Semi Kinka
The Semi Kinka is a Japanese 4.5×6 folder, made by Yamamoto Shashinki Kōsaku-sho. It is an Ikonta copy with a folding optical finder. It is embossed SEMI-KINKA in the front leather.
The original model has no body release and is advertised in November 1937[1] in three variants:
- Ceronar[2] Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Super Rapid 1–300 shutter with selftimer, chrome trim (¥70);
- Ceronar Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Felix 25–150 shutter, shutter plate marked FELIX at the top, black trim (¥45);
- f/6.3 lens (¥35, available soon).
One feature that is emphasized in the advertisement is the layout of the cover for the two red windows, but it is not easy to see what makes it different from other usual configurations. This model is featured in the new products column of the January 1938 issue of Asahi Camera.[3]
The Semi Kinka II is advertised in 1939[4], with a body release and the Super Rapid shutter. A Semi Kinka II is pictured in this page at Dora's blog with a Kadera[5] Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens. The shutter has 200–1, B speeds (top speed barely visible) and the shutter plate is probably written Orient A in fancy letters. The aperture scale in on top of the shutter housing. The folding struts are engraved KINKA Y.C.W. (that could mean Yamamoto Camera Works). There is a key at the bottom right to wind the film.
Notes
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 67.
- ↑ Inferred from the katakana セロナー. McKeown also reports a Ceronar Anastigmat.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi p. 335.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 335.
- ↑ The same name is found on the Kadera 4.5×6 folder attributed by Kokusan kamera no rekishi to Ōmiya Shashin-yōhin.
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. Items 68–9.
- 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. 1020.
