Secrette
The Secrette (セクレット) is a Japanese plate camera, distributed from 1923 by Sone Shunsuidō, and ostensibly made by Tokyo Camera Works.
The Secrette is a spy camera shaped as a monocular and taking pictures from the side, inspired by the Ergo of Contessa-Nettel. The mirror viewfinder is disguised inside the fake eyepiece. The plate holders are attached to the flat side of the camera; the distance is set by inserting the holder in one of three positions, for far, mid-range and close pictures.[1] The shutter is a rotating drum, also acting as a lens cover when in closed position; it has T, 1/25 and 1/75 settings.[2]
The Regular model (並製) is in No.0 format (4×5.5cm) and has a Singlex f/9 lens; its price was ¥24.[3] The Special model (特製) is in atom format (4.5×6cm) and has a Testar f/4.5 lens, assembled by Tokyo Camera Works; its price was ¥105.[4]
At least one surviving example is known for each model.[5] The Regular model has the words ANACHROMATIC 50m/m inscribed around the lens and TOKYO CAMERA WORKS SECRETTE around the eyepiece. The Special model reportedly has "T.C.T. Testar Paris" lens markings.[6]
Bibliography
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P.28.
- Morishita Hajime (森下肇). "Atomu-han kamera no subete" (アトム判カメラのすべて, All of Atom-size 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.22, September 1992. No ISBN number. Airesu no subete (アイレスのすべて, special issue on Aires). Pp.55–70.
- 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 4011–2.
Links
In Japanese:
- Secrette Special in the Camera database of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology
- Secrette Special at Nagoya's Camera Club
