Difference between revisions of "Semi Lyra"
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== General description == | == General description == | ||
| − | The prewar and wartime Semi Lyra (セミライラ) is a vertical folder, copy of the [[Ikonta]]. It has a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate (as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally) | + | The prewar and wartime Semi Lyra (セミライラ) is a vertical folder, copy of the [[Ikonta]]. It has a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate (as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally). There is a button on the right, releasing both the folding bed and the folding finder, and an advance key at the bottom right to advance the film. The back is hinged to the left and contains two red windows. |
The camera is simply embossed ''LYRA'' in the front leather, a ''FUJI KŌGAKU'' logo is embossed in the back leather and ''FUJI KOGAKU'' logos are engraved in the folding struts. | The camera is simply embossed ''LYRA'' in the front leather, a ''FUJI KŌGAKU'' logo is embossed in the back leather and ''FUJI KOGAKU'' logos are engraved in the folding struts. | ||
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== The original Semi Lyra == | == The original Semi Lyra == | ||
| − | The '''original model''' (セミライラ, sometimes called "Semi Lyra I")<REF> This model is called "Semi Lyra I" in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1162, and ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten,'' p. 15. It is only called "Semi Lyra" in the advertisements by the company or by the Yamamoto distributor, but the model without body release is called "model I" (Ⅰ型) in a [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki48.jpg price list] by Shinbidō, reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> was introduced in mid-1936.<REF> The first advertisement mentioned by {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, is dated June 1936. The same source says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the August 1936 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]].'' </REF> It has no body release and has a leather handle over the back latch. | + | The '''original model''' (セミライラ, sometimes called "Semi Lyra I")<REF> This model is called "Semi Lyra I" in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1162, and ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten,'' p. 15. It is only called "Semi Lyra" in the advertisements by the company or by the Yamamoto distributor, but the model without body release is called "model I" (Ⅰ型) in a [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki48.jpg price list] by Shinbidō, reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> was introduced in mid-1936.<REF> The first advertisement mentioned by {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, is dated June 1936. The same source says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the August 1936 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]].'' </REF> It has no body release and has a leather handle over the back latch. On the early examples, there is '''no red window cover''' and the back logo is embossed so as to be read with the camera hold in a vertical position. |
In an advertisement dated December 1936 by the distributor [[Yamamoto Shashinki-ten]],<REF> [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/L1.jpg Advertisement] published in ''[[Sunday Mainichi]]'' (13 December 1936), reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> the camera was offered with f/6.3, f/4.5 or f/3.5 lens, respectively for {{yen|35|1936}}, {{yen|43|1936}} and {{yen|58|1936}}. No further detail was given. | In an advertisement dated December 1936 by the distributor [[Yamamoto Shashinki-ten]],<REF> [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/L1.jpg Advertisement] published in ''[[Sunday Mainichi]]'' (13 December 1936), reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> the camera was offered with f/6.3, f/4.5 or f/3.5 lens, respectively for {{yen|35|1936}}, {{yen|43|1936}} and {{yen|58|1936}}. No further detail was given. | ||
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Both the Picco and the Noblo shutters are everset. The Picco gives T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds and also equips the [[Baby Lyra]]. The Noblo gives T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds. The aperture scale is at the bottom of the shutter plate. The shutter plate is also written ''NOBLO'' or ''Picco'' in handwritten style at the top, and on the right there is a logo with ''Fk'' in a circle (surely for <u>F</u>uji <u>K</u>ōgaku), meant to look like the ''FD'' logo of the [[Compur]] shutter. | Both the Picco and the Noblo shutters are everset. The Picco gives T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds and also equips the [[Baby Lyra]]. The Noblo gives T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds. The aperture scale is at the bottom of the shutter plate. The shutter plate is also written ''NOBLO'' or ''Picco'' in handwritten style at the top, and on the right there is a logo with ''Fk'' in a circle (surely for <u>F</u>uji <u>K</u>ōgaku), meant to look like the ''FD'' logo of the [[Compur]] shutter. | ||
