Difference between revisions of "Semi Mulber"
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{{Japanese Semi prewar}} | {{Japanese Semi prewar}} | ||
| − | The '''Semi Mulber''' (セミマルバ) is a [[Japanese 4.5×6 folders|Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera]], distributed by [[Kuwata|Kuwata Shōkai]] | + | The '''Semi Mulber''' (セミマルバ) is a [[Japanese 4.5×6 folders|Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera]], distributed from 1939 by [[Kuwata|Kuwata Shōkai]].<REF> Date: {{Kokusan}}, p. 341. </REF> Two very different models are known: the first is a copy of the [[Ikonta A]] made of pressed steel and having a folding optical finder, whereas the other has a different die-cast body with a reversed configuration and dual finders. It seems that the second model was made by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]] (see below). |
| − | == | + | == Ikonta copy, folding finder == |
| − | The ''' | + | === Description === |
| + | The '''first model'''<REF> This model is called "Mulber Semi (1939)" in McKeown, p. 701. </REF> has a body and folding struts copied on the 4.5×6 [[Ikonta]]. It is probably made of pressed steel. The folding optical finder is placed to the left as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically. The advance key is on the opposite side of the body. The body release is placed to the left of the finder. Something is engraved on the folding struts, perhaps ''KKS.'' | ||
| − | + | == Advertisements and actual examples == | |
| + | The first model was advertised in June 1939 in two versions:<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 95. </REF> | ||
* Lausar 75/4.5 lens, Mulber SR shutter (T, B, 1–300, self-timer), {{yen|85|1939}}; | * Lausar 75/4.5 lens, Mulber SR shutter (T, B, 1–300, self-timer), {{yen|85|1939}}; | ||
* Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Mulber shutter (T, B, 1–300), {{yen|75|1939}}. | * Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Mulber shutter (T, B, 1–300), {{yen|75|1939}}. | ||
| − | In a later advertisement dated September 1939<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. | + | In a later advertisement dated September 1939,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 96. </REF> a cheaper version was added: |
* Mulber 75/4.5 lens, [[Perfect]] shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]] (T, B, 5–150), {{yen|65|1939}}. | * Mulber 75/4.5 lens, [[Perfect]] shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]] (T, B, 5–150), {{yen|65|1939}}. | ||
| − | + | The Semi Mulber was listed for ¥74 in the {{Kakaku1940_short}}, compiled on October 25, 1940 and published in January 1941, but no detail was given.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 3, section 4A. </REF> | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Only one actual example of this model has been observed so far, pictured in {{Sugiyama}}. The lens is reported as a Mulber Anastigmat 75/4.5 and the shutter as a KKS giving T, B, 5–500 speeds.<REF> Sugiyama, item 1208. The same lens and shutter combination is reported in McKeown, p. 701, obviously after Sugiyama. </REF> The name ''Mulber'' is embossed in the front leather whereas the advertising pictures show the embossing ''SEMI Mulber.'' | |
| − | |||
| − | No advertisement for this model has been observed, | + | == Reversed model, dual finders == |
| − | + | === Description === | |
| + | The '''second model'''<REF> This model is called "Mulber Semi (1940)" in McKeown, p. 701. </REF> has a different die-cast body with different folding struts. The configuration is reversed, with a small housing placed to the right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically) and containing a [[brilliant finder]] and a direct vision finder placed side by side. The exact same part has been observed on a [[Star Semi]] pictured in {{Sugiyama}}.<REF> Sugiyama, item 1246. The same source says about the item 1207 that the Semi Mulber is a die-cast version of the Star Semi but the only common part visible is the dual-finder assembly. </REF> The advance knob is on the left of the finder and the body release is on the right. The name ''Mulber'' is embossed in the front leather but the font differs from the previous embossing. There is an unknown engraving in the folding struts. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Documents and actual examples === | ||
| + | No advertisement for this model has been observed so far. The {{Inquiry1943_short}}, listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, mentioned a Semi Mulber and a Semi Mulber II, made by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]] and distributed by [[Kuwata]]. These cameras were registered as made of alloy and they probably correspond to the second model with die-cast construction. Both versions were listed as having a Patent Mars shutter made by [[Mars]] and giving T, B, 1–250 speeds,<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-U-12. </REF> and a 75/3.5 three-element lens made by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]]. The lens was called Rifax on the Semi Mulber and Mulber on the Semi Mulber II.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens items Lb24 and Lb25. The Rifax name is inferred from the ''katakana'' リファックス. </REF> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Two surviving examples have been observed.<REF> Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1207, and example offered for sale by a dealer. </REF> Both have a KKS Anastigmat Mulber 75/3.5 lens and a shutter giving B, 1–300 speeds and engraved ''MULBER–RAPID'' at the bottom of the speed rim.<REF> The top speed is not legible in the pictures but is reported as 1/300 in Sugiyama, item 1207. McKeown, p. 341, reports the same lens and shutter combination, obviously after Sugiyama. </REF> | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
| Line 24: | Line 30: | ||
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
* {{Showa10}} Items 261. | * {{Showa10}} Items 261. | ||
| + | * {{Inquiry1943}} Items 23–4. | ||
| + | * {{Kakaku1940}} | ||
* {{McKeown12}} P. 701. | * {{McKeown12}} P. 701. | ||
| + | * {{Zukan}} Items 1207–8. | ||
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Mulber, Semi]] | [[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Mulber, Semi]] | ||
[[Category: S]] | [[Category: S]] | ||
[[Category: M|Mulber, Semi]] | [[Category: M|Mulber, Semi]] | ||
Revision as of 23:12, 17 March 2007
The Semi Mulber (セミマルバ) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed from 1939 by Kuwata Shōkai.[1] Two very different models are known: the first is a copy of the Ikonta A made of pressed steel and having a folding optical finder, whereas the other has a different die-cast body with a reversed configuration and dual finders. It seems that the second model was made by Motodori (see below).
