Difference between revisions of "Sakura Prano and Idea"

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== The Sakura Prano Portable ==
 
== The Sakura Prano Portable ==
 +
=== General description ===
 
The Sakura Prano Portable is a copy of the [[Rochester]] [[Pony Premo]]. It exists in {{nimaigake}} (4×5in) and {{kabine}} (12×16.5cm) formats. Focusing is done by a small wheel on the photographer's right. The straight folding struts are maintained in position by a screw. The front standard consists of various parts assembled to form a rectangle, and allows some movements, at least on the more expensive models.<REF> No movement ability is visible in the drawings in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371007&APage=614 this page] and [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371008&APage=614 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, which perhaps show the cheaper No.2 model. Most of the illustrations published in other sources show at least vertical movement ability. </REF> The [[brilliant finder]] is attached to the folding bed, on the photographer's right, and has a small hood.
 
The Sakura Prano Portable is a copy of the [[Rochester]] [[Pony Premo]]. It exists in {{nimaigake}} (4×5in) and {{kabine}} (12×16.5cm) formats. Focusing is done by a small wheel on the photographer's right. The straight folding struts are maintained in position by a screw. The front standard consists of various parts assembled to form a rectangle, and allows some movements, at least on the more expensive models.<REF> No movement ability is visible in the drawings in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371007&APage=614 this page] and [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371008&APage=614 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, which perhaps show the cheaper No.2 model. Most of the illustrations published in other sources show at least vertical movement ability. </REF> The [[brilliant finder]] is attached to the folding bed, on the photographer's right, and has a small hood.
  
 +
=== Original model ===
 
The camera was reportedly released in February 1907.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10. The date is simply given as 1907 in Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10, in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371007&APage=614 this page] and [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371008&APage=614 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, and in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> One source mentions '''No.2''', '''No.4''' and '''No.6''' models, all of them available both in {{nimaigake}} and in {{kabine}} formats.<REF> Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It seems that No.6 is distinguished from the other models by its triple extension bellows, but the difference between No.2 and No.4 is unclear.<REF> Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> No.2 and No.4 were reportedly sold with a [[Bausch & Lomb]] RR f/8 lens and a Gem (ゼム) shutter (T, B, I), whereas No.6 was offered with an Automatic shutter and a Symmetrical lens by [[Bausch & Lomb]] for the {{nimaigake}} version, and the same shutter and [[Zeiss]] or [[Goerz]] lenses for the {{kabine}} version.<REF> Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF>
 
The camera was reportedly released in February 1907.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10. The date is simply given as 1907 in Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10, in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371007&APage=614 this page] and [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?&key=103310371008&APage=614 this page] of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, and in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> One source mentions '''No.2''', '''No.4''' and '''No.6''' models, all of them available both in {{nimaigake}} and in {{kabine}} formats.<REF> Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It seems that No.6 is distinguished from the other models by its triple extension bellows, but the difference between No.2 and No.4 is unclear.<REF> Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> No.2 and No.4 were reportedly sold with a [[Bausch & Lomb]] RR f/8 lens and a Gem (ゼム) shutter (T, B, I), whereas No.6 was offered with an Automatic shutter and a Symmetrical lens by [[Bausch & Lomb]] for the {{nimaigake}} version, and the same shutter and [[Zeiss]] or [[Goerz]] lenses for the {{kabine}} version.<REF> Sakai, p.17 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF>
  
 +
=== Year-Fourty-One model ===
 
It is said that an improved model was released in January 1908.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> An advertisement or catalogue entry presents this new model as the '''Year-Fourty-One Sakura Prano Camera''' (四十一年さくらプラノカメラ), where "Year-Fourty-One" refers to Meiji year 41, i.e. 1908. It says that the camera received various improvements, but one source says that these improvements were only pretended to lower the price in a competitive context.<REF> Received various improvements: 今回更に諸点に改良を加えて. Pretended improvements to lower the price: Sakai, p.10 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It also says that the Sakura Prano Portable was made in the company's workshops, but part of the production was certainly assumed by subcontractors.<REF> Made in the company's workshops: 本店工場の特製品にして. On subcontractors, see Sakai, p.10 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> The following versions are listed:
 
