Difference between revisions of "Semi Crystar"

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(it seems obvious that the Semi Crystar and Semi Crystar U are the same camera)
m (misc minor, Sugiyama)
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== General description ==
 
== General description ==
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 the advance knob and accessory shoe are on the left. The back is hinged to the right and contains a single red window at the top left, protected by a vertically sliding cover.
+
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 the advance knob, folding bed release and accessory shoe are on the left. The back is hinged to the right and contains a single red window at the top left, protected by a vertically sliding cover.
  
The camera is extremely similar to the first version of the [[Semi Mihama]] except that the top plate is leather covered and that there are no cut-offs in the folding struts. It is suspected that these models are name variants of the Semi Mihama.
+
The camera is extremely similar to the first version of the [[Semi Mihama]] except that the top plate is leather covered and that there are no cut-offs in the folding struts. These models are perhaps name variants of the Semi Mihama.
  
 
== The Semi Crystar ==
 
== The Semi Crystar ==
The Semi Crystar is sometimes called "Semi Crystar Model U" or "Crystar Model U", and no confirmation has been found of its official name.<REF> The name "Semi Crystar Model U" is found in McKeown, p.&nbsp;546, about the Korin. An example has been offered by a Japanese dealer as a "Crystar Model U". </REF> The front and back leather are both embossed ''Crystar''.
+
The Semi Crystar is sometimes called "Semi Crystar Model U" or "Crystar Model U", and no confirmation has been found of its official name.<REF> The name "Semi Crystar Model U" is found in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1290, and in {{McKeown}}, p.&nbsp;546 (about the Korin). An example has been offered by a Japanese dealer as a "Crystar Model U". </REF> The brand name ''Crystar'' is embossed in the front and back leather.
  
{{Kokusan}} says that the Semi Crystar was featured in a column of the April 1953 issue of ''Ars Camera'', reportedly with a Magni 75/3.5 lens and a [[NKS]] synchronized shutter (B, 1&ndash;200, self-timer).<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;351. </REF> On the only example observed so far, the lens is a C Magni Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 and the shutter is written ''MGN'' or perhaps ''MGNI'' on the speed rim, giving B, 1&ndash;200 speeds, with self-timer and ASA bayonet synch.<REF> Example observed for sale in Japan. McKeown, p.&nbsp;231, gives MGN as the shutter name. </REF>
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The Semi Crystar was featured in a column of the April 1953 issue of ''[[Ars Camera]],'' reportedly with a Magni 75/3.5 lens and a [[NKS]] synchronized shutter (B, 1&ndash;200, self-timer).<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;351. </REF>
 +
 
 +
On the examples observed so far, the lens is a C.&nbsp;Magni Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5, the shutter has B, 1&ndash;200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA bayonet synch, and it is inscribed ''MGN'' at the bottom of the speed rim.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1290, and example observed for sale in Japan, lens no.&nbsp;6030. </REF>
  
 
== The Korin ==
 
== The Korin ==
The '''Korin''' is a name variant of the Semi Crystar, whose distributor is unknown. The front leather and the case are embossed ''KORIN''. The lens is a C Korin Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. One example actually observed has a [[NKS]] shutter (B, 1&ndash;200, self-timer, ASA synch).<REF> Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF> {{McKeown}} mentions a K.O.C. shutter with the same features, but this is unconfirmed.<REF> McKeown, pp.&nbsp;545&ndash;6. </REF>
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The '''Korin''' is a name variant of the Semi Crystar, whose distributor is unknown. The name ''KORIN'' is embossed in capital letters, in the front leather and in the case. The lens is a C.&nbsp;Korin Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. One example has been observed with an [[NKS]] shutter, another is reported with a K.O.C. shutter; both have B, 1&ndash;200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA synch post.<REF> NKS: example observed in an online auction. K.O.C.: {{McKeown}}, pp.&nbsp;545&ndash;6. </REF>
  
 
== The Union Model U ==
 
== The Union Model U ==
The '''Union Model U''' is another name variant, probably sold by the company [[Union Kōgaku]] that also sold the [[Union Semi]], a name variant of the [[Zenobia]]. A camera marked "Union Model-U" above the viewfinder and embossed "Union" in the back leather has been reported 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> but no picture has yet been observed.
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The '''Union Model U''' is another name variant, probably sold by the company [[Union Kōgaku]] which also sold the [[Union Semi]], a name variant of the [[Zenobia]]. The lens is a C.&nbsp;Union Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The brand name ''Union'' is embossed in the front leather. One example is pictured in {{Sugiyama}} with a M.S.K. shutter (B, 1&ndash;200, self-timer, ASA synch post). A camera has been reported with the name "Union Model-U" inscribed above the viewfinder and the brand "Union" embossed 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 experts.about.com]. </REF>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 23: Line 25:
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 498. (Unlike most other entries in this book, no advertisement is reproduced and no picture is given.)
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 498. (Unlike most other entries in this book, no advertisement is reproduced and no picture is given.)
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;83 (brief mention only, mistakenly calling the camera "Semi Cristar".)
+
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;83 (brief mention only, mistakenly calling the camera "Semi Cristar").
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.&nbsp;231 and 545&ndash;6.
 