| − | The original model was still mentioned in an advertisement dated September 1938<REF> Advertisement for the Lyra range published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' September 1938, scans observed in an online auction. </REF> as a cheaper alternative to the newer model, with f/4.5 lens ({{yen|52|1938}}) or f/3.5 lens ({{yen|62|1938}}). | + | On the late examples, there is a horizontally sliding common cover for the red windows and the back logo is embossed so as to be read with the camera hold in a horizontal position. This change probably occurred at the end of 1937, together with the introduction of the New Semi Lyra. The original model was still mentioned in an advertisement dated September 1938<REF> Advertisement for the Lyra range published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' September 1938, scans observed in an online auction. </REF> as a cheaper alternative to the newer model, with f/4.5 lens ({{yen|52|1938}}) or f/3.5 lens ({{yen|62|1938}}). |
| + | |||
| + | Pictures of a Semi Lyra have been observed with the newer Fujikō B shutter and no body release, only the front-mounted release lever.<REF> Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF> It is not known if this is a late example of the original model or an early New Semi Lyra with missing parts. | ||
== The New Semi Lyra == | == The New Semi Lyra == | ||
| − | The '''New Semi Lyra''' (新型セミライラ, sometimes called "Semi Lyra II")<REF> This model is called "Semi Lyra II" by {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, and by {{Sugiyama}}, items 1163–4. The advertisements observed simply have "New Semi Lyra" (新型セミライラ) or "Semi Lyra". </REF> | + | The '''New Semi Lyra''' (新型セミライラ, sometimes called "Semi Lyra II")<REF> This model is called "Semi Lyra II" by {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, and by {{Sugiyama}}, items 1163–4. The advertisements observed simply have "New Semi Lyra" (新型セミライラ) or "Semi Lyra". </REF> was released at the end of 1937.<REF> The first advertisement mentioned by {{Kokusan}}, p. 342, is dated November 1937. The same source says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the December 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]].'' </REF> It has a body release added to the left of the viewfinder and the red window sliding cover already mentioned for the late Semi Lyra. Two new shutter types were introduced, the Fujikō B (T, B, 5–250) and the Fujikō A (T, B, 1–300), both with a setting lever. The shutter plates are black, marked ''FUJIKō'' at the top and ''FUJIKŌGAKU'' at the bottom. The aperture scale is placed above the shutter housing. |
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| + | The early examples have the same back latch as the previous model. There is an additional release lever mounted on the front of the shutter housing. | ||
| − | An advertisement dated December 1937<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Ars Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 100.</REF> offered the following two combinations: | + | An advertisement dated December 1937<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Ars Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 100.</REF> only offered the following two combinations: |
* Terionar f/4.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter ({{yen|60|1937}}); | * Terionar f/4.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter ({{yen|60|1937}}); | ||
* Terionar f/3.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter ({{yen|70|1937}}). | * Terionar f/3.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter ({{yen|70|1937}}). | ||
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* Terionar f/3.5 lens, Fujikō A shutter ({{yen|80|1938}}). | * Terionar f/3.5 lens, Fujikō A shutter ({{yen|80|1938}}). | ||
| − | At some later point, the back latch was modified | + | At some later point, the back latch was modified, now consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle. The front-mounted release lever certainly disappeared at the same time.<REF> Compare for example {{Sugiyama}} items 1163 and 1164. </REF> The camera was advertised until 1940.<REF> Date: {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> |
{{Kokusan}} mentions other lens and shutter combinations: | {{Kokusan}} mentions other lens and shutter combinations: | ||
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* Terionar f/4.5 lens, Picco shutter; | * Terionar f/4.5 lens, Picco shutter; | ||
* Goldar f/4.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | * Goldar f/4.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 342. </REF> | ||
| + | The mention of a Picco shutter is perhaps a mistake, because this shutter is an everset model, only known with the release lever at the top and not well suited to a body release. | ||
| − | The actual examples observed so far all have the Fujikō B shutter and Terionar lens, and no picture of the other | + | The actual examples observed so far all have the Fujikō B shutter and Terionar lens, and no picture of the other versions has yet been found. |
== The Semi Lyra F == | == The Semi Lyra F == | ||
Revision as of 11:18, 16 April 2007
The Semi Lyra are Japanese 4.5×6 folders. There are two distinct generations: this page describes the models made before and during the war by Fuji Kōgaku.
