Difference between revisions of "Rollekonter"

Latest revision as of 05:38, 24 June 2021

Japanese 6×6 TLR
Picture by eBayer Yalluflex. (Image rights)
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 Rollekonter (ロールコンター) is a Japanese 6×6 TLR made from early 1938 to 1944.^[1] The name is an obvious rip-off of Rolleiflex and Ikonta (イコンター in Japanese). The camera was made by Mori Seisakusho.^[2] It was distributed by Ōsawa, Yamashita and Seibidō, then by Mizuno and Hakkōdō. After 1945, the camera was succeeded by the Bikor-Flex.

General description of the knob-advance models

1944 ads by Hakkōdō and Mizuno
images by rebollo_fr (Image rights)

The Rollekonter was inspired by the 1936 Rolleicord models. All the models share the same body casting; it is said that this part was re-used after the war on various other TLR cameras, perhaps because the dies survived and were used by some sub-contractor supplying parts to other manufacturers.^[3]

The camera is focused by moving the front plate back and forth. The focusing and film advance knobs are on the photographer's right. The film advance is semi-automatic and there is a round exposure counter window at the top of the right-hand side plate. The focusing knob is inscribed Rolle Konter Work, a mere dummy name (see Camera Works). The distance scale is engraved on the side of the knob, usually on a black background. It is surrounded by a metal plate, either chrome or black, looking like a depth-of-field scale but only engraved Rolle konter.

The viewing hood is made of two parts only. The front part usually has a logo in the middle, reading K&T. This logo is read from behind when the hood is closed, and it appears upside down when it is open. There is a mirror inside the hood, released by a lever visible on the right. It is used for eye-level focusing through a round eyepiece on the rear. There is also a magnifying lens hinged to the rear, above the eyepiece.

The back is hinged to the top for film loading. There is an exposure table in English language attached at the rear. (The table is exactly identical to that of the First Reflex, and it seems that these cameras share other parts too.) There is a red window under the camera, on the left-hand side, next to the tripod thread. It is protected by a sliding cover and is used to set the position of the first exposure.

All the models have a 75mm lens called Hitonar Anastigmat or U Hitonar Anastigmat. The name Hitonar (ヒトナー) probably refers to Hitler (written ヒトラー in Japanese). An original document lists the U Hitonar 75mm f/3.5 as a three-element lens made by Kokusaku.^[4] At least one recent source says that the Hitonar was made by Miyoshi Kōgaku;^[5] this may be a mistake or might indicate that the supplier was changed at some point.

The case is made of brown leather and is embossed Rollekonter or Rolle Konter at the front.

The original Rollekonter and Rollekonter I

Description

The original Rollekonter has the first type of advance mechanism. It automatically stops after each exposure, and reportedly provides double exposure prevention.^[6] There is a lever in front of the wind knob, with O and R indications, perhaps used to unlock the film advance after each exposure. It seems that the central part of the wind knob is fixed, unlike the contemporary Rolleicord.^[7] Other details of the mechanism are unclear, and it is not known how the exposure counter is engaged or reset.

The camera has a latch at the rear of the viewing hood, unlike the later model II. The Rolle konter plate around the focus knob is usually black, as well as the back latch under the camera. The viewing lens has f/3.2 maximum aperture, unlike later models.

Early cameras

The early cameras are recognized by the small nameplate, only inscribed Rolle konter in two words. The lens is a Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The shutter, advertised as a Tokyo Compur (トーキョーコンパー), provides T, B, 1–300 speeds. This is not a genuine Compur but a Japanese copy made by Bikōdō.^[8] The shutter plate has an MB logo and is engraved Compur on one side. The name Rolle konter appears on a separate plate on the other side, attached by two screws. The shutter is wound and tripped by a single lever at the bottom.

At least two surviving examples are known with the original nameplate, including that pictured in McKeown.^[9]

Early documents

The original Rollekonter was first advertised in Asahi Camera January 1938 and was featured in the new products column of the same magazine in February.^[10] The June 1938 advertisement in Asahi Camera shows a picture of the camera with the early nameplate, merely called "Rollekonter".^[11] Three authorized dealers are mentioned: Ōsawa Shōkai, Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten and Seibidō, and no other company name is given.

New nameplate

Rollekonter I, late nameplate, "Compur" shutter,
Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens no.6226.
Pictures by eBayer Yalluflex. (Image rights)

Rollekonter I, late nameplate, "Compur-Rapid" shutter,
U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens no.7575.
Pictures by eBayer tuiteka. (Image rights)

The original model soon received a larger nameplate, shaped like that of the Rolleicord, marked Rollekonter and MADE IN TOKYO with no mention of a model number. It was renamed Rollekonter I after the introduction of the Rollekonter II in mid-1940, and was advertised until April 1941.^[12]

No original document showing the camera with the larger nameplate has yet been found, but various surviving examples are known. At least one camera pictured in Sugiyama still has the Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.5 taking lens (that particular camera has a non standard back latch, probably not original).^[13]

Most other examples have the newer U Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.5, with lens numbers in the 7xxx and 8xxx range.^[14] The viewing lens is either a Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.2 with a serial number, or a U Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.2 with no number.

Most cameras have the "Tokyo Compur" shutter (T, B, 1–300) with MB logo. Others have a shutter giving T, B, 1–500 speeds, engraved COMPUR–RAPID on the rim.^[15] This shutter was made by Bikōdō too, and was advertised as the "Rapid-Compur" on later models of the Rollekonter,^[16] but does not appear with the Rollekonter I on the original documents. The front plate is normally similar to that of the "Tokyo Compur", with an MB logo and Rolle konter nameplate.

The example pictured on the right has the "Compur-Rapid" but lacks the MB logo, and has a non original synch socket and a separate setting lever, perhaps the result of a repair. Another camera with the "Compur-Rapid" has a KODAK shutter plate, certainly because the part was replaced at some time.^[17]

Variant with lens casing

An isolated camera is known with a rounded casing around the taking and viewing lenses, completely covering the shutter.^[18] There are three levers on the sides of the casing, certainly to set the speed and aperture, and for shutter cocking and release. A black plate is screwed between the two lenses, with the words ROLLE KONTER WORK, and the camera lacks the K&T logo at the top.

The rest of the camera body, including the film advance mechanism, is the same as on the Rollekonter I with large nameplate. The taking lens is a U.Hitonar with a low serial number (no.1419),^[19] and the viewing lens is a Ricoh Anastigmat.

The camera is extremely similar to the original Ricohflex made from 1939 by Mori Seisakusho for Riken, which only differs by its Ricohflex nameplate, RIKEN KOHGAKU KOGYO CO., LTD. marking and Ricoh Anastigmat taking lens.^[20]

That particular Rollekonter camera has been presented in recent sources as a "Rollekonter III",^[21] but this is probably a mistake. (The Rollekonter III was sold at a later period and was surely based on the Rollekonter II with the newer film advance mechanism.) It is actually a variant of the original Rollekonter, made in 1939 at the same time as the original Ricohflex. The camera was perhaps assembled from an unsold Ricohflex body, with the black ROLLE KONTER WORK plate added as an afterthought to cover the words RIKEN KOHGAKU KOGYO CO., LTD.

The Rollekonter II and III

General description

The Rollekonter II has a newer auto-stop mechanism.^[22] It seems that all the cameras have a button in the middle of the advance knob, certainly used to unlock the film advance after each exposure, as on contemporary Rolleicord cameras. The cover for that button is often missing on the examples found today. There is an additional control near the advance knob, certainly used to engage the exposure counter after film loading (see below).

It is said that the viewing hood of the Rollekonter II automatically comes up when the focus knob is moved,^[23] and indeed no latch is visible on the back of the hood. On the model II, the Rolle konter plate around the focus knob normally has a chrome instead of black background.

Most Rollekonter II have a large nameplate, similar to that of the model I, marked Rollekonter II and MADE IN TOKYO. However some cameras have different nameplates with stepped sides (see below).

The shutter is either the "Tokyo Compur" (T, B, 1–300, sometimes called "New Compur"), or the "Rapid-Compur" (T, B, 1–500), as described above for the Rollekonter I.^[24] All the examples of the Rollekonter II observed so far have the U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens, though early advertisements give the lens name as "Hitonar" only.^[25] The viewing lens is the same U Hitonar Anastigmat, with f/3.5 maximal aperture instead of f/3.2 on the earlier model, and with no serial number.