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.&nbsp;231 and 545&ndash;6.
 +
* {{Zukan}} Items 1290 and 1424.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
* [http://experts.about.com/q/Cameras-3213/Old-Unknown-Camera.htm Post] at [http://experts.about.com/ experts.about.com] asking for identification of a camera marked "Union Model-U" (the answer speaks about the [[Union Semi|Union C&nbsp;II]], a different camera)
+
* [http://experts.about.com/q/Cameras-3213/Old-Unknown-Camera.htm Post] at [http://experts.about.com/ experts.about.com] asking for identification of a camera marked "Union Model-U" (the answer speaks of the [[Union Semi|Union C&nbsp;II]], a different camera)
  
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Crystar, Semi]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Crystar, Semi]]
 
[[Category: S]]
 
[[Category: S]]
 
[[Category: C|Crystar, Semi]]
 
[[Category: C|Crystar, Semi]]

Revision as of 17:26, 1 May 2007

Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Postwar models (edit)
folding
Apollo | Semi Blond | Semi Crystar | Daido Semi | Doris | Semi Frank | Semi Gelto | Semi Golder | Karoron | Karoron RF | Kely | Kiko Semi | Korin | Kuri | BB Kuri | Lark | Semi Leotax | Semi Leotax DL / R | Lo Ruby | Semi Lord | Luck | Semi Lyra | Semi Masmy | Middl 120 | Semi Mihama | Mikado | Million Proud | Semi Minolta III | Semi Minolta P | Semi Oscon | Semi Pearl | Pearl I–III | Pearl IV | Petri | Petri RF | Petri Super | Pioneer | Semi Proud | Semi Rocket | Rocky Semi | Rosen | Ruby | Shinkoh Rabbit | Semi Sport | Tsubasa Semi | Union Semi | Union Model U | Walcon Semi | Waltax | Semi Wester | Zenobia
rigid or collapsible
Semi Dak | Semi Hobix | Super Semi Plum | Rocket Camera | Tomy
Prewar and wartime models ->
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6 and older 6×9 ->

The Semi Crystar (セミクリスター) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera announced by Crystar Kōki in 1953. The Korin and Union Model U are name variants of the same camera.

General description

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 the advance knob, folding bed release and accessory shoe are on the left. The back is hinged to the right and contains a single red window at the top left, protected by a vertically sliding cover.

The camera is extremely similar to the first version of the Semi Mihama except that the top plate is leather covered and that there are no cut-offs in the folding struts. These models are perhaps name variants of the Semi Mihama.

The Semi Crystar

The Semi Crystar is sometimes called "Semi Crystar Model U" or "Crystar Model U", and no confirmation has been found of its official name.[1] The brand name Crystar is embossed in the front and back leather.

The Semi Crystar was featured in a column of the April 1953 issue of Ars Camera, reportedly with a Magni 75/3.5 lens and a NKS synchronized shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer).[2]

On the examples observed so far, the lens is a C. Magni Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5, the shutter has B, 1–200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA bayonet synch, and it is inscribed MGN at the bottom of the speed rim.[3]

The Korin

The Korin is a name variant of the Semi Crystar, whose distributor is unknown. The name KORIN is embossed in capital letters, in the front leather and in the case. The lens is a C. Korin Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. One example has been observed with an NKS shutter, another is reported with a K.O.C. shutter; both have B, 1–200 speeds, a self-timer and an ASA synch post.[4]

The Union Model U

The Union Model U is another name variant, probably sold by the company Union Kōgaku which also sold the Union Semi, a name variant of the Zenobia. The lens is a C. Union Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The brand name Union is embossed in the front leather. One example is pictured in Sugiyama with a M.S.K. shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer, ASA synch post). A camera has been reported with the name "Union Model-U" inscribed above the viewfinder and the brand "Union" embossed in the back leather, together with a case marked "Semi Crystar".[5]

Notes

  1. The name "Semi Crystar Model U" is found in Sugiyama, item 1290, and in McKeown, p. 546 (about the Korin). An example has been offered by a Japanese dealer as a "Crystar Model U".
  2. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 351.
  3. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1290, and example observed for sale in Japan, lens no. 6030.
  4. NKS: example observed in an online auction. K.O.C.: McKeown, pp. 545–6.
  5. See this post at experts.about.com.

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. (Unlike most other entries in this book, no advertisement is reproduced and no picture is given.)
  • 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, mistakenly calling the camera "Semi Cristar").
  • 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.
  • 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 1290 and 1424.

Links