Semi Crystar
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.
Contents
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 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 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 front and back leather are both embossed Crystar.
Kokusan kamera no rekishi 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, 1–200, self-timer).[2] 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, 1–200 speeds, with self-timer and ASA bayonet synch.[3]
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, 1–200, self-timer, ASA synch).[4] McKeown mentions a K.O.C. shutter with the same features, but this is unconfirmed.[5]
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",[6] but no picture has yet been observed.
Notes
- ↑ The name "Semi Crystar Model U" is found in McKeown, p. 546, about the Korin. An example has been offered by a Japanese dealer as a "Crystar Model U".
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 351.
- ↑ Example observed for sale in Japan. McKeown, p. 231, gives MGN as the shutter name.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ McKeown, pp. 545–6.
- ↑ 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.
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)