Early cameras

The Rollekonter II was first advertised in the May 1940 issue of Asahi Camera.^[26] Early Rollekonter II have a lever in front of the advance knob, certainly to engage the exposure counter. This lever differs from that of the Rollekonter I, and two types are known. The first type is pictured in an advertisement by Mizuno Shashinki-ten dated December 1940, where the lens is mentioned as a Hitonar f/3.5.^[27] The second type, with a shorter stroke, appears in another advertisement by Mizuno dated c.1942,^[28] and has been observed on at least one surviving camera.^[29]

Regular cameras

The advance mechanism was soon modified. Regular Rollekonter II have a sliding button placed behind the focus knob, replacing the lever of the early cameras. It seems that the back latch became chrome instead of black around the same time. This configuration has been observed on various actual examples, but not on the original documents.^[30]

Stepped nameplate

Some advertisements by Hakkōdō dated 1941 and early 1942 show a picture of an unspecified Rollekonter model. The camera has a small nameplate with stepped sides (like that of the Rolleicord made after 1938), only marked Rollekonter.^[31] It is otherwise similar to the regular Rollekonter II with sliding button. This particular nameplate has not been observed yet on any actual example.

Final version

The late Rollekonter II have yet another nameplate with small steps on the side, inscribed Rollekonter and MADE IN TOKYO, similar to that of the late Rollekonter A.^[32] It seems that the very late cameras lack the K&T logo on the viewing hood.^[33] These cameras were probably made after 1943, and the Rollekonter II was advertised until late 1944.^[34]

The Rollekonter III

The model name "Rollekonter III" first appears in the official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, along with the Rollekonter II and Rollekonter B.^[35] Curiously, all three models share the same set price of ¥252, perhaps by mistake.

The name was used again in advertisements by Hakkōdō dated July 1943 and September 1944.^[36] In these documents, the camera is described as "similar to the Rolleicord II" ("ローライコードⅡ型ト同ジ") and listed with a U Hitonar f/3.5 lens and a "Rapid-Compur" shutter to 1/500. The same description is given for the Rollekonter II, only differing by the "New Compur" shutter to 1/300. It is highly probable that this Rollekonter III is the new name of the Rollekonter II with 1/500 top speed, after the model number ceased to be displayed on the nameplate.

Recent sources say that the Rollekonter III corresponds to the camera described above as a Rollekonter I with lens casing, similar to the original Ricohflex, but the dates do not match, and this description is certainly mistaken (see above).

The Rollekonter B

The Rollekonter B is a less expensive version of the Rollekonter II. It is recognized by its large nameplate, similar to that of the Rollekonter I and II, but marked Rollekonter B and MADE IN TOKYO. It seems that the camera has no auto-stop mechanism, and the film advance is manually controlled by watching the frame counter.^[37]

The lens is a Hitonar Anastigmat f/4.5. The shutter is reported by some sources as a Light, perhaps giving 5–200 speeds.^[38] The shutter plate is marked Patent Pending at the top.

The Rollekonter B was advertised from February 1941 to March 1943.^[39] An advertisement by Mizuno dated April 1942 supposedly shows a picture of the camera. This picture is certainly a fake obtained from a picture of an early Rollekonter II: the diameter of the lenses corresponds to f/3.5 maximal aperture, and a lever is visible in front of the advance knob, indicating auto-stop advance.

The Rollekonter A

Rollekonter A, late nameplate, U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens no.15296.
Pictures courtesy of Jon Eggleston. (Image rights)

The Rollekonter A is an evolution of the Rollekonter II.^[40] It has a large casing around the taking and viewing lenses, with a characteristic jagged shape, completely covering the shutter. There is a plate engraved Rolle konter between the two lenses. The speed is set by a lever, and is displayed in a small window on the left of the taking lens (as seen from the front). The aperture is selected by an index, running along a scale on the right of the lens. The shutter is wound by another lever protruding from the casing.

The film advance mechanism is similar to that of the Rollekonter II, with a sliding button behind the focus knob. The main release is a small sliding button placed on the camera's left side — as seen by the photographer — towards the bottom. It is said to be very inconvenient to use.^[41] The camera has a self-timer, wound by a knob placed behind the main release, and adjustable from 8 to 15 seconds. Another sliding button is visible on the same side, between the self-timer knob and the upper film flange, but its function is unknown.

The camera has a pair of U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lenses, the same as on the Rollekonter II, with a serial number on the taking lens and none on the viewing lens. Serial numbers have been observed in the 14xxx and 15xxx range. The shutter gives T, B, 1–500 speeds, and was advertised as a "Rapid-Compur".

The Rollekonter A was first advertised in August 1942.^[42] The early cameras have a large nameplate, similar to that of the Rollekonter I and II, inscribed Rollekonter A and MADE IN TOKYO. A picture showing that feature appears in an advertisement in Hōdō Shashin March 1943.^[43] (The main release is not visible in the picture, perhaps because of a retouch.) Another picture showing a similar camera appears in advertisements dated July 1943 and September 1944, but it was perhaps outdated at the time.^[44]

Regular examples of the Rollekonter A have a different nameplate, similar to that of the final Rollekonter II. It has stepped sides, and is only inscribed Rollekonter and MADE IN TOKYO with no indication of the model name. It does not appear in the original documents, but has been observed on various actual examples, including that pictured above.^[45]

The Rollekonter Automat, with crank advance

The Rollekonter Automat (ロールコンター・オートマット) is an evolution of the Rollekonter A, only known from an advertisement dated February 1944.^[46] The document mentions f/3.5 or f/2.8 lenses, and gives no price. It shows a front view of a camera with a pair of U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/2.8.

The picture shows a folded advance crank on the photographer's right and a focusing knob on the left. Two smaller knobs are visible below the focusing knob, certainly corresponding to the self-timer winding knob and the bottom film flange.

The nameplate is similar to that of the late Rollekonter II and Rollekonter A, with small steps on the sides and no mention of the model name. The camera has no K&T logo.

The lenses are surrounded by a casing, similar to that of the Rollekonter A. The front of the casing is silver-coloured, and the model name is inscribed at the bottom as Rollekonter Auto or perhaps Rollekonter Automat, below the taking lens. There are two wheels at the front, between the two lenses, certainly controlling the speed and aperture. It seems that the settings are directly engraved on these wheels, and cannot be viewed from the top. There is a lever on the left side (as seen from the front), perhaps used to wind the shutter.

No example of the Rollekonter Automat has surfaced so far, and the camera perhaps remained a prototype.

Price range

The advertisements observed so far show the following evolution of the price range:

Date	June 1938^[47]	December 1940^[48]	February 1942^[49]	April 1942^[50]	March 1943^[51]	July 1943^[52]	September 1944^[53]
Model	June 1938^[47]	December 1940^[48]	February 1942^[49]	April 1942^[50]	March 1943^[51]	July 1943^[52]	September 1944^[53]
Rollekonter (I)	¥210	no price	_	_	_	_	_
Rollekonter II (1/300)	_	no price	¥260	¥260	¥260	¥300.02	¥354.04
Rollekonter II (1/500) or Rollekonter III	_	no price	¥278	_	_	¥321.94	¥379.90
Rollekonter B	_	_	_	¥178	¥178	_	_
Rollekonter A	_	_	_	_	¥379	¥437.90	¥578

The Rollekonter was not a cheap camera: the economical Rollekonter B cost only slightly less than the Waltax — a good 4.5×6cm folder with four-element lens — and the Rollekonter A was probably the most expensive camera available on the Japanese market after 1943.

