8 of {{CCN}} no.114, and in Tanimura, p.98 of {{KKS}} no.12 (where it is wrongly dated August 1938). </REF> The new products column of the following month's issue repeats the same price, and mentions 1/200 top speed, perhaps by mistake.<REF> Column reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> The advertisement published in the same September issue gives no price, and offers the camera along with the [[Semi Prince|Semi Prince II]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> Advertisements published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937, February and July 1938, and January 1939, give the price of {{yen|198|1937}}.<REF> Advertisements reproduced in Awano, pp.9–10 of {{CCN}} no.14, and in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> According to Awano, the sudden price rise between August and November 1937 was caused by the introduction of a new 20 percent excise tax after the outbreak of war with China.<REF> Awano, p.3 of {{CCN}} no.114. The full text of the tax law is reproduced [http://www.geocities.jp/nakanolib/hou/hs12-66.htm here]. </REF>
+
The earliest advertisement, in the August 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', gives the price of {{yen|165|1937}}.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.8 of {{CCN}} no.114, in Tanimura, p.98 of {{KKS}} no.12 (where it is wrongly dated August 1938), and in [http://www.geocities.jp/yume_camera/princeflex.html this page at yume_camera]. </REF> The new products column of the following month's issue repeats the same price, and mentions 1/200 top speed, perhaps by mistake.<REF> Column reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> The advertisement published in the same September issue gives no price, and offers the camera along with the [[Semi Prince|Semi Prince II]].<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> Advertisements published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937, February and July 1938, and January 1939, give the price of {{yen|198|1937}}.<REF> Advertisements reproduced in Awano, pp.9–10 of {{CCN}} no.14, and in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> According to Awano, the sudden price rise between August and November 1937 was caused by the introduction of a new 20 percent excise tax after the outbreak of war with China.<REF> Awano, p.3 of {{CCN}} no.114. The full text of the tax law is reproduced [http://www.geocities.jp/nakanolib/hou/hs12-66.htm here]. </REF>
  
 
The last reported advertisement for the Prince Flex is dated April 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> It seems that the contract between the manufacturer [[Fujimoto]] and the distributor [[Fukada]] was rescinded in late 1939 or early 1940; the [[Semi Prince]] was then transformed into the [[Semi Sport]],<REF> Tanimura, p.51 of {{KKS}} no.11. </REF> and the Prince Flex was certainly completely abandoned at the time. The camera is not in the official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, presumably because it was no longer sold.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}. </REF>
 
The last reported advertisement for the Prince Flex is dated April 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> It seems that the contract between the manufacturer [[Fujimoto]] and the distributor [[Fukada]] was rescinded in late 1939 or early 1940; the [[Semi Prince]] was then transformed into the [[Semi Sport]],<REF> Tanimura, p.51 of {{KKS}} no.11. </REF> and the Prince Flex was certainly completely abandoned at the time. The camera is not in the official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, presumably because it was no longer sold.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}. </REF>
 +
 +
All the original documents seen so far show the same drawing of a camera, with the body number faintly legible as 501, perhaps the first prototype.<REF> The serial number is best deciphered on the reproduction of the August 1937 advertisement in Awano, p.8 of {{CCN}} no.114. The original illustration is also reproduced in [http://www.geocities.jp/yume_camera/princeflex.html this page at yume_camera]. </REF>
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
The Prince Flex looks somewhat like the first [[Ikoflex]] "coffee can" model, with a hexagonal front standard. The viewing and taking lenses are mounted on two helices geared together, moving this front standard back and forth.<REF> Awano, p.1 of {{CCN}} no.114. A picture on p.6 of the same source shows the upper helix. </REF> These helices are driven either by a lever or by a knob on the photographer's left (see the evolution below).
 