Contents
Ikonta copy, folding finder
Description
The first model[2] has a body and folding struts copied on the 4.5×6 Ikonta. It is probably made of pressed steel. The folding optical finder is placed to the left as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically. The advance key is on the opposite side of the body. The body release is placed to the left of the finder. Something is engraved on the folding struts, perhaps KKS.
Advertisements and actual examples
The first model was advertised in June 1939 in two versions:[3]
- Lausar 75/4.5 lens, Mulber SR shutter (T, B, 1–300, self-timer), ¥85;
- Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Mulber shutter (T, B, 1–300), ¥75.
In a later advertisement dated September 1939,[4] a cheaper version was added:
- Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Perfect shutter by Neumann & Heilemann (T, B, 5–150), ¥65.
The Semi Mulber was listed for ¥74 in the Template:Kakaku1940 short, compiled on October 25, 1940 and published in January 1941, but no detail was given.[5]
Only one actual example of this model has been observed so far, pictured in Sugiyama. The lens is reported as a Mulber Anastigmat 75/4.5 and the shutter as a KKS giving T, B, 5–500 speeds.[6] The name Mulber is embossed in the front leather whereas the advertising pictures show the embossing SEMI Mulber.
Reversed model, dual finders
Description
The second model[7] has a different die-cast body with different folding struts. The configuration is reversed, with a small housing placed to the right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera vertically) and containing a brilliant finder and a direct vision finder placed side by side. The exact same part has been observed on a Star Semi pictured in Sugiyama.[8] The advance knob is on the left of the finder and the body release is on the right. The name Mulber is embossed in the front leather but the font differs from the previous embossing. There is an unknown engraving in the folding struts.
Documents and actual examples
No advertisement for this model has been observed so far. The "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), listing the Japanese camera production as of April 1943, mentioned a Semi Mulber and a Semi Mulber II, made by Motodori and distributed by Kuwata. These cameras were registered as made of alloy and they probably correspond to the second model with die-cast construction. Both versions were listed as having a Patent Mars shutter made by Mars and giving T, B, 1–250 speeds,[9] and a 75/3.5 three-element lens made by Motodori. The lens was called Rifax on the Semi Mulber and Mulber on the Semi Mulber II.[10]
Two surviving examples have been observed.[11] Both have a KKS Anastigmat Mulber 75/3.5 lens and a shutter giving B, 1–300 speeds and engraved MULBER–RAPID at the bottom of the speed rim.[12]
Notes
- ↑ Date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 341.
- ↑ This model is called "Mulber Semi (1939)" in McKeown, p. 701.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 95.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 96.
- ↑ Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 3, section 4A.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1208. The same lens and shutter combination is reported in McKeown, p. 701, obviously after Sugiyama.
- ↑ This model is called "Mulber Semi (1940)" in McKeown, p. 701.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1246. The same source says about the item 1207 that the Semi Mulber is a die-cast version of the Star Semi but the only common part visible is the dual-finder assembly.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-U-12.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens items Lb24 and Lb25. The Rifax name is inferred from the katakana リファックス.
- ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1207, and example offered for sale by a dealer.
- ↑ The top speed is not legible in the pictures but is reported as 1/300 in Sugiyama, item 1207. McKeown, p. 341, reports the same lens and shutter combination, obviously after Sugiyama.
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 261.
- "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Items 23–4.
- Template:Kakaku1940
- 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. 701.
- 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 1207–8.
