Semi Frank

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Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Postwar models (edit)
folding
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The Semi Frank (セミ・フランク) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, made in 1951 and 1952 by Tōsei Kōki.[1]

Common features

The Semi Frank is a vertical folder, with no rangefinder and controlling film advance via a red window on the back. The folding struts are copied on the Ikonta, and the body casting and folding struts look very similar to the Semi Mihama. The viewfinder and controls are to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the majority of the 4.5×6 folders.

First model

Description

The first model has a stepped top housing, containing the viewfinder in the middle of the top housing. The advance key is at the left end and its base is separate from the top housing. The release button is to the right of the viewfinder and has a smooth shape, perhaps designed to minimize the vibrations. There is an accessory shoe placed just behind, and a folding bed release on the left of the viewfinder. The back is hinged to the right and contains a red window at the top left, protected by a vertically sliding cover. The lens standard is chrome and has protruding corners, one of them having a round lever actuating the self-timer.[2]

The name Frank is engraved above the viewfinder in cursive style, surrounded by the drawing of a concave lens element. The name SEMI FRANK is stamped in capital letters on the pressure plate, inside the back. The T.K logo of Tōsei Kōki is engraved on the folding struts and on one corner of the lens standard. At least one example is known with the name Flank embossed in the front leather: this typo is explained by the Japanese phonology, which does not distinguish the "l" and "r". The name Frank is also embossed at the front of the leather case.

Advertisements and actual examples

The Semi Frank was released in late 1951.[3] An advertisement dated May 1952[4] offered the camera with a Seriter 75/3.5 coated lens and a TKS synchronized shutter (B, 1–200 and self-timer), for ¥9,800. The advertisement does not mention the maker, only the distributor Million Shōkai, and it contains typos: the Semi Frank is called "Semi Flank" and the Frank Six is called "Flank Six". It seems that the Semi Frank was also sold by Endō Kamera-ten.[5]

The following lens and shutter combinations have been observed or reported:

  • Seriter Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens, NKS shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer, synch pin at the bottom right);[6]
  • E. Chibanone Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 lens, TKS shutter (B, 1–200, self-timer, synch pin at the bottom right), black and white triangle pattern on the shutter plate;[7]
  • reported only: Tosei Anastigmat 80/3.5 lens, TKO shutter (B, 10–200).[8]

Second model

The second model has a smoother top housing, whose shape is copied on the Pearl I, II and III. The viewfinder is slightly offset to the right and there are two decorative lines next to its front window. The advance key is replaced by a knob, with a round leather patch at the top and an arrow to indicate the winding direction. The shutter release has a more classical shape and the accessory shoe is at the extreme right. The lens standard is black with a white T.K logo.

The only actual example observed has a Tosei Anastigmat 80mm f/3.5 lens and a TKS shutter. The shutter plate has a black stripe and a black diamond at the top, it is perhaps inscribed TOSEI at the bottom (see the Frank Six).

Notes

  1. Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 362.
  2. Role of this lever: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 352 (item 526, about the Sanon Six II).
  3. The camera was featured in the October 1951 issue of Camera Fan, according to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 362.
  4. Advertisement published in Camera Fan, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 174.
  5. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 362.
  6. Examples observed in online auctions.
  7. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1302. This source says (in Japanese only) that the black and white triangle pattern is a feature of the early production examples; this is repeated in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 362 (items 779 and 783). However the analysis of lens serial numbers of Frank Six cameras with and without this pattern proves that this is a mistake.
  8. Example reported in this web archive link. TKO is perhaps a typo for TKS.

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 783.
  • 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. 75 (brief mention only).
  • 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. Item 1302.

Links