The Prince Flex looks somewhat like the first [[Ikoflex]] "coffee can" model, with a hexagonal front standard. The viewing and taking lenses are mounted on two helices geared together, moving this front standard back and forth.<REF> Awano, p.1 of {{CCN}} no.114. A picture on p.6 of the same source shows the upper helix. </REF> These helices are driven either by a lever or by a knob on the photographer's left (see the evolution below).
  
−
The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right. The advance is controlled either by an exposure counter on the back or by a red window (see the evolution below). The camera can take either [[120 film]] or [[620 film]], a feature which was certainly unusual in Japan at the time.<REF> Takes both 120 and 620 film: Awano, pp.1–2 of {{CCN}} no.114. A picture on p.6 of the same source shows the dual-sized winding axis. </REF>
+
The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right. There is no auto-stop mechanism, and the advance is controlled either by manually watching an exposure counter on the back or by a red window (see the evolution below). The camera can take either [[120 film]] or [[620 film]], a feature which was certainly unusual in Japan at the time.<REF> Takes both 120 and 620 film: Awano, pp.1–2 of {{CCN}} no.114. A picture on p.6 of the same source shows the dual-sized winding axis. </REF>
  
−
The viewing hood perhaps contains a removable magnifying lens.<REF> Article in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937 reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114: 着脱自在のルーペが用意されています. The word ''chakudatsu'' (着脱) means "removable", but the description perhaps simply corresponds to a hinged loupe. </REF> It has an X-shaped rib at the front, with a small nameplate at the centre, inscribed ''Prince Flex''. There is another nameplate engraved ''Neumann & Heilemann'', attached to the top of the front plate. The serial number is inscribed on a small plate attached to the hexagonal front standard, above the viewing lens.
+
The viewing hood is four-fold and perhaps contains a removable magnifying lens.<REF> Article in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937 reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114: "a freely removable loupe is provided" (着脱自在のルーペが用意されています). The word ''chakudatsu'' (着脱) means "removable", but the description perhaps simply corresponds to a hinged loupe. </REF> It has an X-shaped rib at the front, with a small nameplate at the centre, inscribed ''Prince Flex''. There is another nameplate engraved ''Neumann & Heilemann'', attached to the top of the front plate. The serial number is inscribed on a small plate attached to the hexagonal front standard, above the viewing lens.
  
 
The taking lens is a four-element Neotar 7.5cm f/4.5 and the viewing lens is a Radionar 7.5cm f/3.5, certainly with three elements.<REF> Neotar with four elements: advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91, in Tanimura, p.98 of {{KKS}} no.12, and in Awano, pp.8–10 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> Both lenses are engraved ''Neumann & Heilemann'', and only the Neotar has a serial number. These lenses were specifically made for the Prince Flex. They were certainly assembled by the [[Neumann & Heilemann]] factory from imported elements supplied by [[Schneider]].<REF> Tanimura, p.50 of {{KKS}} no.11, quoting Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of [[Fujimoto]], says that the Schneider lenses of the Semi Prince were imported as separate elements and assembled in Japan. </REF> This ambiguous situation probably explains why the article in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937 says that the lenses were "made in Japan", whereas advertisements in the February and July 1938 issues of the same magazine mentions the Neotar as a "luxury four-element German lens".<REF> Article and advertisements reproduced in Awano, pp.7 and 10 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF>
 
