Semi Minolta (I) and II
The Semi Minolta (セミ・ミノルタ) is a series of Japanese 4.5×6 folders made by Molta then by Chiyoda Kōgaku (the predecessors of Minolta). Their body is inspired by the Ikonta A or Nettar, but they are not plain copies.
The original model[1] has a folding finder, no body release and no cover for the red windows[2]. The finder is offset to the left and there is an accessory shoe, very slightly offset to the right. The film is wound by a key, situated at the bottom right (when holding the camera to take portrait pictures). The camera is embossed Minolta in the front leather.
This model is announced at the end of 1934: it is mentioned as soon available in the photo notes column of the December 1934 issue of Asahi Camera[3]. It is advertised in Japanese magazines from 1935 to 1938.[4] An advertisement in the July 1936 issue of Shashin Shinpō[5] shows the camera with what seems to be a folding frame finder, while another advertisement dated August 1937[6] shows a folding optical finder. The lens is a front-cell focusing Coronar 75/4.5 and the shutter is a Crown, first with T, B, 5–100 speeds and later with T, B, 5–200 speeds. The price was ¥65, with an accessory rangefinder sold for extra ¥15.
The Semi Minolta II[7] adds a body release and a cover for the red windows. The finder and the accessory shoe are moved very slightly to the right, to leave space for the body release. The two knobs at the ends of the top plate are higher.
The Semi Minolta II is introduced at the end of 1937[8]. An advertisement in the January 1938 issue of Shashin Shinpō[9] offers it with a Prontor II shutter (175–1, B, T) and what seems to be an f/3.5 lens, for ¥105. The accessory rangefinder is still offered, for ¥18. The following year, an advertisement in the January 1939 issue of the same magazine[10] offers two lens options:
- Coronar f/4.5 lens and Crown B shutter (¥100);
- Coronar f/3.5 lens and Crown B shutter (¥120).
Some accessories are listed too:
- accessory rangefinder (¥18);
- hood for 25mm filters, for the f/4.5 lens (¥1.50);
- hood for 30mm filters, for the f/3.5 lens (¥1.70);
- small ever ready case, for the camera only (¥5.00);
- big ever ready case, for the camera with the rangefinder (¥5.50).
The late Semi Minolta II[11] has a modified body.
The Auto Semi Minolta, released in 1937, has a coupled rangefinder contained in a top housing. The Auto Semi Minolta has a focusing system inspired by the Welta Weltur and an exposure counter inspired by the Plaubel Roll-Op models.
The Semi Minolta III is a postwar version of the I and II. It exists in three variants called A, B and C, with very little difference between the three.
The Semi Minolta P is a version with a tubular finder, released in 1951 at a time when the folding finders were beginning to be old-fashioned. It was the last folding camera made by Chiyoda.
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. Items 272–5 and 916–20.
- Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Minolta de 1929 à 1985. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. ISBN 2-249-27685-4.
- 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). Pp. 672–3.
- 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).
Links
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