Notes

↑ Dates: advertisements and articles listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp.343–4.
↑ Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato (Feb. 1939), p.13 of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin July 20, 1967, reproduced on p.231 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku: ロールコンターの森製作所. This is confirmed in Tanaka, p.19 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen). The Rollekonter is attributed to "Seibi-do Co. (Mori Manufacturing)" in Sugiyama, items 2021–3. It is attributed to "Rolle Konter Work" in McKeown, p.849, but this is only a dummy name inscribed on the cameras (see Camera Works).
↑ Body casting re-used after the war: Tanimura, p.440 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lb32.
↑ Tanaka, p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen).
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.
↑ Tanaka, pp.132–3 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen), says that the central part of the wind knob is fixed and the advance is unlocked after each exposure by a lever.
↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-Q-4.
↑ Example pictured in McKeown, p.849, and example observed in an online auction.
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.
↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.
↑ {{Kokusan}, p.334.
↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 2021, wrongly identified as a "Rollekonter II".
↑ Examples pictured in this page, in Neco's collection [1] [2] [3], and observed in online auctions.
↑ Example pictured in this page, and example pictured in this page at tlr-cameras.com.
↑ "Rapid-Compur" made by Bikōdō: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-R-9.
↑ Example pictured in this page at tlr-cameras.com.
↑ Example pictured in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.437, and in Tanaka, p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen).
↑ Serial number visible in the picture in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.437.
↑ Example pictured in Tanaka, p.19 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.141 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen). The picture is reproduced in this page of the Ricoh website.
↑ Tanaka, p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen), and description on pp.19–20 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.
↑ Tanaka, p.133 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen).
↑ "Rapid-Compur" made by Bikōdō: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-R-9.
↑ The lens is called Hitonar in the advertisement in Kōga Gekkan December 1940, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105. It is called U Hitonar in the advertisement in Hōdō Shashin April 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.
↑ Advertisement in Kōga Gekkan, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.
↑ Advertisement published in an unknown Japanese magazine around 1942, reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura.
↑ Example pictured in this page of D-Grade Camera World (archived).
↑ Example pictured in this page at Galerie Y, and examples observed in online auctions.
↑ Advertisement dated 1941 reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura, and advertisement in Asahi Camera February 1942, visible in this page of Xylocopal's photolog.
↑ Example pictured in a page of the AJCC, and example observed in an online auction.
↑ Example observed in an online auction.
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344.
↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 7, section 1.
↑ Advertisement in Shashin Bunka July 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106. — Advertisement in Shashin Kagaku September 1944, formerly reproduced at Gochamaze (archived).
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344. The film advance is reported as fully manual via a red window in Tanaka, p.133 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen), but a frame counter is visible in various pictures.
↑ The speeds are given as T, B, 5–200 in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344, and in Tanaka, p.133 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen). They are reported as T, B, 5–100 in Sugiyama, item 2023, surely by mistake, and this is repeated in McKeown, p.849. The available pictures seem to show 5–200 or 5–250.
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344.
↑ The Rollekonter A is called "Rollekonter A-II" in Sugiyama, item 2022, certainly by mistake.
↑ This page at D-Grade Camera World (archived).
↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344.
↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.
↑ Advertisement in Shashin Bunka July 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106. — Advertisement in Shashin Kagaku September 1944, formerly reproduced at Gochamaze (archived).
↑ Examples pictured in this article, in Sugiyama, item 2022, in this page (archived) and this page (archived) at D-Grade Camera World, and observed in online auctions.
↑ Advertisement on the third cover of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin, February 15, 1944, reproduced on p.77 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku.
↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera June 1938, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.
↑ Advertisement in Kōga Gekkan December 1940, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.
↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera February 1942, visible in this page of Xylocopal's photolog.
↑ Advertisement in Hōdō Shashin April 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.
↑ Advertisement in Hōdō Shashin March 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.
↑ Advertisement in Shashin Bunka July 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.
↑ Advertisement in Shashin Kagaku September 1944, formerly reproduced at Gochamaze (archived).

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. Items 334–8. (See also the picture on p.437 and the interview of Tanimura Yoshihiko on pp.439–40.)
"Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Items 117–8. (Lists the Rollekonter II and A.)
"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. Type 7, section 1.
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.849.
Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin July 20, 1967. "Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato" (業界三十年の足跡, Records of thirty years in the business). Pp.12–33. Reproduced in Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin (日本写真興業通信). Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku (百号ごと十回の記録, Ten records, every hundred issues). Tokyo: Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin Sha (日本写真興業通信社), 1967. No ISBN number. Pp.230–51.
Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin (日本写真興業通信). Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku (百号ごと十回の記録, Ten records, every hundred issues). Tokyo: Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin Sha (日本写真興業通信社), 1967. No ISBN number. Advertisement on p.77, corresponding to the third cover of the February 15, 1944 issue.
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. Items 2021–3.
Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen) (二眼レフのはなし[前編], TLR stories [first part]). Gendai Kamera Shinsho (現代カメラ新書) no.68. Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1980. No ISBN number. Pp.131–4.
Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Senzen no kamera 3: Nigan-refu kamera" (戦前のカメラ3・二眼レフカメラ, Prewar cameras 3: TLR cameras). 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.14, October 1989. No ISBN number. Rikō kamera no subete (リコーカメラのすべて, special issue on Ricoh). Pp.19–20. (On the Ricohflex name variant.)

Links

General links

In English:

Rollekonter I (late) at Barry Toogood's www.tlr-cameras.com

In Japanese:

Rollekonter I (late) in Neco's camera collection, with other pictures here and here
Rollekonter in a page of the AJCC website

Original documents

In Japanese:

Advertisements reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura:
- Advertisement for the Rollekonter dated 1941
- Advertisement for the Rollekonter dated between 1942 and 1945
Advertisement for the Rollekonter published in Asahi Camera February 1942, visible in this page about old camera magazines of Xylocopal's photolog

[1] Dates: advertisements and articles listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp.343–4.

[2] Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato (Feb. 1939), p.13 of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin July 20, 1967, reproduced on p.231 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku: ロールコンターの森製作所. This is confirmed in Tanaka, p.19 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen). The Rollekonter is attributed to "Seibi-do Co. (Mori Manufacturing)" in Sugiyama, items 2021–3. It is attributed to "Rolle Konter Work" in McKeown, p.849, but this is only a dummy name inscribed on the cameras (see Camera Works).

[3] Body casting re-used after the war: Tanimura, p.440 of Kokusan kamera no rekishi.

[4] "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item Lb32.

[5] Tanaka, p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen).

[6] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.

[7] Tanaka, pp.132–3 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen), says that the central part of the wind knob is fixed and the advance is unlocked after each exposure by a lever.

[8] "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-Q-4.

[9] Example pictured in McKeown, p.849, and example observed in an online auction.

[10] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.

[11] Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.

[12] {{Kokusan}, p.334.

[13] Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 2021, wrongly identified as a "Rollekonter II".

[14] Examples pictured in this page, in Neco's collection [1] [2] [3], and observed in online auctions.

[15] Example pictured in this page, and example pictured in this page at tlr-cameras.com.

[16] "Rapid-Compur" made by Bikōdō: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-R-9.

[17] Example pictured in this page at tlr-cameras.com.

[18] Example pictured in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.437, and in Tanaka, p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen).

[19] Serial number visible in the picture in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.437.

[20] Example pictured in Tanaka, p.19 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14 and p.141 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen). The picture is reproduced in this page of the Ricoh website.

[21] Tanaka, p.132 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen), and description on pp.19–20 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.14.

[22] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.

[23] Tanaka, p.133 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen).

[24] "Rapid-Compur" made by Bikōdō: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-R-9.

[25] The lens is called Hitonar in the advertisement in Kōga Gekkan December 1940, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105. It is called U Hitonar in the advertisement in Hōdō Shashin April 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.

[26] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.343.

[27] Advertisement in Kōga Gekkan, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.

[28] Advertisement published in an unknown Japanese magazine around 1942, reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura.

[29] Example pictured in this page of D-Grade Camera World (archived).

[30] Example pictured in this page at Galerie Y, and examples observed in online auctions.

[31] Advertisement dated 1941 reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura, and advertisement in Asahi Camera February 1942, visible in this page of Xylocopal's photolog.

[32] Example pictured in a page of the AJCC, and example observed in an online auction.

[33] Example observed in an online auction.

[34] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344.

[35] "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 7, section 1.

[36] Advertisement in Shashin Bunka July 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106. — Advertisement in Shashin Kagaku September 1944, formerly reproduced at Gochamaze (archived).

[37] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344. The film advance is reported as fully manual via a red window in Tanaka, p.133 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen), but a frame counter is visible in various pictures.

[38] The speeds are given as T, B, 5–200 in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344, and in Tanaka, p.133 of Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen). They are reported as T, B, 5–100 in Sugiyama, item 2023, surely by mistake, and this is repeated in McKeown, p.849. The available pictures seem to show 5–200 or 5–250.

