Prince plate folders
The Prince is a Japanese 6.5×9cm plate folder. Its name probably indicates that it was distributed by Fukada Shōkai and perhaps related to Prince Camera Works or to Fujimoto.[1]
See also the Prince Peerless 6.5×9cm plate folder.
General description
The Prince has an all-metal vertical body. The single extension bellows is driven by a small focusing wheel on the photographer's right, and there is a distance scale on the left. The U-shaped front standard is made of a single piece of alloy, and no movement ability is visible. There is a swivelling brilliant finder and a wireframe finder, with a small rectangular eyepiece on the rear.
Versions
The Prince is pictured in McKeown with a Perfect shutter by Neumann & Heilemann reportedly giving 5–150 speeds and a Kenngott Anastigmat Vidar 10.5cm f/4.5 lens.[2] Another surviving example has been observed, identified for sure by a round P.C.W. logo attached to the left-hand side of the body.[3] It has a Rulex shutter by Neumann & Heilemann, and an f/4.5 lens made by the same company.
Another 6.5×9cm plate folder with a different body, simpler folding struts and a differently located tripod screw, has been reported as a Prince, perhaps by mistake.[4] It has a Schneider Radionar 10.5cm f/4.5 lens and a dial-set Pronto shutter (T, B, 100, 50, 25, self-timer).
Notes
Bibliography
- 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 Prince is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi (perhaps because it is older than 1935) nor in Sugiyama.