It is said that an improved model was released in January 1908.<REF> Chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> An advertisement or catalogue entry presents this new model as the '''Year-Fourty-One Sakura Prano Camera''' (四十一年さくらプラノカメラ), where "Year-Fourty-One" refers to Meiji year 41, i.e. 1908. It says that the camera received various improvements, but one source says that these improvements were only pretended to lower the price in a competitive context.<REF> Received various improvements: 今回更に諸点に改良を加えて. Pretended improvements to lower the price: Sakai, p.10 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> It also says that the Sakura Prano Portable was made in the company's workshops, but part of the production was certainly assumed by subcontractors.<REF> Made in the company's workshops: 本店工場の特製品にして. On subcontractors, see Sakai, p.10 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> The following versions are listed:
 
* '''No.2''', 4×5in, {{yen|27|1908}};
 
* '''No.2''', 4×5in, {{yen|27|1908}};
Line 44: Line 47:
  
 
== The Idea Portable ==
 
== The Idea Portable ==
The Sakura Prano Portable was renamed '''Idea Portable''' in 1909, and some sources specify February.<REF> Kikuoka, pp.27 and 30 of {{KKS}} no.10, and chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of the same magazine. The date is simply given as 1909 in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
+
The Sakura Prano Portable was renamed '''Idea Portable''' in 1909, and some sources specify February.<REF> Kikuoka, pp.27 and 30 of {{KKS}} no.10, chronology from the official company history ''Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen'', reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of the same magazine, and Lewis, p.20. The date is simply given as 1909 in the [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/11year.htm chronology at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF>
  
 +
=== Original advertisements ===
 
An early advertisement by [[Konica|Konishi Honten]] confirms that the Idea Portable was a renaming of the Sakura Prano Portable, and says that the camera received some unspecified improvements.<REF> Advertisement reproduced at the top of [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideasetu.html this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> It lists the following versions:
 
An early advertisement by [[Konica|Konishi Honten]] confirms that the Idea Portable was a renaming of the Sakura Prano Portable, and says that the camera received some unspecified improvements.<REF> Advertisement reproduced at the top of [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideasetu.html this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. </REF> It lists the following versions:
 
* '''No.2''', 4×5in, {{yen|27|1909}};
 
* '''No.2''', 4×5in, {{yen|27|1909}};
Line 65: Line 69:
 
An advertisement dated August 1912 shows the {{nimaigake}}-size No.2 inside a specially designed suitcase.<REF> Advertisement reproduced at the bottom of [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideasetu.html this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. See also Kikuoka, pp.28 and 31 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> The camera is called '''New Idea Camera No.2''' (新アイデヤカメラ貳號) and the price is given as {{yen|30|1912}}. It is not known if the camera received other improvements or if the introduction of the suitcase alone justifies the name "New Idea".
 
An advertisement dated August 1912 shows the {{nimaigake}}-size No.2 inside a specially designed suitcase.<REF> Advertisement reproduced at the bottom of [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/ideasetu.html this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha]. See also Kikuoka, pp.28 and 31 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> The camera is called '''New Idea Camera No.2''' (新アイデヤカメラ貳號) and the price is given as {{yen|30|1912}}. It is not known if the camera received other improvements or if the introduction of the suitcase alone justifies the name "New Idea".
  
An advertisement dated 1914 in ''Shashin Geppō'' presents the '''Idea Camera No.2''' (アイデアカメラ二號) and '''No.4''' (四號), along with the {{tefuda}}-size [[Idea (wooden)|A1]] (A一號) shown in the illustration.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], near the bottom. </REF> The No.2 and No.4 are listed in {{nimaigake}} and {{kabine}} formats with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens. The No.2 has a Single shutter and the No.4 has a [[Pronto]]. The prices are the same as in 1909, and the larger models were probably unchanged.
+
An advertisement dated 1914 in ''Shashin Geppō'' presents the '''Idea Camera No.2''' (アイデアカメラ二號) and '''No.4''' (四號), along with the {{tefuda}}-size [[Idea (wooden)|A1]] (A一號) shown in the illustration.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in [http://www2f.biglobe.ne.jp/~ter-1212/sakura/idea.htm this page at R.&nbsp;Konishi Rokuoh-sha], near the bottom. </REF> It says that the Idea received the Gold Medal at the Taishō Exhibition, which took place in Tokyo's Ueno Park in 1914.<REF> Received the Gold Medal at the Taishō Exhibition: 大正博覧会にて金牌を受領せる. Took place in Tokyo's Ueno Park in 1914: [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8D%9A%E8%A6%A7%E4%BC%9A this Japanese Wikipedia page]. </REF> The No.2 and No.4 are listed in {{nimaigake}} and {{kabine}} formats with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens. The No.2 has a Single shutter and the No.4 has a [[Pronto]]. The prices are the same as in 1909, and the larger models were probably unchanged.
 +
 