[39] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344.

[40] The Rollekonter A is called "Rollekonter A-II" in Sugiyama, item 2022, certainly by mistake.

[41] This page at D-Grade Camera World (archived).

[42] Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.344.

[43] Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.

[44] Advertisement in Shashin Bunka July 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106. — Advertisement in Shashin Kagaku September 1944, formerly reproduced at Gochamaze (archived).

[45] Examples pictured in this article, in Sugiyama, item 2022, in this page (archived) and this page (archived) at D-Grade Camera World, and observed in online auctions.

[46] Advertisement on the third cover of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin, February 15, 1944, reproduced on p.77 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku.

[47] Advertisement in Asahi Camera June 1938, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.

[48] Advertisement in Kōga Gekkan December 1940, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.

[49] Advertisement in Asahi Camera February 1942, visible in this page of Xylocopal's photolog.

[50] Advertisement in Hōdō Shashin April 1942, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.105.

[51] Advertisement in Hōdō Shashin March 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.

[52] Advertisement in Shashin Bunka July 1943, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.106.

[53] Advertisement in Shashin Kagaku September 1944, formerly reproduced at Gochamaze (archived).

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Difference between revisions of "Rollekonter"

Latest revision as of 05:38, 24 June 2021

Contents

General description of the knob-advance models

The original Rollekonter and Rollekonter I

Description

Early cameras

Early documents

New nameplate

Variant with lens casing

The Rollekonter II and III

General description

Early cameras

Regular cameras

Stepped nameplate

Final version

The Rollekonter III

The Rollekonter B

The Rollekonter A

The Rollekonter Automat, with crank advance

Price range

Notes

Bibliography

Links

General links

Original documents

Navigation menu

Personal tools

Namespaces

Variants

Views

More

Search

Navigation

External

Tools

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{stub}}
+{{Japanese prewar and wartime 6×6 TLR
-{{WIP}}
+|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33881449138/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33881449138_1ee8fb89d7_m.jpg]<br>''Picture by {{image author|eBayer Yalluflex}}. {{with permission}}''
-{{Japanese prewar and wartime TLR}}
+}}
+The '''Rollekonter''' (ロールコンター) is a Japanese 6×6 TLR made from early 1938 to 1944.<REF> Dates: advertisements and articles listed in {{Kokusan}}, pp.343–4. </REF> The name is an obvious rip-off of <U>Rolle</U>iflex and I<U>kont</U>a (イコンター in Japanese). The camera was made by [[Mori|Mori Seisakusho]].<REF> ''Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato'' (Feb. 1939), p.13 of {{NSKT}} July 20, 1967, reproduced on p.231 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku'': ロールコンターの森製作所. This is confirmed in Tanaka, p.19 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.132 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)''. The Rollekonter is attributed to "Seibi-do Co. (Mori Manufacturing)" in {{SUG}}, items 2021–3. It is attributed to "Rolle Konter Work" in {{MK}}, p.849, but this is only a dummy name inscribed on the cameras (see [[Camera Works]]). </REF> It was distributed by [[Ōsawa]], [[Yamashita]] and [[Seibidō]], then by [[Mizuno]] and [[Hakkōdō]]. After 1945, the camera was succeeded by the [[Bikor-Flex]].
-The '''Rollekonter''' (ロールコンター) is a Japanese 6&times;6 TLR made from early 1938 to 1944.<REF> Dates: advertisements and articles listed in {{Kokusan}}, pp.&nbsp;343&ndash;4. </REF> The name is an obvious rip-off of <U>Rolle</U>iflex and I<U>kont</U>a (イコンター in Japanese).
+== General description of the knob-advance models ==
+{{Flickr_image
+|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/46842155685/in/pool-camerawiki
+|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46842155685_75d1a2e603_m.jpg
+|image2_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47706033632/in/pool-camerawiki
+|image2= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47706033632_c86c6edf22_m.jpg
+|image_align= right
+|image_text= 1944 ads by [[Hakkōdō]] and [[Mizuno]]
+|image_by= rebollo_fr
+|image_rights= wp
+}}
+The Rollekonter was inspired by the [[Rolleicord|1936 Rolleicord models]]. All the models share the same body casting; it is said that this part was re-used after the war on various other TLR cameras, perhaps because the dies survived and were used by some sub-contractor supplying parts to other manufacturers.<REF> Body casting re-used after the war: Tanimura, p.440 of {{Kokusan}}. </REF>
-== General description ==
+The camera is focused by moving the front plate back and forth. The focusing and film advance knobs are on the photographer's right. The film advance is semi-automatic and there is a round exposure counter window at the top of the right-hand side plate. The focusing knob is inscribed ''Rolle Konter Work'', a mere dummy name (see [[Camera Works]]). The distance scale is engraved on the side of the knob, usually on a black background. It is surrounded by a metal plate, either chrome or black, looking like a depth-of-field scale but only engraved ''Rolle&nbsp;konter''.
-The Rollekonter is inspired from the [[Rolleicord|1936 Rolleicord models]]. The focusing is done by moving the front plate back and forth. The focusing and film advance knobs are on the photographer's right. The film advance is semi-automatic and there is a round exposure counter window at the top of the right-hand side plate. The focusing knob is inscribed ''Rolle Konter Work.'' It is surrounded by a metal plate looking like a depth-of-field scale but which is simply written ''Rolle Konter.'' There is a magnifying glass hinged to the back of the viewing hood. There is also a lever on the right-hand side of the hood, certainly releasing a mirror for eye-level reflex viewing.
-The back is hinged to the top and has an exposure table written in English. This table is exactly identical to that of the [[First Reflex]], and it seems that these cameras share other parts too. There is a red window under the camera, on the left-hand side next to the tripod screw. It is protected by a sliding cover and is certainly used to set the position of the first exposure.
+The viewing hood is made of two parts only. The front part usually has a logo in the middle, reading ''K&T''. This logo is read from behind when the hood is closed, and it appears upside down when it is open. There is a mirror inside the hood, released by a lever visible on the right. It is used for eye-level focusing through a round eyepiece on the rear. There is also a magnifying lens hinged to the rear, above the eyepiece.
-There is a logo in the middle of the viewing hood, reading ''K&T.'' This logo is read from behind when the viewing hood is closed, and it appears upside down when the hood is open.
+The back is hinged to the top for film loading. There is an exposure table in English language attached at the rear. (The table is exactly identical to that of the [[First Reflex]], and it seems that these cameras share other parts too.) There is a red window under the camera, on the left-hand side, next to the tripod thread. It is protected by a sliding cover and is used to set the position of the first exposure.
-All the models have a 75mm lens called Hitonar Anastigmat or U Hitonar Anastigmat. The U Hitonar 75/3.5 was made by [[Kokusaku]],<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Lb32. </REF> and the other models were probably made by the same company. The name Hitonar (ヒトナー) obviously refers to Hitler (written ヒトラー in Japanese).
+All the models have a 75mm lens called Hitonar Anastigmat or U Hitonar Anastigmat. The name Hitonar (ヒトナー) probably refers to Hitler (written ヒトラー in Japanese). An original document lists the U&nbsp;Hitonar 75mm f/3.5 as a three-element lens made by [[Kokusaku]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item Lb32. </REF> At least one recent source says that the Hitonar was made by [[Miyoshi|Miyoshi Kōgaku]];<REF> Tanaka, p.132 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)''. </REF> this may be a mistake or might indicate that the supplier was changed at some point.
-== Evolution ==
+The case is made of brown leather and is embossed ''Rollekonter'' or ''Rolle&nbsp;Konter'' at the front.
-=== The original Rollekonter ===
-The '''original Rollekonter''' was released in early 1938.<REF> According to {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;343, the earliest advertisement was in the January 1938 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' and the camera was featured in the new products column of the February 1938 issue of the same magazine. </REF> It is recognizable by its smaller nameplate, only inscribed ''Rolle konter'' in two words. There is a lever in front of the wind knob, certainly used to unlock the film advance. The shutter release is directly mounted under the shutter casing.
-The lens is a Hitonar Anastigmat 75/3.5 and the shutter, advertised as a Tokyo Compur (トーキョーコンパー), provides T, B, 1&ndash;300 speeds. It seems that the shutter plate is inscribed ''Rolle Konter.'' The shutter is sometimes reported as an "MB Compur", perhaps because it is inscribed as such.<REF> McKeown, p.&nbsp;849. Sugiyama, item 2021 (about the Rollekonter II). </REF>
+== The original Rollekonter and Rollekonter I ==
+=== Description ===
+The '''original Rollekonter''' has the first type of advance mechanism. It automatically stops after each exposure, and reportedly provides double exposure prevention.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.343. </REF> There is a lever in front of the wind knob, with ''O'' and ''R'' indications, perhaps used to unlock the film advance after each exposure. It seems that the central part of the wind knob is fixed, unlike the contemporary [[Rolleicord]].<REF> Tanaka, pp.132–3 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)'', says that the central part of the wind knob is fixed and the advance is unlocked after each exposure by a lever. </REF> Other details of the mechanism are unclear, and it is not known how the exposure counter is engaged or reset.
