Difference between revisions of "Semi Masmy"
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* '''Semi Masmy IIIA''' with B, 2–200 speeds and a self-timer; | * '''Semi Masmy IIIA''' with B, 2–200 speeds and a self-timer; | ||
* '''Semi Masmy IIIB''' with B, 10–200 speeds. | * '''Semi Masmy IIIB''' with B, 10–200 speeds. | ||
| − | Both shutters are synchronized and are called Conquer<REF> Inferred from the ''katakana'' コンカー and the Conquer shutter reported on a Masmy Flex II in {{McKeown}}, p. 912. </REF>. | + | Both shutters are synchronized and are called Conquer<REF> Inferred from the ''katakana'' コンカー and the Conquer shutter reported on a Masmy Flex II in {{McKeown}}, p. 912. </REF>. The camera illustrated has an ASA bayonet synchro connector. The distributor is still Hinomaru-ya, and the maker is confirmed to be Takagawa. |
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 18:26, 7 August 2006
The Semi Masmy[1] (セミマスミー) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, made by Takagawa between 1951 and 1953. It is a vertical folder, with a body copied from the Nettar.
Early models
The original model has a folding optical finder and a body release, and looks quite outdated for a model offered in 1951 and 1952. An advertisement in the October 1951 issue of the magazine Camera Fan shows it with a front-cell focusing C. Wester Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 lens (made by Nishida) and an NKS shutter.[2] The latter has B, 1–200 speeds, a self-timer and a synchro connector consisting of two metal pins protruding from the shutter housing. The camera is embossed MASMY in the front leather. The advertisement does not mention the maker's name, only the distributor Hinomaru-ya.
The Semi Masmy II is not well known, and it seems that no picture appeared in the advertisements. It is said to have a Masmy 75/3.5 lens and an NKS shutter (B, 10–200).[3]
Late models
The Semi Masmy III, announced in 1952, appears to have a different body, more rounded. The viewfinder is contained in a top housing. It is to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the previous arrangement. The finder is centered in the top housing, with the accessory shoe immediately above. There is a knob at each extremity, one of them must be the advance knob and the other is maybe a fake.
An advertisement in the May 1953 issue of Asahi Camera, offers two versions, both having a coated 75/3.5 lens whose lens is unclear[4], and differing by the shutter:
- Semi Masmy IIIA with B, 2–200 speeds and a self-timer;
- Semi Masmy IIIB with B, 10–200 speeds.
Both shutters are synchronized and are called Conquer[5]. The camera illustrated has an ASA bayonet synchro connector. The distributor is still Hinomaru-ya, and the maker is confirmed to be Takagawa.
Notes
- ↑ In Lewis, it is called "Semi Masumy" by mistake.
- ↑ The "C. Westar Anastigmat" lens and "NKK" shutter reported in McKeown, p. 912, are probable typos.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 365.
- ↑ It is written in katakana: トリバー.
- ↑ Inferred from the katakana コンカー and the Conquer shutter reported on a Masmy Flex II in McKeown, p. 912.
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 849–51.
- 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. 912.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 79 (brief mention only).
