Difference between revisions of "Semi Crystar"
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The camera is a vertical folder with folding struts copied from the [[Ikonta]]. The tubular finder is to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the usual arrangement. There is a body release on the right of the viewfinder, and an accessory shoe and advance knob on the left. The back is hinged to the right.<REF> Picture of the Semi Korin displayed in McKeown, p. 545. </REF> | The camera is a vertical folder with folding struts copied from the [[Ikonta]]. The tubular finder is to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the usual arrangement. There is a body release on the right of the viewfinder, and an accessory shoe and advance knob on the left. The back is hinged to the right.<REF> Picture of the Semi Korin displayed in McKeown, p. 545. </REF> | ||
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+ | The camera is extremely similar to the first version of the [[Semi Mihama]] except that the top plate is leather covered and that the folding struts are not cut off to save weight. It is suspected that these models are name variants of the Semi Mihama. | ||
The Union Model U was probably sold by the company [[Union Kōgaku]] that also sold the [[Union Semi]], a name variant of the [[Zenobia]]. Someone has reported to have found a camera marked "Union Model-U" above the viewfinder and embossed "Union" in the back leather, together with a case marked "Semi Crystar".<REF> See [http://experts.about.com/q/Cameras-3213/Old-Unknown-Camera.htm this post] at [http://experts.about.com/ experts.about.com]. </REF> | The Union Model U was probably sold by the company [[Union Kōgaku]] that also sold the [[Union Semi]], a name variant of the [[Zenobia]]. Someone has reported to have found a camera marked "Union Model-U" above the viewfinder and embossed "Union" in the back leather, together with a case marked "Semi Crystar".<REF> See [http://experts.about.com/q/Cameras-3213/Old-Unknown-Camera.htm this post] at [http://experts.about.com/ experts.about.com]. </REF> |
Revision as of 10:38, 13 November 2006
Semi Crystar
The Semi Crystar[1] (セミクリスター) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera announced by Crystar Kōki in 1953. It was featured in a column of the April 1953 issue of Ars Camera.[2] It is said to have has a Magni 75/3.5 lens and either an NKS or an MGN shutter giving B, 1–200 speeds.[3] No picture has been observed of this model yet.
Semi Crystar Model U and name variants
It is said that the Semi Crystar Model U, Union Model U and Korin are three name variants of a single camera model.[4] It is unknown if this camera is identical to the Semi Crystar mentioned above.
The camera is a vertical folder with folding struts copied from the Ikonta. The tubular finder is to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the usual arrangement. There is a body release on the right of the viewfinder, and an accessory shoe and advance knob on the left. The back is hinged to the right.[5]
The camera is extremely similar to the first version of the Semi Mihama except that the top plate is leather covered and that the folding struts are not cut off to save weight. It is suspected that these models are name variants of the Semi Mihama.
The Union Model U was probably sold by the company Union Kōgaku that also sold the Union Semi, a name variant of the Zenobia. Someone has reported to have found a camera marked "Union Model-U" above the viewfinder and embossed "Union" in the back leather, together with a case marked "Semi Crystar".[6]
The Korin has KORIN embossed in the front leather and is reported to have a C. Korin Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens and a K.O.C. shutter giving B, 10–200 speeds and synchronized via an ASA bayonet post.[7]
Notes
- ↑ It is mistakenly called "Semi Cristar" in Lewis, p. 83.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 351.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 231, says C-Magni Anastigmat and MGN while Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 351, says Magni and NKS.
- ↑ McKeown, pp. 545–6.
- ↑ Picture of the Semi Korin displayed in McKeown, p. 545.
- ↑ See this post at experts.about.com.
- ↑ McKeown, pp. 545–6.
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. Item 498. (The book shows no reproduction of any original advertisement.)
- 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. 83 (brief mention only.)
- 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). Pp. 231 and 545–6.
Links
- Post at experts.about.com asking for identification of a camera marked "Union Model-U" (the answer speaks about the Union C II, a different camera)