 +
=== Surviving examples ===
 +
Two surviving examples of the large-format Idea are pictured in {{Sugiyama}} and in Kikuoka, one in 4×5in-size and the other in 12×16.5cm.<REF> Kikuoka, p.27 of {{KKS}} no.10, {{Sugiyama}}, items 1081–2. The latter source translates {{kyabine}} (12×16.5cm) as "13×18cm" and {{McKeown}}, p.538, refers to this camera as the "Idea 5×7in" but these are mistakes. </REF> These two cameras are certainly later than the advertisements observed so far, and the 12×16.5cm example is probably later than the other. Some of there features are related to the [[Noble]].
 +
 
 +
The two cameras have triple extension bellows and perhaps correspond to the Idea Portable No.6.<REF> Triple extension bellows: Kikuoka, p.27 of {{KKS}} no.10. </REF> They have a screw on each side of the main body, towards the bottom, serving an unknown purpose, and a small wheel at the bottom of the right-hand side of the body, perhaps used to tilt the film holder. This arrangement is similar to that of the [[Noble]], and differs from the single screw towards the middle of the body observed in the advertising illustrations.
 +
 
 +
The 4×5in example has a front standard made of various parts assembled together and allowing horizontal and vertical movements. This front standard is similar to that of the early [[Noble]], and has some similarity to that of the [[Lily (wooden)|Lily Portable]]. The [[brilliant finder]] is attached to the right-hand branch of this front standard. The camera has a round nameplate attached to the left-hand side of the body, presumably with the "Idea" name. The shutter is a dial-set [[Compur]] and the lens is reported as a Tessar 16.5cm f/6.3.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1081. </REF>
 +
 
 +
The 12×16.5cm example<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1082, translates {{kyabine}} (12×16.5cm) as "13×18cm" and {{McKeown}}, p.538, says "5×7in" but these are mistakes. </REF> has a U-shaped front standard made of a single alloy part, and allowing vertical and horizontal movements as well. This front standard is again very similar to that of the late [[Noble]], and comparable to that of the [[Lily (horizontal)|horizontal Lily models]]. The [[brilliant finder]] is attached to the folding bed on the photographer's right. The round nameplate is attached to the right-hand side of the body, and there is a folding Newton finder on the opposite side. The shutter is reported as an Optimo and the lens as a [[Wollensak]] Vinco Anastigmat 7in f/6.8.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1082. </REF>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==