The models made in the 1950s by Katsuma Kōgaku are described in the page Semi Lyra (postwar).
Contents
General description
The prewar and wartime Semi Lyra (セミライラ) is a vertical folder, copy of the Ikonta. It has a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate (as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally). There is a button on the right, releasing both the folding bed and the folding finder, and an advance key at the bottom right to advance the film. The back is hinged to the left and contains two red windows.
The camera is simply embossed LYRA in the front leather, a FUJI KŌGAKU logo is embossed in the back leather and FUJI KOGAKU logos are engraved in the folding struts.
The Semi Lyra is not uncommon, at least in Japan, and it is not renowned for its quality of construction, a hint of this being that many examples are found today with torn bellows.
The original Semi Lyra
The original model (セミライラ, sometimes called "Semi Lyra I")[1] was introduced in mid-1936.[2] It has no body release and has a leather handle over the back latch. On the early examples, there is no red window cover and the back logo is embossed so as to be read with the camera hold in a vertical position.
In an advertisement dated December 1936 by the distributor Yamamoto Shashinki-ten,[3] the camera was offered with f/6.3, f/4.5 or f/3.5 lens, respectively for ¥35, ¥43 and ¥58. No further detail was given.
In an advertisement dated September 1937,[4] four versions were listed (the three first ones were probably the same as the previous year):
- Pionar f/6.3 lens, Picco shutter (¥35);[5]
- Terionar f/4.5 lens, Noblo shutter (¥43);[6]
- Terionar f/3.5 lens, Noblo shutter (¥58);[7]
- Goldar[8] f/3.5 lens, Noblo shutter (¥70).[9]
The Goldar lens probably has four elements: a Goldar 75/3.5 lens was advertised as such with the original Lyra Flex.[10]
Both the Picco and the Noblo shutters are everset. The Picco gives T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds and also equips the Baby Lyra. The Noblo gives T, B, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds. The aperture scale is at the bottom of the shutter plate. The shutter plate is also written NOBLO or Picco in handwritten style at the top, and on the right there is a logo with Fk in a circle (surely for Fuji Kōgaku), meant to look like the FD logo of the Compur shutter.
On the late examples, there is a horizontally sliding common cover for the red windows and the back logo is embossed so as to be read with the camera hold in a horizontal position. This change probably occurred at the end of 1937, together with the introduction of the New Semi Lyra. The original model was still mentioned in an advertisement dated September 1938[11] as a cheaper alternative to the newer model, with f/4.5 lens (¥52) or f/3.5 lens (¥62).
Pictures of a Semi Lyra have been observed with the newer Fujikō B shutter and no body release, only the front-mounted release lever.[12] It is not known if this is a late example of the original model or an early New Semi Lyra with missing parts.
The New Semi Lyra
The New Semi Lyra (新型セミライラ, sometimes called "Semi Lyra II")[13] was released at the end of 1937.[14] It has a body release added to the left of the viewfinder and the red window sliding cover already mentioned for the late Semi Lyra. Two new shutter types were introduced, the Fujikō B (T, B, 5–250) and the Fujikō A (T, B, 1–300), both with a setting lever. The shutter plates are black, marked FUJIKō at the top and FUJIKŌGAKU at the bottom. The aperture scale is placed above the shutter housing.
The early examples have the same back latch as the previous model. There is an additional release lever mounted on the front of the shutter housing.
