Semi Mulber
The Semi Mulber (セミマルバ) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, distributed by Kuwata Shōkai in 1939.[1] The body is copied from the Ikonta.
Folding finder
The original version[2] has a folding optical finder and a body release, both placed to the left as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically. The film advance control is on the opposite side of the body. The front leather is embossed SEMI Mulber and the folding struts are engraved KKS.
In an advertisement dated June 1939[3], this model is offered in two variants:
- 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 variant is also listed:
- Mulber 75/4.5 lens, Perfect shutter by Neumann & Heilemann (T, B, 5–150), ¥65.
Another lens and shutter combination has been reported on this model:
- KKS Anastigmat Mulber 75/4.5, KKS shutter (T, B, 5–500).[5]
Dual finders
The Semi Mulber has also been observed in a presumably later version[6], with a reversed configuration. A brilliant finder and a direct vision finder grouped in a small housing, placed on the right of the body (as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically), as well as the body release. The advance knob is also situated on this side of the body. The front leather is embossed MULBER and it seems that the folding struts are still engraved KKS.
No advertisement for this model has been observed, but it is known with the following lens and shutter combination:
- KKS Anastigmat Mulber 75/3.5, Mulber-Rapid shutter (B, 1–300).[7]
Notes
- ↑ Date: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 341.
- ↑ This version is called "Mulber Semi (1939)" in McKeown, p. 701.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 95.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 95.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 701, on the "Mulber Semi (1939)". A Mulber 75/4.5 and KKS shutter combination appears in the book Kamera Zukan, by Sugiyama and Naoi, according to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 341. McKeown is probably citing Sugiyama.
- ↑ This version is called "Mulber Semi (1940)" in McKeown, p. 701.
- ↑ Example pictured for sale at a dealer, top speed is not legible. McKeown, p. 701, cites the same combination on the "Mulber Semi (1940)" and gives the 1/300 top speed. A KKS Mulber 75/3.5 and Mulber SR shutter combination appears in the book Kamera Zukan, by Sugiyama and Naoi, according to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 341. McKeown is probably citing 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.
- 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.