-This model was offered for {{yen|210|1938}} in an advertisement dated June 1938, where it was simply called "Rollekonter".<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;105. </REF> Three authorized dealers were mentioned: [[Ōsawa Shōkai]], [[Yamashita|Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten]] and [[Seibidō]], but no other company name was given.
+The camera has a latch at the rear of the viewing hood, unlike the later model II. The ''Rolle&nbsp;konter'' plate around the focus knob is usually black, as well as the back latch under the camera. The viewing lens has f/3.2 maximum aperture, unlike later models.
-One actual example is pictured in {{McKeown}}.<REF> McKeown, p.&nbsp;849. </REF>
+=== Early cameras ===
+The '''early cameras''' are recognized by the small nameplate, only inscribed ''Rolle&nbsp;konter'' in two words. The lens is a Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The shutter, advertised as a Tokyo Compur (トーキョーコンパー), provides T, B, 1–300 speeds. This is not a genuine [[Compur]] but a Japanese copy made by [[Bikōdō]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-Q-4. </REF> The shutter plate has an ''MB'' logo and is engraved ''Compur'' on one side. The name ''Rolle&nbsp;konter'' appears on a separate plate on the other side, attached by two screws. The shutter is wound and tripped by a single lever at the bottom.
-=== The Rollekonter II, III and B ===
+At least two surviving examples are known with the original nameplate, including that pictured in {{MK}}.<REF> Example pictured in {{MK}}, p.849, and example observed in an online auction. </REF>
-The '''Rollekonter II''' was released in mid-1940.<REF> According to {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;343, the earliest advertisement was in the May 1940 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]].'' </REF> It has a larger nameplate, shaped like that of the [[Rolleicord]], marked ''Rollekonter'' or ''Rollekonter II'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>.'' The advance unlock lever has a slightly different shape and it is said that the auto-stop mechanism was improved.<REF> Improved auto-stop mechanism: {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;343. </REF> The Rollekonter II exists in two versions: one has the Tokyo Compur shutter (1&ndash;300), sometimes called New Compur, already mounted on the Rollekonter I, and the other has a Rapid-Compur shutter giving 1&ndash;500 speeds. These shutters were not genuine [[Compur]] shutters but Japanese copies made by [[Bikōdō]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter items and 18-Q-4 and 18-R-9. </REF>
-After the introduction of the Rollekonter II, the original model was renamed '''Rollekonter I.''' The Rollekonter II with Rapid-Compur shutter was sometimes called '''Rollekonter III.'''<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;344, says that the Rollekonter III has a shutter casing like the Rollekonter A or Rolleicord II. No evidence of this has been found and the small price difference between the models II and III makes this unlikely. </REF>
+=== Early documents ===
+The original Rollekonter was first advertised in {{ACA}} January 1938 and was featured in the new products column of the same magazine in February.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.343. </REF> The June 1938 advertisement in {{ACA}} shows a picture of the camera with the early nameplate, merely called "Rollekonter".<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.105. </REF> Three authorized dealers are mentioned: [[Ōsawa|Ōsawa Shōkai]], [[Yamashita|Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten]] and [[Seibidō]], and no other company name is given.
-The '''Rollekonter B''' is a less expensive version of the Rollekonter II, with a Hitonar Anastigmat f/4.5 lens. It was first advertised in early 1941.<REF> According to {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;344, the earliest advertisement was in the February 1941 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]].'' </REF> The nameplate is engraved ''Rollekonter B'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>.'' The shutter is reported by some sources as a Light but the speed range is unclear.<REF> Sugiyama, item 2023, and McKeown, p.&nbsp;849, both report T, B, 5&ndash;100 speeds. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;344, says T, B, 5&ndash;200. The pictures observed of actual examples are barely legible but they probably show 5&ndash;200 or 5&ndash;250. </REF> The shutter plate is marked ''Patent Pending'' at the top. It is said that the film advance only relies on the exposure counter and that there is no auto-stop mechanism, but this is dubious.<REF> This is said by {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;344, but the pictures show the same controls as on the Rollekonter II. </REF>
+=== New nameplate ===
+{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"
+|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/40792056793/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40792056793_47af584a9e_m.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47758567881/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47758567881_f9582d3031_m.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/46969294324/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46969294324_1b9e53925c_m.jpg]
+|-
+|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/40792089943/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40792089943_59e8aa11fa_m.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47705952352/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47705952352_58424b9a21_m.jpg]
+|-
+|| ''Rollekonter I, late nameplate, "Compur" shutter,<br>Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens no.6226.<br>Pictures by {{image author|eBayer Yalluflex}}. {{with permission}}''
+|}
-The {{Kakaku1940_short}}, compiled on October 25, 1940 and published in January 1941, listed the "Rollekonter II", "Rollekonter III" and "Rollekonter B".<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 7, section 1. </REF> Curiously, all three models had the same set price of &yen;252.
+{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=400px style="text-align: center;"
+|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47758627451/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47758627451_b7a2d48284_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47705988722/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47705988722_e72e17c62e_m_d.jpg]
+|-
+|| ''Rollekonter I, late nameplate, "[[Compur-Rapid]]" shutter,''<br>''U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens no.7575.''<br>''Pictures by {{image author|eBayer tuiteka}}. {{with permission}}''
+|}
+The original model soon received a larger nameplate, shaped like that of the [[Rolleicord]], marked ''Rollekonter'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>'' with no mention of a model number. It was renamed '''Rollekonter I''' after the introduction of the Rollekonter II in mid-1940, and was advertised until April 1941.<REF> {{Kokusan}, p.334. </REF>
-In an advertisement by [[Mizuno|Mizuno Shashinki-ten]] dated December 1940,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Kōga Gekkan]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;105. </REF> the two versions of the Rollekonter II were offered along with the Rollekonter I. All the cameras had the Hitonar f/3.5 lens and no price was given.
+No original document showing the camera with the larger nameplate has yet been found, but various surviving examples are known. At least one camera pictured in {{SUG}} still has the Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.5 taking lens (that particular camera has a non standard back latch, probably not original).<REF> Example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 2021, wrongly identified as a "Rollekonter II". </REF>
-In another advertisement by [[Mizuno]] dated about 1942,<REF> [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/rollcko_l.jpg Advertisement] published in an unknown Japanese magazine around 1942, reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura. </REF> the Rollekonter II was offered alone, in the same two versions, priced &yen;260 and &yen;278. The lens name had become U Hitonar.
+Most other examples have the newer U&nbsp;Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.5, with lens numbers in the 7xxx and 8xxx range.<REF> Examples pictured in this page, in Neco's collection [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mori/roll0010.html] [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mori/roll0011.html] [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mori/roll0012.html], and observed in online auctions. </REF> The viewing lens is either a Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.2 with a serial number, or a U&nbsp;Hitonar Anastigmat f/3.2 with no number.
-In some advertisements by [[Hakkōdō]], dated 1941 and February 1942,<REF> Illegible [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/cm01_41_l.jpg advertisement] dated 1941 reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura, and [http://www.xylocopal.com/0612/magazine16.jpg advertisement] published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1942, visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page of Xylocopal's photolog]. </REF> the pictured camera had a smaller nameplate with stepped sides, which has never been observed on any actual example. The same two versions were offered and the prices in February 1942 were {{yen|260|1942}} and {{yen|278|1942}} too.
+Most cameras have the "Tokyo Compur" shutter (T, B, 1–300) with ''MB'' logo. Others have a shutter giving T, B, 1–500 speeds, engraved ''COMPUR–RAPID'' on the rim.<REF> Example pictured in this page, and example pictured in [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Rollekonter.html this page at tlr-cameras.com]. </REF> This shutter was made by [[Bikōdō]] too, and was advertised as the "Rapid-Compur" on later models of the Rollekonter,<REF> "Rapid-Compur" made by Bikōdō: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-R-9. </REF> but does not appear with the Rollekonter I on the original documents. The front plate is normally similar to that of the "Tokyo Compur", with an ''MB'' logo and ''Rolle&nbsp;konter'' nameplate.
-In an advertisement by [[Mizuno]] dated April 1942, the cheaper version of the Rollekonter II was offered for {{yen|260|1942}} together with the Rollekonter B for {{yen|178|1942}}.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;106. </REF> The advertising picture was showing a Rollekonter B, externally similar to the model II.
+The example pictured on the right has the "[[Compur-Rapid]]" but lacks the ''MB'' logo, and has a non original synch socket and a separate setting lever, perhaps the result of a repair. Another camera with the "[[Compur-Rapid]]" has a ''KODAK'' shutter plate, certainly because the part was replaced at some time.<REF> Example pictured in [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Rollekonter.html this page at tlr-cameras.com]. </REF>
-Examples of the Rollekonter II have been observed in {{Sugiyama}} and in various websites.<REF> Sugiyama, item 2021, with no model number on the nameplate; [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/rollekonter2/rollekonter2.htm this page] at [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/index.htm D-Grade Camera World]. </REF>
+=== Variant with lens casing ===
+An isolated camera is known with a rounded casing around the taking and viewing lenses, completely covering the shutter.<REF> Example pictured in {{Kokusan}}, p.437, and in Tanaka, p.132 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)''. </REF> There are three levers on the sides of the casing, certainly to set the speed and aperture, and for shutter cocking and release. A black plate is screwed between the two lenses, with the words ''ROLLE KONTER WORK'', and the camera lacks the ''K&T'' logo at the top.
-=== The Rollekonter A ===
+The rest of the camera body, including the film advance mechanism, is the same as on the Rollekonter I with large nameplate. The taking lens is a U.Hitonar with a low serial number (no.1419),<REF> Serial number visible in the picture in {{Kokusan}}, p.437. </REF> and the viewing lens is a Ricoh Anastigmat.
-The '''Rollekonter A''' was introduced in late 1942 at the top of the range.<REF> According to {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;344, the earliest advertisement was in the August 1942 issue of ''[[Shashin Bunka]].'' The Rollekonter A is called "Rollekonter A-II" in Sugiyama, item 2022, certainly by mistake. </REF> It has a large housing around the taking and viewing lenses. Two levers are protruding from this casing, one underneath and the other to the right of the photographer. One of them surely sets the self-timer, whose delay is said to be adjustable between 8 and 15 seconds, and the other certainly selects the shutter speed.<REF> Adjustable self-timer: Sugiyama, item 2022 and [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter.htm this page] at [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/index.htm D-Grade Camera World]. The latter source gives the 8&ndash;15s range. </REF> When viewed from the front, the casing shows the aperture scale on the right of the taking lens and a round window on the left, certainly displaying the selected speed. There is a plate engraved ''Rolle konter'' between the taking and viewing lenses.
-A number of other controls are visible but their use is unclear: there is an additional knob and two sliding buttons on the side plate, to the left of the photographer. It is said that the bottom one is the shutter release.<REF> See [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter.htm this page] at [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/index.htm D-Grade Camera World]. </REF> On the other side, there is another sliding button between the advance and focus knobs. It seems that the advance unlock lever has been suppressed, certainly because the shutter release is interlocked with the advance system and provides double exposure prevention. At least one advertisement emphasizes a "body release" and an "automatic shutter device" (自動シャッター装置), it is not known if this is an allusion to double exposure prevention or to the self-timer.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'' July 1943, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;106. </REF>
+The camera is extremely similar to the [[Ricohflex (original)|original Ricohflex]] made from 1939 by [[Mori|Mori Seisakusho]] for [[Ricoh|Riken]], which only differs by its ''Ricohflex'' nameplate, ''RIKEN KOHGAKU KOGYO CO., LTD.'' marking and Ricoh Anastigmat taking lens.<REF> Example pictured in Tanaka, p.19 of {{KKS}} no.14 and p.141 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)''. The picture is reproduced in [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/flexA.html this page of the Ricoh website]. </REF>
-The nameplate is inscribed ''Rollekonter'' or ''Rollekonter A'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>.''
+That particular Rollekonter camera has been presented in recent sources as a "Rollekonter III",<REF> Tanaka, p.132 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)'', and description on pp.19–20 of {{KKS}} no.14. </REF> but this is probably a mistake. (The Rollekonter III was sold at a later period and was surely based on the Rollekonter II with the newer film advance mechanism.) It is actually a variant of the original Rollekonter, made in 1939 at the same time as the [[Ricohflex (original)|original Ricohflex]]. The camera was perhaps assembled from an unsold Ricohflex body, with the black ''ROLLE KONTER WORK'' plate added as an afterthought to cover the words ''RIKEN KOHGAKU KOGYO CO., LTD.''
-An advertisement by [[Mizuno]] dated March 1943 and advertisements by [[Hakkōdō]] dated July 1943 and September 1944 showed the following price evolution:<REF> March 1943: advertisement published in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;106. July 1943: advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;106. September 1944: [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki52.jpg advertisement] published in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]],'' reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF>
+== The Rollekonter II and III ==
+=== General description ===
+The '''Rollekonter II''' has a newer auto-stop mechanism.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.343. </REF> It seems that all the cameras have a button in the middle of the advance knob, certainly used to unlock the film advance after each exposure, as on contemporary [[Rolleicord]] cameras. The cover for that button is often missing on the examples found today. There is an additional control near the advance knob, certainly used to engage the exposure counter after film loading (see below).
+It is said that the viewing hood of the Rollekonter II automatically comes up when the focus knob is moved,<REF> Tanaka, p.133 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)''. </REF> and indeed no latch is visible on the back of the hood. On the model II, the ''Rolle&nbsp;konter'' plate around the focus knob normally has a chrome instead of black background.
+Most Rollekonter II have a large nameplate, similar to that of the model I, marked ''Rollekonter II'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>''. However some cameras have different nameplates with stepped sides (see below).
+The shutter is either the "Tokyo Compur" (T, B, 1–300, sometimes called "New Compur"), or the "Rapid-Compur" (T, B, 1–500), as described above for the Rollekonter I.<REF> "Rapid-Compur" made by Bikōdō: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-R-9. </REF> All the examples of the Rollekonter II observed so far have the U&nbsp;Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens, though early advertisements give the lens name as "Hitonar" only.<REF> The lens is called Hitonar in the advertisement in ''[[Kōga Gekkan]]'' December 1940, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.105. It is called U&nbsp;Hitonar in the advertisement in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]]'' April 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.106. </REF> The viewing lens is the same U&nbsp;Hitonar Anastigmat, with f/3.5 maximal aperture instead of f/3.2 on the earlier model, and with no serial number.
+=== Early cameras ===
+The Rollekonter II was first advertised in the May 1940 issue of {{ACA}}.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.343. </REF> '''Early Rollekonter II''' have a lever in front of the advance knob, certainly to engage the exposure counter. This lever differs from that of the Rollekonter I, and two types are known. The first type is pictured in an advertisement by [[Mizuno|Mizuno Shashinki-ten]] dated December 1940, where the lens is mentioned as a Hitonar f/3.5.<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Kōga Gekkan]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.105. </REF> The second type, with a shorter stroke, appears in another advertisement by [[Mizuno]] dated c.1942,<REF> [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/rollcko_l.jpg Advertisement] published in an unknown Japanese magazine around 1942, reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura. </REF> and has been observed on at least one surviving camera.<REF> Example pictured in [https://web.archive.org/web/20050414024254/http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/rollekonter2/rollekonter2.htm this page of D-Grade Camera World (archived)]. </REF>
+=== Regular cameras ===
