Difference between revisions of "Semi Gelto"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
m (attribution)
(reworked and expanded)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Japanese Semi prewar}}
 
{{Japanese Semi prewar}}
The '''Semi Gelto''' is a series of [[Japanese 4.5&times;6 folders]] distributed by [[Hattori|Hattori Tokei-ten]] from 1942 to 1944 and certainly made by [[Tōa Kōki]], the maker of the [[Gelto]].<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;336. No original document has yet been found to confirm the attribution to Tōa Kōki, but it is supported by the shared parts and brand names. </REF>
+
The '''Semi Gelto''' is a series of [[Japanese 4.5&times;6 folders]] made by [[Tōa Kōki]] and distributed by [[Hattori|Hattori Tokei-ten]] from 1941 to 1944.<REF> Attribution to Tōa Kōki: {{Kakaku1141_short}}. Dates: in addition to the November 1941 price list, articles and advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;336, run from September 1942 to March 1944. </REF>
  
 
== General description ==
 
== General description ==
The Semi Gelto is a vertical folder, with the finder situated to the right as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically, the reverse of the usual arrangement. There is a body release actioned by the right hand finger, and a single red window in the back, at the top right, protected by a vertically sliding cover. The front leather is embossed ''GELTO''.
+
The Semi Gelto is a vertical folder, with straight diagonal struts, engraved ''N.T'' on the root. The finder is to the right, as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically, the reverse of the usual arrangement. There is a body release actioned by the right hand finger. The film is advanced by a knob or a key on the left of the viewfinder. The back is hinged to the right. The name ''GELTO'' is embossed in the front leather.
  
== Versions ==
+
== Advertisements and other documents ==
The Semi Gelto is presented as a new product in an advertisement dated October 1942.<REF> Advertisement published in ''Shashin Bunka'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;70. </REF> Three versions are listed:
+
The Semi Gelto was already listed among the official set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, under the names "Semi Gelto I" (&yen;74) and "Semi Gelto II" (&yen;88).<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 3, sections 4A and 6A. </REF> The same versions appeared in a similar price list dated November 1941, together with a "Semi Gelto S".<REF> {{Kakaku1141_short}}, type 3, sections 4A, 6A and 7B. </REF> The camera was attributed to [[Tōa Kōki]] in the latter document.
* '''Semi Gelto I''': Grimmel 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Gelto-I shutter giving T, B, 5&ndash;250 speeds {{yen|87|1942}})<REF> An example is pictured in ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'', p.&nbsp;27, and another one has been observed in an eBay auction. It is certainly the model that is called "Semi Gelto (1939)" in {{McKeown}}, p.&nbsp;922. </REF>;
 
* '''Semi Gelto II''': same lens, Gelto shutter, speeds from 1s to 1/200 ({{yen|104|1942}});
 
* '''Semi Gelto S''': automatic film advance, Grimmel 7.5cm f/3.5 lens, Gelto shutter, speeds from 1s to 1/200 ({{yen|170|1942}})<REF> It is certainly the model that is called "Semi Gelto (1940)" in {{McKeown}}, p.&nbsp;922. </REF>.
 
  
The Semi Gelto I and Semi Gelto II have a folding optical finder. In the advertising picture and in some observed examples, there is an advance knob at the left end of the top plate. However one example has been observed with a winding key instead.<REF> Example observed in an eBay auction. This particular example has a Rieze-Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens mounted on a B, 1&ndash;300 shutter marked ''KRAFT-WORKS'' on the speed rim. This lens type normally equips the [[Semi Leotax]] and this shutter type is normally mounted on the [[Kraft]]. Despite the maximum aperture of the lens, the aperture scale only goes from 4.5 to 22 and this equipment is probably not original. </REF>
+
In an advertisement dated October 1942,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Shashin Bunka]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;70. </REF> the Semi Gelto was still presented as a new product, sister of the [[Gelto]], and three versions were listed:
 +
* '''Semi Gelto I''': Grimmel 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Gelto-I shutter giving T, B, 5&ndash;250 speeds {{yen|87|1942}});
 +
* '''Semi Gelto II''': Grimmel 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Gelto shutter, speeds from 1s to 1/200 ({{yen|104|1942}});
 +
* '''Semi Gelto S''': automatic film advance, Grimmel 7.5cm f/3.5 lens, Gelto shutter, speeds from 1s to 1/200 ({{yen|170|1942}}).
 +
The Grimmel f/3.5 and f/4.5 lenses have three elements and were made by [[Fujita Kōgaku Kikai]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens items Lb6 and Lc10. </REF>
  