Revision as of 22:18, 31 March 2008

Japanese plate cameras
Monocular cameras (edit)
No.0 (4×5cm) Secrette
atom (4.5×6cm) New Argus | Egorette | Secrette
Box cameras (edit)
No.0 (4×5cm) Adam | Hayatori Renshūyō
atom (4.5×6cm) Atom Hayatori Shashinki
meishi (5.5×8cm) Cherry
tefuda (8×10.5cm) Champion | Cherry | Sakura Army | Sakura Honor | Sakura Navy
nimaigake (8×12cm) Sakura Honor
kabine (12×16.5cm) Sakura Honor
Folding bed cameras (edit)
No.0 (4×5cm) Alpha | Sweet | Pony Sweet | Taishō-shiki
atom (4.5×6cm) Monarch | Need | Palma
meishi (5.5×8cm) Eagle | Idea A | Idea B | Idea Snap | Idea No.1 | Iris | Lily (horizontal) | Pearl No.3 | Special Camera | Venis | X
daimeishi (6.5×9cm) Apollo | Arcadia | Crite | Special East | Eaton | Elliotte | First | First Etui | Gold | Happy | Hope | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Kinka | Kokka | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Tropical Lily | Lloyd | Lomax | Masnette | Mikuni | Need | Nifca Klapp | Nifca Sport | Ohca | Palma | Peter | Prince | Prince Peerless | Proud | Romax | Rosen | Rubies | Sirius | Sun | Super | Tokiwa | Venus | Weha Idea | Weha Light
tefuda (8×10.5cm) Eagle | Idea A | Idea B | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Iris | Lily (original) | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Palma | Pearl No.3, No.4 | Minimum Pearl | Special Pearl | Sakura Palace | Sakura Pocket Prano | Star | Tokiwa | Weha
nimaigake (8×12cm) Eagle | Idea | Idea Binocular | Sakura Prano | Sakura Binocular Prano | Star Premo
hagaki (8×14cm) Eagle | Noble | Pearl No.3, No.4 | Star
kabine (12×16.5cm) Idea | Noble | Sakura Prano | Star Premo
Strut-folding cameras (edit)
No.0 (4×5cm) CH
atom (4.5×6cm) Idea Spring
meishi (5.5×8cm) Minimum Idea | Korok
daimeishi (6.5×9cm) Idea Spring | Minolta | Auto Minolta | Auto Press Minolta | Nifca-Dox | Vester Klapp
tefuda (8×10.5cm) Focal Happy | Idea Spring | Idea Telephoto
10×15cm Kongo Press
kabine (12×16.5cm) Idea Spring | Idea Telephoto
SLR cameras (edit)
atom (4.5×6cm) Simplex Reflex | Speed Reflex
meishi (5.5×8cm) Speed Reflex
daimeishi (6.5×9cm) Convex Reflex | Hogo Reflex | Idea Reflex (1932) | Neat Reflex | Simplex Reflex | Speed Reflex
tefuda (8×10.5cm) Idea Reflex (1910 and 1911) | Idea Reflex (1932) | Neat Reflex | Photo Deluxe Reflex | Speed Reflex
nimaigake (8×12cm) Idea Reflex (1910 and 1911) | Sakura Reflex Prano
kabine (12×16.5cm) Idea Reflex (1910 and 1911)
daikabine (13×18cm) Guaranteed Reflex
unknown Hardflex | Leinflex | Photoman Special Reflex
Stereo cameras
3.7×5cm Tokioscope
4×5in Idea Binocular | Sakura Binocular Prano
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->
This is a work in progress.

The Sakura Prano Portable Camera (さくらプラノ手提暗函)[1] is a Japanese folding camera made from 1907 by Rokuoh-sha, the manufacturing branch of Konishi (predecessor of Konica). It was succeeded by the similar Idea Portable Camera (アイデア手提暗函) in 1909.

The Sakura Prano Portable

General description

The Sakura Prano Portable is a copy of the Rochester Pony Premo. It exists in nimaigake (4×5in) and kabine (12×16.5cm) formats. Focusing is done by a small wheel on the photographer's right. The straight folding struts are maintained in position by a screw. The front standard consists of various parts assembled to form a rectangle, and allows some movements, at least on the more expensive models.[2] The brilliant finder is attached to the folding bed, on the photographer's right, and has a small hood.

Original model

The camera was reportedly released in February 1907.[3] One source mentions No.2, No.4 and No.6 models, all of them available both in nimaigake and in kabine formats.[4] It seems that No.6 is distinguished from the other models by its triple extension bellows, but the difference between No.2 and No.4 is unclear.[5] No.2 and No.4 were reportedly sold with a Bausch & Lomb RR f/8 lens and a Gem (ゼム) shutter (T, B, I), whereas No.6 was offered with an Automatic shutter and a Symmetrical lens by Bausch & Lomb for the nimaigake version, and the same shutter and Zeiss or Goerz lenses for the kabine version.[6]

Year-Fourty-One model

It is said that an improved model was released in January 1908.[7] An advertisement or catalogue entry presents this new model as the Year-Fourty-One Sakura Prano Camera (四十一年さくらプラノカメラ), where "Year-Fourty-One" refers to Meiji year 41, i.e. 1908. It says that the camera received various improvements, but one source says that these improvements were only pretended to lower the price in a competitive context.[8] It also says that the Sakura Prano Portable was made in the company's workshops, but part of the production was certainly assumed by subcontractors.[9] The following versions are listed:

  • No.2, 4×5in, ¥27;
  • No.2, 12×16.5cm, ¥37;
  • No.4, 4×5in, ¥47;
  • No.4, 12×16.5cm, ¥58;
  • No.6, 4×5in, ¥60;
  • No.6, 12×16.5cm, ¥75;
  • No.7, 4×5in, vertical and horizontal movements ¥100;
  • No.7, 12×16.5cm, focal plane shutter ¥135.