The taking lens is a four-element Neotar 7.5cm f/4.5 and the viewing lens is a Radionar 7.5cm f/3.5, certainly with three elements.<REF> Neotar with four elements: advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91, in Tanimura, p.98 of {{KKS}} no.12, and in Awano, pp.8–10 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> Both lenses are engraved ''Neumann & Heilemann'', and only the Neotar has a serial number. These lenses were specifically made for the Prince Flex. They were certainly assembled by the [[Neumann & Heilemann]] factory from imported elements supplied by [[Schneider]].<REF> Tanimura, p.50 of {{KKS}} no.11, quoting Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of [[Fujimoto]], says that the Schneider lenses of the Semi Prince were imported as separate elements and assembled in Japan. </REF> This ambiguous situation probably explains why the article in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937 says that the lenses were "made in Japan", whereas advertisements in the February and July 1938 issues of the same magazine mentions the Neotar as a "luxury four-element German lens".<REF> Article and advertisements reproduced in Awano, pp.7 and 10 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF>
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The shutter is a [[Perfect|Perfekt]] by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], with a setting lever at the bottom and a release lever at the top. The shutter plate is inscribed ''NEUMANN & HEILEMANN'' or ''NEUMANN HEILEMANN'' at the top and ''PERFEKT'' at the bottom, and has an ''NH'' logo on the right. It either has a single silver stripe or two silver stripes on each side of the lens. This shutter was specially made for the Prince Flex, and was called "New Perfekt" (新パフェクト) in the original documents. All the known surviving examples have 1–300, B, T speeds. The new products column of the September 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' mentions 1/200 top speed, perhaps by mistake, and the article in the November 1937 issue of the same magazine says 1–300, B, T.<REF> Articles reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> The "New Perfekt" was announced as patterned after the [[Compur]], and was optimistically advertised as having the same features as the [[Compur-Rapid]].<REF> "Almost the same as the rim-set Compur" (新コンパーと殆ど同じ): article in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937 reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114. ""Has the same features as the Compur-Rapid" (ラピッド新コンパー同様の性能を有す): advertisements dated August, September and November 1937 reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91, in Awano, pp.8–9 of {{CCN}} no.114 in Tanimura, p.98 of {{KKS}} no.12. </REF>
 
The shutter is a [[Perfect|Perfekt]] by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], with a setting lever at the bottom and a release lever at the top. The shutter plate is inscribed ''NEUMANN & HEILEMANN'' or ''NEUMANN HEILEMANN'' at the top and ''PERFEKT'' at the bottom, and has an ''NH'' logo on the right. It either has a single silver stripe or two silver stripes on each side of the lens. This shutter was specially made for the Prince Flex, and was called "New Perfekt" (新パフェクト) in the original documents. All the known surviving examples have 1–300, B, T speeds. The new products column of the September 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' mentions 1/200 top speed, perhaps by mistake, and the article in the November 1937 issue of the same magazine says 1–300, B, T.<REF> Articles reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> The "New Perfekt" was announced as patterned after the [[Compur]], and was optimistically advertised as having the same features as the [[Compur-Rapid]].<REF> "Almost the same as the rim-set Compur" (新コンパーと殆ど同じ): article in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937 reproduced in Awano, p.7 of {{CCN}} no.114. ""Has the same features as the Compur-Rapid" (ラピッド新コンパー同様の性能を有す): advertisements dated August, September and November 1937 reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91, in Awano, pp.8–9 of {{CCN}} no.114 in Tanimura, p.98 of {{KKS}} no.12. </REF>
  
−
== Actual examples ==
+
== Evolution ==
−
''To be reworked.''
+
The '''early examples''' are focussed by moving a lever on the side of the hexagonal front standard, to the photographer's left, certainly directly turning the bottom helix. This lever is visible in the original drawing depicting no.501. It also appears on at least two surviving examples: no.508 (taking lens no.15682), pictured in Awano, and the example kept at the Pentax Gallery, pictured in {{Sugiyama}}.<REF> No.508 is pictured in Awano, {{CCN}} no.114. The other example, pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 2019, has an illegible three-digit serial number. </REF> Example no.508 is known to have a frame counter on the back. It consists of a disc graduated from 1 to 12 actuated by a feeler roller via a worm drive, and is contained under a triangular-shaped cover, with a small knob for manual reset. (This device is extremely similar to that mounted on the [[Super Makinet Six and Neure Six]].)
−
 
 
−
The actual examples slightly differ by the presence or absence of a lever placed to the side of the hexagonal front standard, on the photographer's left.<!-- Helix controlled by a lever.<REF> See {{Kokusan}}, p.12 and [http://www.geocities.jp/yume_camera/princeflex.html this page at yume_camera]. </REF> -->
 