The Semi Gelto S has a top housing integrating the viewfinder, the automatic film advance device and the accessory shoe. The lens is a Grimmel Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 with front cell focusing. One example has been observed with a Gelto II shutter providing T, B, 1&ndash;300 speeds,<REF> Example pictured in [http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JAS_SEMI_GELTO_PIC.htm this page] at [http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ Japan Family Camera]. </REF> and another with a [[NKS]] shutter engraved ''NKS-TOKYO'', probably giving B, 1&ndash;200 speeds (top speed barely legible).<REF> Example observed at a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF>
+
The Semi Gelto was still mentioned in the government inquiry listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 46 and 47. The lens code Lc6 for item 47 is clearly a typo for Lb6. </REF> Two versions appear, one has a Grimmel 75/4.5 and an unknown shutter, the other has a Grimmel 75/3.5 and a Yamato Rapid shutter made by [[Yamato]] and giving T, B, 1&ndash;500 speeds, the same as on the [[Baby Leotax]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-R-10. </REF>
 +
 
 +
== Actual examples ==
 +
=== Semi Gelto I and II ===
 +
The Semi Gelto I and Semi Gelto II are recognized by their folding optical finder.<REF> They certainly correspond to the model called "Semi Gelto (1939)" in {{McKeown}}, p.&nbsp;922. </REF> Variations are known in the film advance control and in the position of the red window.
 +
 
 +
In the advertising picture and on some actual examples, the advance knob has two hinged parts and can be used as a key as well. It has two engraved arrows to indicate the winding direction. This version is known with an f/4.5 lens and a Gelto I shutter, giving T, B, 5&ndash;250 speeds and engraved ''GELTO&ndash;I'' at the base of the rim.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1068, example pictured in ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'', p.&nbsp;27 (lens no.&nbsp;4080), and example observed in an online auction. </REF> It has also been observed with an f/3.5 lens and a different shutter with 1s low speed.<REF> Examples observed in online auctions. </REF>
 +
 
 +
Other cameras have a regular advance knob, with a round patch of leather in the middle. One is known with an f/4.5 lens and the red window at the top right of the back.<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> Another has the f/4.5 lens and Gelto-I shutter, and the red window at the top left of the back.<REF> Example observed in an online auction, body number reportedly 5207, lens no.&nbsp;6337. </REF>
 +
 
 +
One example is known with a regular advance key and the red window at the top right of the back.<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF> This particular example has a Rieze-Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens, mounted on a B, 1&ndash;300 shutter inscribed ''KRAFT&ndash;WORKS'' at the base of the speed rim. The Rieze lenses have three elements and were made by [[Fujita Kōgaku Kikai]] (as the Grimmel). They were normally mounted on the [[Semi Leotax]]. The Kraft shutter is normally found on the [[Kraft]] camera. Despite the maximum aperture of the lens, the aperture scale only goes from 4.5 to 22 and this equipment is probably not original.
 +
 
 +
=== Semi Gelto S ===
 +
The Semi Gelto S has a top housing containing the viewfinder and the automatic film advance mechanism.<REF> It is called "Semi Gelto (Later Version) in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1069, and it is certainly the model called "Semi Gelto (1940)" in {{McKeown}}, p.&nbsp;922. The date of 1940 is wrong. </REF> The shutter release and the folding bed release protrude from the top housing, on the right and on the left of the viewfinder. The accessory shoe is above the top housing on the right. The advance knob has a round leather patch, an arrow and perhaps the body serial number are engraved on the rim. There is a round hole on the right of the knob, certainly for an exposure counter. The advance unlock lever is on the back of the top housing, to the extreme left. There is a red window in the top right of the back, protected by a vertically sliding cover, to set the position of the first exposure.
 +
 