The No.7 with focal plane shutter was certainly copied on the Rochester Premo Supreme. All the prices probably include a lens and shutter, but the advertisement does not specify which.[10] It however says that Carl Zeiss, Goerz and Dallmeyer lenses were available on request, and some sources mention Protar and Unar lenses by Carl Zeiss and Dagor and Double Anastigmat lenses by Goerz.[11]

The Sakura Prano Portable was also sold by the Osaka-based Ueda Shashinki-ten. A catalogue by Ueda pictures the Prano No.4 and lists the following versions, including a No.3 which is otherwise unknown:[12]

name format price with a lens price with no lens
No.2 4×5in ¥28 ¥18
No.2 12×16.5cm ¥43 ¥28
No.3 4×5in ¥38 ¥22
No.3 12×16.5cm ¥50 ¥30
No.4 4×5in ¥42 ¥26
No.4 12×16.5cm ¥60 ¥35
No.6 4×5in ¥65 ¥40
No.6 12×16.5cm ¥73 ¥48

No surviving example of the Sakura Prano Portable is known so far.

The Idea Portable

The Sakura Prano Portable was renamed Idea Portable in 1909, and some sources specify February.[13]

Original advertisements

An early advertisement by Konishi Honten confirms that the Idea Portable was a renaming of the Sakura Prano Portable, and says that the camera received some unspecified improvements.[14] It lists the following versions:

  • No.2, 4×5in, ¥27;
  • No.2, 12×16.5cm, ¥37;
  • No.4, 4×5in, ¥47;
  • No.4, 12×16.5cm, ¥58;
  • No.6, 4×5in, ¥60;
  • No.6, 12×16.5cm, ¥75.

The prices are the same as those of the Sakura Prano Portable, and this is emphasized in the advertisement. The No.2 and No.4 have a Bausch & Lomb RR lens and a "Gem" (ゼム) shutter, and the No.6 has a Bausch & Lomb Symmetrical lens and an "Auto" (オート) shutter. All the models were supplied with three double-sided plate holders and a case. One source says that the Idea Portable No.2, No.4 and No.6 are respectively distinguished by the single, double and triple extension bellows but this is unconfirmed.[15]

The same versions and prices are listed in a catalogue dated 1909 by Ueda Shashinki-ten, except that the shutter of the No.4 is an "Auto".[16] This document also mentions two expensive versions of the kabine-size No.6, both with the "Auto" shutter:

The December 1911 catalogue by Konishi Honten has the same six basic versions at an unchanged price, and the shutter of the No.4 is the "Auto" again.[18] Two expensive versions of the kabine-size No.6 are listed:[19]

An advertisement dated August 1912 shows the nimaigake-size No.2 inside a specially designed suitcase.[20] The camera is called New Idea Camera No.2 (新アイデヤカメラ貳號) and the price is given as ¥30. It is not known if the camera received other improvements or if the introduction of the suitcase alone justifies the name "New Idea".

An advertisement dated 1914 in Shashin Geppō presents the Idea Camera No.2 (アイデアカメラ二號) and No.4 (四號), along with the tefuda-size A1 (A一號) shown in the illustration.[21] It says that the Idea received the Gold Medal at the Taishō Exhibition, which took place in Tokyo's Ueno Park in 1914.[22] The No.2 and No.4 are listed in nimaigake and kabine formats with an Extra Rapid Aplanat lens. The No.2 has a Single shutter and the No.4 has a Pronto. The prices are the same as in 1909, and the larger models were probably unchanged.

Surviving examples

Two surviving examples of the large-format Idea are pictured in Sugiyama and in Kikuoka, one in 4×5in-size and the other in 12×16.5cm.[23] These two cameras are certainly later than the advertisements observed so far, and the 12×16.5cm example is probably later than the other. Some of there features are related to the Noble.

The two cameras have triple extension bellows and perhaps correspond to the Idea Portable No.6.[24] They have a screw on each side of the main body, towards the bottom, serving an unknown purpose, and a small wheel at the bottom of the right-hand side of the body, perhaps used to tilt the film holder. This arrangement is similar to that of the Noble, and differs from the single screw towards the middle of the body observed in the advertising illustrations.