  
−
The only serial numbers observed so far are 614 and 768.<REF> No.614: example pictured in ''Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten,'' p.25 and in {{Kokusan}}, p.12. No.768: example observed in an online auction. The example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 2019, has a different, illegible, three-digit serial number. </REF>
+
The '''late examples''' are focussed by turning a knob on the left-hand side, engaging the upper helix via a gear.<REF> This gear is visible in a picture in Awano, p.6 of {{CCN}} no.114. </REF> These examples were perhaps made after the production of the focusing helices was transferred to another factory (see above), but this is merely a guess. At least three examples are known with the focusing knob: no.614, 665 (taking lens no.15608) and 768.<REF> No.614: example pictured {{Kokusan}}, p.12 (which nonetheless mentions the focusing lever by mistake), in ''Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten'', p.25, in [http://www.geocities.jp/yume_camera/princeflex.html this page at yume_camera] and perhaps in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371058&APage=6 this page of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology]. No.665: example pictured in Awano, {{CCN}} no.114. No.768: example observed in an online auction. </REF> Example no.665 has a red window in the back. The exposure counter fairing is still present but does not contain any moving part, and the red window is placed at the former location of the resetting knob, facing a hole pierced through the pressure plate. It is not entirely clear if this arrangement is original or if it was the result of a repair.<REF> Awano, p.2 of {{CCN}} no.114, is not affirmative but says that it looks more like a repair. Detailed pictures are visible on pp.4–6 of the same source. </REF> The features of the back of the other two examples are unknown so far.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==

Revision as of 22:26, 23 April 2008

Japanese 6×6 TLR
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
6×6cm Elmoflex | First Reflex | Kiko Flex | Lyra Flex | Minoltaflex | Minoltaflex Automat | Minoltaflex military prototype | Nōman Flex | Ostenflex | Prince Flex | Ricohflex (original) | Ricohflex B | Rollekonter | Roll-o-Frex | Rorter Ref | Rorterflex | Sakura-flex | Simpuflex | Starflex | Taroflex | Valflex | Yokusanflex
Postwar models and other TLR ->
Pseudo TLR and medium format SLR ->
Other Japanese 6×6, 4.5×6, 3×4 and 4×4 ->

The Prince Flex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR, made by Neumann & Heilemann, then by Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho and distributed by Fukada Shōkai from 1937 to 1939.

This camera has no design feature in common with the Princeflex camera made by Tōyō Seiki Kōgaku, then Cosmo Camera in the 1950s. (See the Prince page for a discussion of the various cameras with that name.)

Maker

The Prince Flex was developed by the company Neumann & Heilemann in 1937, perhaps from an order by the distributor Fukada Shōkai. It is said that the body casting was bought to a sub-contractor, and that the assembly took place in the Takagi plant.[1] This is the origin of the Neumann & Heilemann marking visible on the camera. The company reportedly had much difficulty to cut the focusing helices and to properly assemble the camera, and at least part of the process was finally transferred elsewhere.[2]

The company Neumann & Heilemann was absorbed in September 1937 by Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho, and the Takagi plant became Fujimoto's Mukogawa plant.[3] (Fujimoto was the maker of the Semi Prince folder, which was distributed by Fukada too.) The production of the former Neumann & Heilemann products (including the Prince Flex) continued undisturbed, and the former company name and NH logo were retained in the markings.

All the advertisements seen so far were placed by the distributor Fukada Shōkai.[4] Some of them have a stylized P.C.W. logo, standing for "Prince Camera Works", a dummy name used by Fukada for advertising purpose (see Fukada and Camera Works).[5] None mentions the manufacturer Neumann & Heilemann or Fujimoto.