 +
The lens is a Grimmel Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 with front cell focusing. Most examples observed have a Gelto II shutter providing T, B, 1&ndash;300 speeds, engraved ''GELTO&ndash;II'' at the base of the rim.<REF> Example pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1069 (the 1/200 top speed reported in the text is belied by the picture); example pictured in [http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JAS_SEMI_GELTO_PIC.htm this page at Japan Family Camera] (lens no.&nbsp;2578); example offered for sale by a Chinese dealer; example observed in an online auction (lens no.&nbsp;6157). </REF> One example is known with an [[NKS]] shutter engraved ''NKS TOKYO'', probably giving B, 1&ndash;200 speeds (the top speed is barely legible).<REF> Example observed at a Yahoo Japan auction, lens no.&nbsp;3380. </REF>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 20: Line 36:
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 99.
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 99.
 +
* {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, sections 4A, 6A and 7B.
 +
* {{Inquiry1943}} Items 46&ndash;7.
 +
* {{Kakaku1940}} Type 3, sections 4A and 6A.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;922.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;922.
 
* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.&nbsp;27.
 
* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.&nbsp;27.
 +
* {{Zukan}} Items 1068&ndash;9.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==

Revision as of 17:34, 8 June 2007

Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
folding
Semi Ace | Semi Adler | Adler III | Adler A | Adler B | Adler C | Semi Ako | Ami | Bakyna | Semi Chrome | Semi Clover | Collex | Semi Condor | Semi Dymos | Semi Elega | Semi First | Auto Semi First | Baby Semi First | Gaica | Semi Gelto | Semi Germa | Hansa Semi Rollette | Heil | Hokoku | Hope | Kadera | Kankyu | Kelly | Kiko Semi | Semi Kinka | Semi Konter | Semi Kreis | Semi Kulax | Semi Lead | Semi Leotax | Semi Lester | Loyal | Semi Lucky | Semi Lyra | Semi Makinet | Semi Metax | Semi Minolta (I) and II | Auto Semi Minolta | Semi Miss | Mizuho | Semi Mulber | Semi National | New Gold | Okaco | Oko Semi | Semi Olympus | Semi Olympus II | Semi Osamo | Semi Pearl | Primo | Semi Prince | Semi Proud | Semi Prux | Roavic | Semi Rody | Rondex | Semi Rosen | Semi Rotte | Seica | Seves | Semi Shiks | Sintax | Semi Sixteenth | Semi Solon | Semi Sport | Star Semi | Semi-Tex | Tsubasa Kiko Three | Tsubasa Nettar | Tsubasa Super Semi | Ugein | Vester-Lette | Victor | Waltax | Wester | Zeitax
collapsible
Semi Kinsi | Lord | Lyrax | Nippon | New Olympic | Semi Olympic | Semi Renky | Auto Victor | Well Super
stereo
Sun Stereo
unknown
Semi Elka | Semi Keef | Napoleon
Postwar models ->
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo ->
Japanese 3×4, 4×4, 4×5, 4×6.5, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Semi Gelto is a series of Japanese 4.5×6 folders made by Tōa Kōki and distributed by Hattori Tokei-ten from 1941 to 1944.[1]

General description

The Semi Gelto is a vertical folder, with straight diagonal struts, engraved N.T on the root. The finder is to the right, as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically, the reverse of the usual arrangement. There is a body release actioned by the right hand finger. The film is advanced by a knob or a key on the left of the viewfinder. The back is hinged to the right. The name GELTO is embossed in the front leather.

Advertisements and other documents

The Semi Gelto was already listed among the official set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, under the names "Semi Gelto I" (¥74) and "Semi Gelto II" (¥88).[2] The same versions appeared in a similar price list dated November 1941, together with a "Semi Gelto S".[3] The camera was attributed to Tōa Kōki in the latter document.

In an advertisement dated October 1942,[4] the Semi Gelto was still presented as a new product, sister of the Gelto, and three versions were listed:

  • Semi Gelto I: Grimmel 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Gelto-I shutter giving T, B, 5–250 speeds ¥87);
  • Semi Gelto II: Grimmel 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Gelto shutter, speeds from 1s to 1/200 (¥104);
  • Semi Gelto S: automatic film advance, Grimmel 7.5cm f/3.5 lens, Gelto shutter, speeds from 1s to 1/200 (¥170).

The Grimmel f/3.5 and f/4.5 lenses have three elements and were made by Fujita Kōgaku Kikai.[5]

The Semi Gelto was still mentioned in the government inquiry listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943.[6] Two versions appear, one has a Grimmel 75/4.5 and an unknown shutter, the other has a Grimmel 75/3.5 and a Yamato Rapid shutter made by Yamato and giving T, B, 1–500 speeds, the same as on the Baby Leotax.[7]

Actual examples

Semi Gelto I and II

The Semi Gelto I and Semi Gelto II are recognized by their folding optical finder.[8] Variations are known in the film advance control and in the position of the red window.