+The advance mechanism was soon modified. '''Regular Rollekonter II''' have a sliding button placed behind the focus knob, replacing the lever of the early cameras. It seems that the back latch became chrome instead of black around the same time. This configuration has been observed on various actual examples, but not on the original documents.<REF> Example pictured in [http://homepage2.nifty.com/yosanroom/camera_rollekonter.htm this page at Galerie Y], and examples observed in online auctions. </REF>
+=== Stepped nameplate ===
+Some advertisements by [[Hakkōdō]] dated 1941 and early 1942 show a picture of an unspecified Rollekonter model. The camera has a small nameplate with stepped sides (like that of the [[Rolleicord]] made after 1938), only marked ''Rollekonter''.<REF> [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/cm01_41_l.jpg Advertisement] dated 1941 reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura, and [http://www.xylocopal.com/0612/magazine16.jpg advertisement] in {{ACA}} February 1942, visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page of Xylocopal's photolog]. </REF> It is otherwise similar to the regular Rollekonter II with sliding button. This particular nameplate has not been observed yet on any actual example.
+=== Final version ===
+The '''late Rollekonter II''' have yet another nameplate with small steps on the side, inscribed ''Rollekonter'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>'', similar to that of the late Rollekonter A.<REF> Example [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/C_Photo_19.jpg pictured] in [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.57.html a page] of the AJCC, and example observed in an online auction. </REF> It seems that the very late cameras lack the ''K&T'' logo on the viewing hood.<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> These cameras were probably made after 1943, and the Rollekonter II was advertised until late 1944.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.344. </REF>
+=== The Rollekonter III ===
+The model name "Rollekonter III" first appears in the official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, along with the Rollekonter II and Rollekonter B.<REF> {{Kakaku0141_short}}, type 7, section 1. </REF> Curiously, all three models share the same set price of ¥252, perhaps by mistake.
+The name was used again in advertisements by [[Hakkōdō]] dated July 1943 and September 1944.<REF> Advertisement in {{SB}} July 1943, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.106. — Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Kagaku]]'' September 1944, formerly reproduced at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100703164808/http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze (archived)]. </REF> In these documents, the camera is described as "similar to the Rolleicord II" ("ローライコードⅡ型ト同ジ") and listed with a U Hitonar f/3.5 lens and a "Rapid-Compur" shutter to 1/500. The same description is given for the Rollekonter II, only differing by the "New Compur" shutter to 1/300. It is highly probable that this '''Rollekonter III''' is the new name of the Rollekonter II with 1/500 top speed, after the model number ceased to be displayed on the nameplate.
+Recent sources say that the Rollekonter III corresponds to the camera described above as a Rollekonter I with lens casing, similar to the [[Ricohflex (original)|original Ricohflex]], but the dates do not match, and this description is certainly mistaken (see above).
+== The Rollekonter B ==
+The '''Rollekonter B''' is a less expensive version of the Rollekonter II. It is recognized by its large nameplate, similar to that of the Rollekonter I and II, but marked ''Rollekonter B'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>''. It seems that the camera has no auto-stop mechanism, and the film advance is manually controlled by watching the frame counter.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.344. The film advance is reported as fully manual via a red window in Tanaka, p.133 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)'', but a frame counter is visible in various pictures. </REF>
+The lens is a Hitonar Anastigmat f/4.5. The shutter is reported by some sources as a [[Light (shutter)|Light]], perhaps giving 5–200 speeds.<REF> The speeds are given as T, B, 5–200 in {{Kokusan}}, p.344, and in Tanaka, p.133 of ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)''. They are reported as T, B, 5–100 in {{SUG}}, item 2023, surely by mistake, and this is repeated in {{MK}}, p.849. The available pictures seem to show 5–200 or 5–250. </REF> The shutter plate is marked ''Patent Pending'' at the top.
+The Rollekonter B was advertised from February 1941 to March 1943.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.344. </REF> An advertisement by [[Mizuno]] dated April 1942 supposedly shows a picture of the camera. This picture is certainly a fake obtained from a picture of an early Rollekonter II: the diameter of the lenses corresponds to f/3.5 maximal aperture, and a lever is visible in front of the advance knob, indicating auto-stop advance.
+== The Rollekonter A ==
+{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
+|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47709445142/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47709445142_852069ae07_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/40795698343/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40795698343_3a7029aa58_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47709467832/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47709467832_5f23cfebea_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33885074988/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33885074988_cf128e9d91_m_d.jpg]
+|-
+|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/32818518667/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32818518667_b7eacf935f_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47762016011/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47762016011_017d7a484e_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33885114858/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33885114858_57ee25be42_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/47709511812/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47709511812_21cb119787_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33885134888/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33885134888_edca5dd0df_t_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/33885143858/in/pool-camerawiki/ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33885143858_5f270aa19b_t_d.jpg]
+|-
+|| ''Rollekonter A, late nameplate, U Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 taking lens no.15296.''<br>''Pictures courtesy of {{image author|Jon Eggleston}}. {{with permission}}''
+|}
+The '''Rollekonter A''' is an evolution of the Rollekonter II.<REF> The Rollekonter A is called "Rollekonter A-II" in {{SUG}}, item 2022, certainly by mistake. </REF> It has a large casing around the taking and viewing lenses, with a characteristic jagged shape, completely covering the shutter. There is a plate engraved ''Rolle&nbsp;konter'' between the two lenses. The speed is set by a lever, and is displayed in a small window on the left of the taking lens (as seen from the front). The aperture is selected by an index, running along a scale on the right of the lens. The shutter is wound by another lever protruding from the casing.
+The film advance mechanism is similar to that of the Rollekonter II, with a sliding button behind the focus knob. The main release is a small sliding button placed on the camera's left side — as seen by the photographer — towards the bottom. It is said to be very inconvenient to use.<REF> [https://web.archive.org/web/20050816103716/http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/kamera_use/Rollekonter_use.htm This page] at D-Grade Camera World (archived). </REF> The camera has a self-timer, wound by a knob placed behind the main release, and adjustable from 8 to 15 seconds. Another sliding button is visible on the same side, between the self-timer knob and the upper film flange, but its function is unknown.
+The camera has a pair of U&nbsp;Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lenses, the same as on the Rollekonter II, with a serial number on the taking lens and none on the viewing lens. Serial numbers have been observed in the 14xxx and 15xxx range. The shutter gives T, B, 1–500 speeds, and was advertised as a "Rapid-Compur".
+The Rollekonter A was first advertised in August 1942.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.344. </REF> The '''early cameras''' have a large nameplate, similar to that of the Rollekonter I and II, inscribed ''Rollekonter A'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>''. A picture showing that feature appears in an advertisement in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]]'' March 1943.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.106. </REF> (The main release is not visible in the picture, perhaps because of a retouch.) Another picture showing a similar camera appears in advertisements dated July 1943 and September 1944, but it was perhaps outdated at the time.<REF> Advertisement in {{SB}} July 1943, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.106. — Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Kagaku]]'' September 1944, formerly reproduced at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100703164808/http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze (archived)]. </REF>
+'''Regular examples''' of the Rollekonter A have a different nameplate, similar to that of the final Rollekonter II. It has stepped sides, and is only inscribed ''Rollekonter'' and ''<small>MADE IN TOKYO</small>'' with no indication of the model name. It does not appear in the original documents, but has been observed on various actual examples, including that pictured above.<REF> Examples pictured in this article, in {{SUG}}, item 2022, in [https://web.archive.org/web/20050101233805/http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter.htm this page (archived)] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20050413023224/http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter_front.htm this page (archived)] at D-Grade Camera World, and observed in online auctions. </REF>