The new products column in Asahi Camera September 1937 attributes the camera to Fukada Shōkai, and an article in the November 1937 issue of the same magazine says that the camera was "the first product released to commemorate the merge of Neumann & Heilemann with the Prince camera factory", actually corresponding to the Fujimoto company.[6]

First Japanese 6×6 TLR

The Prince Flex was the first Japanese 6×6 TLR, announced in summer 1937, before the Minoltaflex (December). The first advertisement appeared in Asahi Camera in August, and the camera was featured in the new products column of the same magazine in September.[7] (Some sources say that the camera was released in July, but no original document has been found to confirm this.)[8] It is said that the announce of the camera was precipitated by the news that the Minoltaflex would be released soon.[9] It seems that the camera was not really ready for production, hence the problems met by the company.

A year previously, the 4.5×6 Hansa Rollette Ref had been the first TLR-shaped Japanese camera, but the viewing lens was not used for focusing.[10] The 4.5×6 Roll Light Ref was released in January 1937 but it is not entirely clear if it is a real TLR or a pseudo TLR.[11]

Advertisements and other documents

The earliest advertisement, in the August 1937 issue of Asahi Camera, gives the price of ¥165.[12] The new products column of the following month's issue repeats the same price, and mentions 1/200 top speed, perhaps by mistake.[13] The advertisement published in the same September issue gives no price, and offers the camera along with the Semi Prince II.[14] Advertisements published in Asahi Camera November 1937, February and July 1938, and January 1939, give the price of ¥198.[15] According to Awano, the sudden price rise between August and November 1937 was caused by the introduction of a new 20 percent excise tax after the outbreak of war with China.[16]

The last reported advertisement for the Prince Flex is dated April 1939.[17] It seems that the contract between the manufacturer Fujimoto and the distributor Fukada was rescinded in late 1939 or early 1940; the Semi Prince was then transformed into the Semi Sport,[18] and the Prince Flex was certainly completely abandoned at the time. The camera is not in the official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, presumably because it was no longer sold.[19]

All the original documents seen so far show the same drawing of a camera, with the body number faintly legible as 501, perhaps the first prototype.[20]

Description

The Prince Flex looks somewhat like the first Ikoflex "coffee can" model, with a hexagonal front standard. The viewing and taking lenses are mounted on two helices geared together, moving this front standard back and forth.[21] These helices are driven either by a lever or by a knob on the photographer's left (see the evolution below).

The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right. There is no auto-stop mechanism, and the advance is controlled either by manually watching an exposure counter on the back or by a red window (see the evolution below). The camera can take either 120 film or 620 film, a feature which was certainly unusual in Japan at the time.[22]

The viewing hood is four-fold and perhaps contains a removable magnifying lens.[23] It has an X-shaped rib at the front, with a small nameplate at the centre, inscribed Prince Flex. There is another nameplate engraved Neumann & Heilemann, attached to the top of the front plate. The serial number is inscribed on a small plate attached to the hexagonal front standard, above the viewing lens.

The taking lens is a four-element Neotar 7.5cm f/4.5 and the viewing lens is a Radionar 7.5cm f/3.5, certainly with three elements.[24] Both lenses are engraved Neumann & Heilemann, and only the Neotar has a serial number. These lenses were specifically made for the Prince Flex. They were certainly assembled by the Neumann & Heilemann factory from imported elements supplied by Schneider.[25] This ambiguous situation probably explains why the article in Asahi Camera November 1937 says that the lenses were "made in Japan", whereas advertisements in the February and July 1938 issues of the same magazine mentions the Neotar as a "luxury four-element German lens".[26]

