Semi Kreis
The Semi Kreis (セミクライス) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed by Muraue Shōkai in 1941 and 1942[1].
General description
All the models of the Semi Kreis are vertical folders with straight folding struts and a rounded body, not unlike the Star Semi. They have a folding optical finder, an advance knob and a body release. All three are to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the usual arrangement. Thus the body release is actioned by the right hand's finger. The back is hinged to the right and has only one red window to control film advance, situated near the top left and protected by a vertically sliding cover. The body is embossed SEMI KREIS in the front leather.
Original model
The original model, released in 1941, is advertised in the March 1941 issue of Shashin Bunka[2]. The advertisement shows the Kenko brand, maybe only because Muraue Shōkai was also distributing the Kenko products. The camera is equipped with a Ueber-Rapid shutter giving T, B, 1–500 speeds. The shutter plate is marked EXCELLENT at the top and the speed rim is engraved UEBER-RAPID at the bottom. There is a choice of two lenses:
This model is also reported with a K.O.L. Trio f:3.5 lens.[4]
Semi Kreis II and III
The Semi Kreis II and III are advertised together in the January 1942 issue of Shashin Bunka[5]. The main visible difference is that the shutter is an Orient A giving T, B, 1–200 speeds with a self-timer. The two lens options are:
Notes
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp. 335–6.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 68.
- ↑ This variant has been observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. The Hershl lens name is reported in the auction, and Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 335, gives the katakana ハーセル, but it has not been directly observed.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 335.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 68.
- ↑ This variant is pictured in McKeown, p. 885.
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 72–4.
- 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. 885.