+== The Rollekonter Automat, with crank advance ==
+The '''Rollekonter Automat''' (ロールコンター・オートマット) is an evolution of the Rollekonter A, only known from an advertisement dated February 1944.<REF> Advertisement on the third cover of {{NSKT}}, February 15, 1944, reproduced on p.77 of ''Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku''. </REF> The document mentions f/3.5 or f/2.8 lenses, and gives no price. It shows a front view of a camera with a pair of U&nbsp;Hitonar Anastigmat 75mm f/2.8.
+The picture shows a folded advance crank on the photographer's right and a focusing knob on the left. Two smaller knobs are visible below the focusing knob, certainly corresponding to the self-timer winding knob and the bottom film flange.
+The nameplate is similar to that of the late Rollekonter II and Rollekonter A, with small steps on the sides and no mention of the model name. The camera has no ''K&T'' logo.
+The lenses are surrounded by a casing, similar to that of the Rollekonter A. The front of the casing is silver-coloured, and the model name is inscribed at the bottom as ''Rollekonter Auto'' or perhaps ''Rollekonter Automat'', below the taking lens. There are two wheels at the front, between the two lenses, certainly controlling the speed and aperture. It seems that the settings are directly engraved on these wheels, and cannot be viewed from the top. There is a lever on the left side (as seen from the front), perhaps used to wind the shutter.
+No example of the Rollekonter Automat has surfaced so far, and the camera perhaps remained a prototype.
+== Price range ==
+The advertisements observed so far show the following evolution of the price range:
 {| border="1" cellpadding="4" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;"
 |-
 || Date
-| rowspan="2" | March 1943
+| rowspan="2" | June 1938<REF> Advertisement in {{ACA}} June 1938, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.105. </REF>
-| rowspan="2" | July 1943
+| rowspan="2" | December 1940<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Kōga Gekkan]]'' December 1940, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.105. </REF>
-| rowspan="2" | September 1944
+| rowspan="2" | February 1942<REF> [http://www.xylocopal.com/0612/magazine16.jpg Advertisement] in {{ACA}} February 1942, visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page of Xylocopal's photolog]. </REF>
+| rowspan="2" | April 1942<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]]'' April 1942, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.105. </REF>
+| rowspan="2" | March 1943<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Hōdō Shashin]]'' March 1943, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.106. </REF>
+| rowspan="2" | July 1943<REF> Advertisement in {{SB}} July 1943, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.106. </REF>
+| rowspan="2" | September 1944<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Shashin Kagaku]]'' September 1944, formerly reproduced at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100703164808/http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze (archived)]. </REF>
 |-
 || Model
 |-
-|| Rollekonter A
+|| Rollekonter (I)
-|| {{yen|379|1943}}
+|| {{yen|210|1938}}
-|| {{yen|437.90|1943}}
+|| no price
-|| {{yen|578|1944}}
+|| _
+|| _
+|| _
+|| _
+|| _
 |-
-|| Rollekonter III
+|| Rollekonter II (1/300)
 || _
-|| {{yen|321.94|1943}}
+|| no price
-|| {{yen|379.90|1944}}
+|| {{yen|260|1942}}
-|-
+|| {{yen|260|1942}}
-|| Rollekonter II
 || {{yen|260|1943}}
 || {{yen|300.02|1943}}
 || {{yen|354.04|1944}}
+|-
+|| Rollekonter II (1/500)<br>or Rollekonter III
+|| _
+|| no price
+|| {{yen|278|1942}}
+|| _
+|| _
+|| {{yen|321.94|1943}}
+|| {{yen|379.90|1944}}
 |-
 || Rollekonter B
+|| _
+|| _
+|| _
+|| {{yen|178|1942}}
 || {{yen|178|1943}}
 || _
 || _
+|-
+|| Rollekonter A
+|| _
+|| _
+|| _
+|| _
+|| {{yen|379|1943}}
+|| {{yen|437.90|1943}}
+|| {{yen|578|1944}}
 |}
-In the March 1943 picture, the sliding button at the bottom left is not visible, perhaps because the picture was retouched.
-The {{Inquiry1943_short}}, listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, only mentioned the Rollekonter A and the Rollekonter II.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 117&ndash;8. </REF> The manufacturer's name is unfortunately missing from the document.
-Some actual examples have been observed.<REF> Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 2022; example observed in an online auction; example pictured in [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter.htm this page] and [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter_front.htm this page] of [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/index.htm D-Grade Camera World]. </REF> All of them simply have ''Rollekonter'' on the nameplate whereas the advertising pictures have ''Rollekonter A.''
+The Rollekonter was not a cheap camera: the economical Rollekonter B cost only slightly less than the [[Waltax]] — a good 4.5×6cm folder with four-element lens — and the Rollekonter A was probably the most expensive camera available on the Japanese market after 1943.
 == Notes ==
@@ Line 90: / Line 206: @@
 == Bibliography ==
-* {{Showa10}} Items 334&ndash;8.
+* {{Showa10}} Items 334–8. (See also the picture on p.437 and the interview of Tanimura Yoshihiko on pp.439–40.)
-* {{Inquiry1943}} Items 117&ndash;8.
+* {{Inquiry1943}} Items 117–8. (Lists the Rollekonter II and A.)
-* {{Kakaku1940}}
+* {{Kakaku0141}} Type 7, section 1.
-* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;849.
+* {{McKeown12}} P.849.
-* {{Zukan}} Items 2021&ndash;3.
+* {{NSKT}} July 20, 1967. "Gyōkai san-jū-nen no ashiato" (業界三十年の足跡, Records of thirty years in the business). Pp.12–33. Reproduced in {{NSKT1000}} Pp.230–51.
+* {{NSKT1000}} Advertisement on p.77, corresponding to the third cover of the February 15, 1944 issue.
+* {{Zukan}} Items 2021–3.
+* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). ''Nigan-refu no hanashi (zenpen)'' (二眼レフのはなし[前編], TLR stories [first part]). Gendai Kamera Shinsho (現代カメラ新書) no.68. Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1980. No ISBN number. Pp.131–4.
+* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Senzen no kamera 3: Nigan-refu kamera" (戦前のカメラ3・二眼レフカメラ, Prewar cameras 3: TLR cameras). {{KKS014}} Pp.19–20. (On the [[Ricohflex (original)|Ricohflex]] name variant.)
 == Links ==
 === General links ===
 In English:
-* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/index.html Page with Japanese TLR cameras] at the [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/ TLR Cameras Website], including the [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Rollekonter.html Rollekonter]
+* [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Rollekonter.html Rollekonter I (late)] at Barry Toogood's [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/ www.tlr-cameras.com]
 In Japanese:
-* Pages at [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/index.htm D-Grade Camera World] by Matsu:
+* [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mori/roll0010.html Rollekonter I (late)] in [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/index.html Neco's camera collection], with other pictures [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mori/roll0011.html here] and [http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mori/roll0012.html here]
-** [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter.htm Rollekonter A], [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/Rollekonter_front.htm front picture] and [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/kamera_use/Rollekonter_use.htm description of use]
+* [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/C_Photo_19.jpg Rollekonter] in [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/sub1.57.html a page] of the [http://www.ajcc.gr.jp/ AJCC website]
-** [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/RollekonterB.htm Rollekonter B] and [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/kamera_use/RollekonterB/RollekonterB_use.htm description of use]
-** [http://homepage3.nifty.com/camera-d/Yojouhan/rollekonter2/rollekonter2.htm Rollekonter II]
-* [http://www.d1.dion.ne.jp/~sk_07/CAP/RK.htm Rollekonter II] at [http://www.d1.dion.ne.jp/~sk_07/new_page_1.htm Wakamiya's site]
-* [http://homepage2.nifty.com/yosanroom/camera_rollekonter.htm Rollekonter B] at [http://homepage2.nifty.com/yosanroom/ Galerie Y]
 === Original documents ===
 In Japanese:
-* Advertisements reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera], a page of old Japanese advertisements by Toshio Inamura:
+* Advertisements reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura:
 ** [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/cm01_41_l.jpg Advertisement for the Rollekonter] dated 1941
 ** [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/rollcko_l.jpg Advertisement for the Rollekonter] dated between 1942 and 1945
-* Advertisement for the Rollekonter published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' February 1942, visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page about old camera magazines] of [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/ Xylocopal's photolog]
+* [http://www.xylocopal.com/0612/magazine16.jpg Advertisement for the Rollekonter] published in {{ACA}} February 1942, visible in [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/5177408 this page about old camera magazines] of [http://xylocopal2.exblog.jp/ Xylocopal's photolog]
-* [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki52.jpg Advertisement for the Rollekonter] published in the September 1944 issue of ''[[Shashin Kagaku]],'' reproduced in the [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki.htm Japanese camera page] of the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]
 [[Category: Japanese 6x6 TLR]]
 [[Category: R]]
+[[Category: 1938]]