An advertisement dated December 1937[15] only offered the following two combinations:
The September 1938 advertisement cited above listed these two combinations at the same price and added two versions with the Fujikō A shutter:
At some later point, the back latch was modified, now consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle. The front-mounted release lever certainly disappeared at the same time.[16] The camera was advertised until 1940.[17]
Kokusan kamera no rekishi mentions other lens and shutter combinations:
- Pionar f/6.3 lens, Picco shutter;
- Terionar f/4.5 lens, Picco shutter;
- Goldar f/4.5 lens, Fujikō B shutter.[18]
The mention of a Picco shutter is perhaps a mistake, because this shutter is an everset model, only known with the release lever at the top and not well suited to a body release.
The actual examples observed so far all have the Fujikō B shutter and Terionar lens, and no picture of the other versions has yet been found.
The Semi Lyra F
The Semi Lyra F (セミライラＦ型), released at the end of 1940[19], has the new Fujikō F shutter giving T, B, 1–200 speeds and a Terionar lens. It always has the new type of back latch with no handle. The shutter plate is yellowish with black markings. These markings are almost the same as on the previous shutters, except that FUJIKō at the top is written in two parts: FUJ and IKō, with a black arrow between both.
Two variants were offered:
- Terionar f/4.5 lens (¥88 in 1941, ¥101 in 1942);
- Terionar f/3.5 lens (¥98 in 1941, ¥112 in 1942).[20]
The camera was advertised until 1943.[21] After the war, a different camera also called Semi Lyra was made by Katsuma Kōgaku, see Semi Lyra (postwar).
Notes
- ↑ This model is called "Semi Lyra I" in Sugiyama, item 1162, and Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten, p. 15. It is only called "Semi Lyra" in the advertisements by the company or by the Yamamoto distributor, but the model without body release is called "model I" (Ⅰ型) in a price list by Shinbidō, reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
- ↑ The first advertisement mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, is dated June 1936. The same source says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the August 1936 issue of Asahi Camera.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Sunday Mainichi (13 December 1936), reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi in two parts, p. 100.
- ↑ This version has not yet been observed.
- ↑ This version is pictured in Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten, p. 15, and has been observed in online auctions.
- ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1162, and has been observed in online auctions.
- ↑ Inferred from the katakana ゴールダー.
- ↑ This version has not yet been observed.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Lyra Flex published in Ars Camera March 1938, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.&nbp;101.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Lyra range published in Asahi Camera September 1938, scans observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ This model is called "Semi Lyra II" by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, and by Sugiyama, items 1163–4. The advertisements observed simply have "New Semi Lyra" (新型セミライラ) or "Semi Lyra".
- ↑ The first advertisement mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, is dated November 1937. The same source says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the December 1937 issue of Asahi Camera.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Ars Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 100.
- ↑ Compare for example Sugiyama items 1163 and 1164.
- ↑ Date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, says that it was featured in the new products column of the October 1940 issue of Asahi Camera.
- ↑ The 1941 prices come from an advertisement for the Lyra range, published in the May 1941 issue of Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 100. — The 1942 prices come from an advertisement for the Lyra range, published in the July 29, 1942 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
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 292–4. (See also the advertisement for item 164.)
- 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. 328 (pictures a Semi Lyra F).
- 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. 15.
- 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 1162–5.
Links
In Japanese:
- Semi Lyra and other folders at Puppy's Island
- Advertisements reproduced in the Japanese camera page, the imported camera page the 120 film camera page and the camera company page of the Gochamaze website:
- Advertisement for the Semi Lyra and Baby Lyra, published in the December 13, 1936 issue of Sunday Mainichi
- Price list by Shinbidō, published in the September 1938 issue of Asahi Camera
- Advertisement for the Semi Lyra, published in the July 29, 1942 issue of Asahi Graph
- A sample picture taken by a Semi Lyra at the AJCC website
- Restoration of a Semi Lyra F and sample pictures at Shiroto shashinki shūri kōbō
- Semi Lyra (original model) in Sakusen Ichiman-ri's camera pages