The shutter is a Perfekt by Neumann & Heilemann, with a setting lever at the bottom and a release lever at the top. The shutter plate is inscribed NEUMANN & HEILEMANN or NEUMANN HEILEMANN at the top and PERFEKT at the bottom, and has an NH logo on the right. It either has a single silver stripe or two silver stripes on each side of the lens. This shutter was specially made for the Prince Flex, and was called "New Perfekt" (新パフェクト) in the original documents. All the known surviving examples have 1–300, B, T speeds. The new products column of the September 1937 issue of Asahi Camera mentions 1/200 top speed, perhaps by mistake, and the article in the November 1937 issue of the same magazine says 1–300, B, T.[27] The "New Perfekt" was announced as patterned after the Compur, and was optimistically advertised as having the same features as the Compur-Rapid.[28]

Evolution

The early examples are focussed by moving a lever on the side of the hexagonal front standard, to the photographer's left, certainly directly turning the bottom helix. This lever is visible in the original drawing depicting no.501. It also appears on at least two surviving examples: no.508 (taking lens no.15682), pictured in Awano, and the example kept at the Pentax Gallery, pictured in Sugiyama.[29] Example no.508 is known to have a frame counter on the back. It consists of a disc graduated from 1 to 12 actuated by a feeler roller via a worm drive, and is contained under a triangular-shaped cover, with a small knob for manual reset. (This device is extremely similar to that mounted on the Super Makinet Six and Neure Six.)

The late examples are focussed by turning a knob on the left-hand side, engaging the upper helix via a gear.[30] These examples were perhaps made after the production of the focusing helices was transferred to another factory (see above), but this is merely a guess. At least three examples are known with the focusing knob: no.614, 665 (taking lens no.15608) and 768.[31] Example no.665 has a red window in the back. The exposure counter fairing is still present but does not contain any moving part, and the red window is placed at the former location of the resetting knob, facing a hole pierced through the pressure plate. It is not entirely clear if this arrangement is original or if it was the result of a repair.[32] The features of the back of the other two examples are unknown so far.