The 4×5in example has a front standard made of various parts assembled together and allowing horizontal and vertical movements. This front standard is similar to that of the early Noble, and has some similarity to that of the Lily Portable. The brilliant finder is attached to the right-hand branch of this front standard. The camera has a round nameplate attached to the left-hand side of the body, presumably with the "Idea" name. The shutter is a dial-set Compur and the lens is reported as a Tessar 16.5cm f/6.3.[25]

The 12×16.5cm example[26] has a U-shaped front standard made of a single alloy part, and allowing vertical and horizontal movements as well. This front standard is again very similar to that of the late Noble, and comparable to that of the horizontal Lily models. The brilliant finder is attached to the folding bed on the photographer's right. The round nameplate is attached to the right-hand side of the body, and there is a folding Newton finder on the opposite side. The shutter is reported as an Optimo and the lens as a Wollensak Vinco Anastigmat 7in f/6.8.[27]

Notes

  1. The name "Prano" is sometimes written "Plano" by mistake. The two spellings would be pronounced the same in Japanese, but "Prano" is confirmed by an advertisement reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  2. No movement ability is visible in the drawings in this page and this page of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, which perhaps show the cheaper No.2 model. Most of the illustrations published in other sources show at least vertical movement ability.
  3. Chronology from the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10. The date is simply given as 1907 in Sakai, p.17 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, in this page and this page of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, and in the chronology at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  4. Sakai, p.17 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  5. Sakai, p.17 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  6. Sakai, p.17 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  7. Chronology from the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  8. Received various improvements: 今回更に諸点に改良を加えて. Pretended improvements to lower the price: Sakai, p.10 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  9. Made in the company's workshops: 本店工場の特製品にして. On subcontractors, see Sakai, p.10 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  10. The prices are the same as those given in Sakai, p.17 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, for cameras sold with a lens and shutter.
  11. Sakai, p.17 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, and this page and this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  12. Extract of an Ueda catalogue reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  13. Kikuoka, pp.27 and 30 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, chronology from the official company history Shashin to tomo ni hyaku-nen, reproduced in Tanaka, p.94 of the same magazine, and Lewis, p.20. The date is simply given as 1909 in the chronology at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  14. Advertisement reproduced at the top of this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha.
  15. Table in Kikuoka, p.30 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  16. Catalogue extract reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha. The "Auto" shutter name for the No.4 is hardly legible.
  17. The lens features are given in the December 1911 catalogue of Konishi Honten, p.41.
  18. December 1911 catalogue of Konishi Honten, p.11.
  19. Lens features: December 1911 catalogue of Konishi Honten, pp.40–1.
  20. Advertisement reproduced at the bottom of this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha. See also Kikuoka, pp.28 and 31 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  21. Advertisement reproduced in this page at R. Konishi Rokuoh-sha, near the bottom.
  22. Received the Gold Medal at the Taishō Exhibition: 大正博覧会にて金牌を受領せる. Took place in Tokyo's Ueno Park in 1914: this Japanese Wikipedia page.
  23. Kikuoka, p.27 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10, Sugiyama, items 1081–2. The latter source translates kyabine (12×16.5cm) as "13×18cm" and McKeown, p.538, refers to this camera as the "Idea 5×7in" but these are mistakes.
  24. Triple extension bellows: Kikuoka, p.27 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.10.
  25. Sugiyama, item 1081.
  26. Sugiyama, item 1082, translates kyabine (12×16.5cm) as "13×18cm" and McKeown, p.538, says "5×7in" but these are mistakes.
  27. Sugiyama, item 1082.

Bibliography

Links

In Japanese:


Konishiroku prewar and wartime cameras (edit)
plate hand cameras stereo hand cameras strut folders box telephoto SLR
Idea (original) | Idea A | Idea B | Idea Snap | Idea No.1 | Idea (metal) | Lily (original) | Lily (horizontal) | Lily (metal) | Tropical Lily | Noble | Ohca | Sakura Palace | Sakura Pocket Prano | Sakura Prano Idea Binocular | Sakura Binocular Prano Minimum Idea | Idea Spring | Korok Champion | Cherry | Sakura Army | Sakura Honor | Sakura Navy Idea Telephoto Idea Reflex (1910 and 1911) | Idea Reflex (1932) | Neat Reflex | Sakura Reflex Prano
rollfilm folders box or collapsible TLR
Pearlette | Special Pearlette | B Pearlette | Pearl (for plates and rollfilm) | Pearl No.2 | Pearl (Year 8) | Baby Pearl | Semi Pearl | Sakura Palace Record | Sakura (box) | Sakura (bakelite) Sakura-flex