In the advertising picture and on some actual examples, the advance knob has two hinged parts and can be used as a key as well. It has two engraved arrows to indicate the winding direction. This version is known with an f/4.5 lens and a Gelto I shutter, giving T, B, 5–250 speeds and engraved GELTO–I at the base of the rim.[9] It has also been observed with an f/3.5 lens and a different shutter with 1s low speed.[10]

Other cameras have a regular advance knob, with a round patch of leather in the middle. One is known with an f/4.5 lens and the red window at the top right of the back.[11] Another has the f/4.5 lens and Gelto-I shutter, and the red window at the top left of the back.[12]

One example is known with a regular advance key and the red window at the top right of the back.[13] This particular example has a Rieze-Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 front-cell focusing lens, mounted on a B, 1–300 shutter inscribed KRAFT–WORKS at the base of the speed rim. The Rieze lenses have three elements and were made by Fujita Kōgaku Kikai (as the Grimmel). They were normally mounted on the Semi Leotax. The Kraft shutter is normally found on the Kraft camera. Despite the maximum aperture of the lens, the aperture scale only goes from 4.5 to 22 and this equipment is probably not original.

Semi Gelto S

The Semi Gelto S has a top housing containing the viewfinder and the automatic film advance mechanism.[14] The shutter release and the folding bed release protrude from the top housing, on the right and on the left of the viewfinder. The accessory shoe is above the top housing on the right. The advance knob has a round leather patch, an arrow and perhaps the body serial number are engraved on the rim. There is a round hole on the right of the knob, certainly for an exposure counter. The advance unlock lever is on the back of the top housing, to the extreme left. There is a red window in the top right of the back, protected by a vertically sliding cover, to set the position of the first exposure.

The lens is a Grimmel Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 with front cell focusing. Most examples observed have a Gelto II shutter providing T, B, 1–300 speeds, engraved GELTO–II at the base of the rim.[15] One example is known with an NKS shutter engraved NKS TOKYO, probably giving B, 1–200 speeds (the top speed is barely legible).[16]

Notes

  1. Attribution to Tōa Kōki: "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941. Dates: in addition to the November 1941 price list, articles and advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 336, run from September 1942 to March 1944.
  2. Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 3, sections 4A and 6A.
  3. "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, sections 4A, 6A and 7B.
  4. Advertisement published in Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 70.
  5. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens items Lb6 and Lc10.
  6. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 46 and 47. The lens code Lc6 for item 47 is clearly a typo for Lb6.
  7. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-R-10.
  8. They certainly correspond to the model called "Semi Gelto (1939)" in McKeown, p. 922.
  9. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1068, example pictured in Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten, p. 27 (lens no. 4080), and example observed in an online auction.
  10. Examples observed in online auctions.
  11. Example observed in an online auction.
  12. Example observed in an online auction, body number reportedly 5207, lens no. 6337.
  13. Example observed in an online auction.
  14. It is called "Semi Gelto (Later Version) in Sugiyama, item 1069, and it is certainly the model called "Semi Gelto (1940)" in McKeown, p. 922. The date of 1940 is wrong.
  15. Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1069 (the 1/200 top speed reported in the text is belied by the picture); example pictured in this page at Japan Family Camera (lens no. 2578); example offered for sale by a Chinese dealer; example observed in an online auction (lens no. 6157).
  16. Example observed at a Yahoo Japan auction, lens no. 3380.

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 99.
  • "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō" (カメラの公定価格官報発表, Official announcement of the set prices of the cameras), November 1941. Extract of a table listing Japanese camera production and setting the retail prices, reproduced in "Bebī Semi Fāsuto 'Kore ha bebī wo nanotta semi-ki da'" (ベビーセミファースト"これはベビーを名乗ったセミ機だ", Baby Semi First, 'this is a Semi camera called Baby'), an article by Furukawa Yasuo (古川保男) in Camera Collectors' News no. 277 (July 2000). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P. 27. Type 3, sections 4A, 6A and 7B.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Items 46–7.
  • Template:Kakaku1940 Type 3, sections 4A and 6A.
  • 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). P. 922.
  • Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 27.
  • 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 1068–9.

Links

In Japanese: