Semi Kulax and Kiko Semi
The Semi Kulax is a Japanese 4.5×6 folder made by Kigawa Seimitsu in 1941–2[1]. It is basically a Nettar copy with a short top housing containing both an eye level finder and a brilliant finder, with the shutter release and the opening button symmetrically placed at both ends. There is a key at the bottom right to wind the film. The lens is front-cell focusing, surrounded by a depth-of-field scale. The name KULAX is embossed in the front leather.
It is advertised in 1942[2] together with the Gotex, distributed by Nichi-ei Shōkai (日英商會 in old writing). It is offered in two versions, both with an Erinar Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens and a shutter called Kikō (キコー). The Semi Kulax I has T, B, 5–200 speeds (¥123) while the Semi Kulax III has T, B, 1–300 speeds. It is unknown if there was a model II.
An example has been observed in an eBay auction with a slightly different, all chrome, shutter housing. The lens marking is KIKO Anastigmat Erinar 1:3.5 f=75mm N°74629, and the shutter is reported to be a Rapid-Kiko, with probably T, B, 1–500 speeds (top speed unsure). On the top housing, above the eye level finder, there is an engraving with NSK or KSK in big letters and TOKYO JAPAN KIGAWA KōGAKU 2601 written below. The number 2601 could be a serial number or it could be the year 1941 in the Japanese imperial calendar that was sometimes used in military ruled Japan. A similar engraving is faintly visible in the advertising picture a marking is faintly visible on the top housing. It looks like the big NSK or KSK marking that has been observed on some examples of the Gotex and Tsubasa Kiko III.
The Semi Kulax was succeeded by the Kiko Semi, very similar but with unit focusing.
Notes
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi mentions both 1941 and 1942 advertisements. This camera is called "Kulex" and dated 1948 by McKeown, probably by mistake.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Gotex and Semi Kulax I and III, published in the January 1942 issue of Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 75.
Printed 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 75.
- 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). Page 464.