Notes

  1. ↑ Tanimura, p.98 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12, and p.439 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi, based on the testimony of a former employee of the company.
  2. ↑ Tanimura, p.439 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi and p.98 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12, based on the testimony of a former employee of the company. It is not entirely clear which part of the process was transferred elsewhere.
  3. ↑ Tanimura, p.99 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12 and p.439 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi. A less detailed account of this is given in Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten, p.25.
  4. ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91, in Awano, pp.8–10 of Camera Collectors' News no.114, and in Tanimura, p.98 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12.
  5. ↑ P.C.W. logo: advertisements dated September and November 1937 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91 and in Awano, p.9 of Camera Collectors' News no.114.
  6. ↑ Articles reproduced in Awano, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.114. September 1937: 深田商会のプリンスフレックス. November 1937: 古くからルレックス・シャッター等を作っているノイマン・ハイレマン社が、プリンス・カメラ工場と合併した記念とも云うべき第一回作品で. A similar sentence is repeated in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340. Allusions are also found in Awano, p.3 of Camera Collectors' News no.114, and Tanimura, p.439 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
  7. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  8. ↑ July: The Japanese Historical Camera, p.29 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in this page of the JCII; this page at yume_camera, quoting the book Nihon kamera no rekishi.
  9. ↑ Awano, p.3 of Camera Collectors' News no.114, and Tanimura, p.439 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
  10. ↑ The Japanese Historical Camera, p.23 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in this page of the JCII.
  11. ↑ Date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.342, and this page of the JCII.
  12. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.8 of Camera Collectors' News no.114, in Tanimura, p.98 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12 (where it is wrongly dated August 1938), and in this page at yume_camera.
  13. ↑ Column reproduced in Awano, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.114.
  14. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
  15. ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Awano, pp.9–10 of Camera Collectors' News no.14, and in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
  16. ↑ Awano, p.3 of Camera Collectors' News no.114. The full text of the tax law is reproduced here.
  17. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  18. ↑ Tanimura, p.51 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11.
  19. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku".
  20. ↑ The serial number is best deciphered on the reproduction of the August 1937 advertisement in Awano, p.8 of Camera Collectors' News no.114. The original illustration is also reproduced in this page at yume_camera.
  21. ↑ Awano, p.1 of Camera Collectors' News no.114. A picture on p.6 of the same source shows the upper helix.
  22. ↑ Takes both 120 and 620 film: Awano, pp.1–2 of Camera Collectors' News no.114. A picture on p.6 of the same source shows the dual-sized winding axis.
  23. ↑ Article in Asahi Camera November 1937 reproduced in Awano, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.114: "a freely removable loupe is provided" (着脱自在のルーペが用意されています). The word chakudatsu (着脱) means "removable", but the description perhaps simply corresponds to a hinged loupe.
  24. ↑ Neotar with four elements: advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91, in Tanimura, p.98 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12, and in Awano, pp.8–10 of Camera Collectors' News no.114.
  25. ↑ Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, quoting Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of Fujimoto, says that the Schneider lenses of the Semi Prince were imported as separate elements and assembled in Japan.
  26. ↑ Article and advertisements reproduced in Awano, pp.7 and 10 of Camera Collectors' News no.114.
  27. ↑ Articles reproduced in Awano, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.114.
  28. ↑ "Almost the same as the rim-set Compur" (新コンパーと殆ど同じ): article in Asahi Camera November 1937 reproduced in Awano, p.7 of Camera Collectors' News no.114. ""Has the same features as the Compur-Rapid" (ラピッド新コンパー同様の性能を有す): advertisements dated August, September and November 1937 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91, in Awano, pp.8–9 of Camera Collectors' News no.114 in Tanimura, p.98 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.12.
  29. ↑ No.508 is pictured in Awano, Camera Collectors' News no.114. The other example, pictured in Sugiyama, item 2019, has an illegible three-digit serial number.
  30. ↑ This gear is visible in a picture in Awano, p.6 of Camera Collectors' News no.114.
  31. ↑ No.614: example pictured Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.12 (which nonetheless mentions the focusing lever by mistake), in Watakushi no ni-gan-refu kamera-ten, p.25, in this page at yume_camera and perhaps in this page of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology. No.665: example pictured in Awano, Camera Collectors' News no.114. No.768: example observed in an online auction.
  32. ↑ Awano, p.2 of Camera Collectors' News no.114, is not affirmative but says that it looks more like a repair. Detailed pictures are visible on pp.4–6 of the same source.

Sources / 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. Item 229. (See also the advertisement for item 228, the picture on p.12 and the interview of Tanimura Yoshihiko on p.439.)
  • Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Purinsufurekkusu" (プリンスフレックス, Prince Flex). In Camera Collectors' News no.114 (December 1986). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku" (国産写真機の公定価格, Set prices of the Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of October 25, 1940 and setting the retail prices from December 10, 1940. Published in Asahi Camera January 1941 and reproduced in 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. Pp.108—9. The Prince Flex does not appear in this list.
  • 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.39 and 54 (brief mentions only).
  • 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.331.
  • The Japanese Historical Camera. 2nd ed. Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 2004. P.23.
  • 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. Item 2019.
  • Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Neumann & Heilemann: kieta ashiato, Minoruta setsuritsu to sono ato no karera wo otte" (Neumann & Heilemann 消えた足跡・ミノルタ設立とその後の彼等を追って, On the traces of Neumann & Heilemann at the founding of Minolta and afterwards.) 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.12, October 1988. No ISBN number. Minoruta kamera no subete (ミノルタカメラのすべて, special issue on Minolta). Pp.96–9.
  • Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Purinsu kara Rakku made — Takahashi Kenzō shi ni kiku." (セミプリンスからラックまで・高橋健三氏にきく, "From the Semi Prince to the Luck — Asking Takahashi Kenzō") 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.11, March 1988. No ISBN number. Shirarezaru kamera (知られざるカメラ, special issue on unknown cameras). Pp.50–1. Based on an interview of Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of Fujimoto, who entered the company in 1934.
  • 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.25.

Links

In Japanese:

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