Ruvinal
The Ruvinal (ルビナル) is a Japanese dual-format 6×6 and 4.5×6 folding camera, made between 1951 and about 1955.[1] It is attributed to Shōei Kōgaku or Shōei Sangyō.[2] The camera was first distributed by Maki Shōji, the new name of the prewar distributor Eikō-Dō. The distributor was named Eikō-Dō again in 1953.
Origins and description
The Ruvinal is a continuation of the wartime dual-format Ugein, released in 1943. The horizontal folding body, with folding struts inspired from the Balda folders and a back hinged to the left, is inherited from the National folders, predecessors of the Ugein. There is a top housing covering all the top plate, containing the finder in the middle and supporting the advance knob on the left end. It seems that the only change from the Ugein is the addition of a swinging mask in the viewfinder for 4.5×6 pictures, actioned by a small button on the top.
The back has two red windows, with horizontally sliding covers and 16 EX and 12 EX indications embossed in the leather. Near the bottom, the back leather is also embossed RUVINAL 120. The top plate is engraved RUVINAL MOD. III. The camera was never advertised as such, but it is certainly for this reason that some sources mention a "Ruvinal 120" or a "Ruvinal III".[3] No evidence of a Model II has been found yet, but it is mentioned in some sources, maybe by mistake.[4] An identical camera called Ruvikon 120 is also reported, it is probably an engraving variant.[5]
Evolution
Some sources say that the Ruvinal was first sold in March 1950 by Shōei Sangyō.[6] The earliest documented advertisement is in the November 1951 issue of Asahi Camera.[7] The camera was simply called Ruvinal and was offered by the distributor Maki Shōji, with a coated 80/3.5 lens and an NKK shutter (B, 1–200 speeds, selftimer-equipped, synchronized). This variant was renamed Ruvinal A the following month, while a Ruvinal B was introduced with the same characteristics except a low speed of 1/10. In April 1953, the shutter name appearing in the advertising pictures became R.V.L., with identical specifications.[8]
The following lens and shutter combinations are known:
- C. Wester NKK 7.5cm f/3.5 lens, N.K.K. Wester shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer);[9]
- Wester Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens, N.K.K. Wester shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer), on an example reported as a Ruvikon;[10]
- Ruvinal Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 lens, N.K.K. Wester shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer);[11]
- Ruvinal Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 lens, NKS shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer, two-pin synchronization);[12]
- C Pentagor Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 lens, R.V.L. shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer);[13]
- C Pentagor Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 lens, Model-B shutter (B, 10–200, self-timer).[14]
Some sources also mention a Seriter 75/3.5 lens.[15]
An uncoupled rangefinder version with lever advance, called Ruvinal R, was featured in the news column of the November 1950 issue of Sankei Camera.[16] No picture has been observed yet and it is unknown if it was effectively sold.
Notes
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 373.
- ↑ Shōei Kōgaku: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 373. Shōei Sangyō: McKeown, p. 891, Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 113, and Lewis, p.&nsbp;73.
- ↑ For example Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 373, mentioning a model called "Ruvinal III" featured in the new products column of the December 1956 issue of Asahi Camera, that is certainly the Ruvinal A.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 891, mentions a Ruvinal II and a Ruvinal III.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 891.
- ↑ Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 113. Lewis, p. 73, also says 1950 and calls the camera "Ruvinal Six".
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 209.
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 373. Lewis, p. 83, says that the "Ruvinal Six A and B" were introduced in 1953, but it is probably a mistake. Various advertisements showing the R.V.L. shutter are reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp. 209–10, and in this page at the Shashin-Bako website.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ Example pictured in McKeown, p. 891, as a "Ruvikon 120".
- ↑ Example pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 113.
- ↑ Example observed for sale at a dealer.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ Example observed in an eBay auction.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 891.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 373. Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 113, also mentions an uncoupled rangefinder version sold in 1955 but calls it "R.L.L. II".
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 1022–4. (See also the advertisements for items 1025–7.)
- Kawamata Masataku (川又正卓). Ruvinal 120. 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: The use of and actual examples from 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. P. 113.
- 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. 891.
