Difference between revisions of "Semi Prince"

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(the first Japanese 4.5x6 ? + removing an unnecessary sentence.)
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The '''Semi Prince''' (セミプリンス) is a series of [[Japanese 4.5&times;6 folders]], released in 1934 or 1935<REF> 1934: [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html Company history] at the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/index.html Fujimoto official website]; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.&nbsp;78&ndash;9. &mdash; 1935: First advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;340. &mdash; 1939: Last advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;340. </REF> and sold until 1939 by the distributor [[Fukada Shōkai]].<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;340. </REF> It is said that it was made by [[Fujimoto]].<REF> [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html Company history] of the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website]; Lewis, p.&nbsp;53; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.&nbsp;78&ndash;80; {{McKeown}}, pp.&nbsp;331&ndash;2. </REF> However all the advertisements observed show the company name [[Prince|Prince Camera Works]] or the distributor's name.<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, pp.&nbsp;90&ndash;1, or in a [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki.htm page of prewar and wartime advertisements for Japanese cameras] at the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF>
 
The '''Semi Prince''' (セミプリンス) is a series of [[Japanese 4.5&times;6 folders]], released in 1934 or 1935<REF> 1934: [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html Company history] at the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/index.html Fujimoto official website]; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.&nbsp;78&ndash;9. &mdash; 1935: First advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;340. &mdash; 1939: Last advertisements mentioned in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;340. </REF> and sold until 1939 by the distributor [[Fukada Shōkai]].<REF> Dates: {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;340. </REF> It is said that it was made by [[Fujimoto]].<REF> [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html Company history] of the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website]; Lewis, p.&nbsp;53; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.&nbsp;78&ndash;80; {{McKeown}}, pp.&nbsp;331&ndash;2. </REF> However all the advertisements observed show the company name [[Prince|Prince Camera Works]] or the distributor's name.<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, pp.&nbsp;90&ndash;1, or in a [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki.htm page of prewar and wartime advertisements for Japanese cameras] at the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF>
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The Semi Prince disputes to the [[Semi Minolta]] the title of first Japanese 4.5&times;6 camera.<REF> In ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', p.&nbsp;78&ndash;9, it is said that the Semi Prince was sold half a year before the Semi Minolta. </REF>
  
 
All the Semi Prince models are copies of the [[Ikonta]], with a folding optical finder, a key for film advance and two red windows in the back. They are embossed ''Semi Prince'' in the front and back leather, and the folding struts are engraved ''Semi Prince'' too.
 
All the Semi Prince models are copies of the [[Ikonta]], with a folding optical finder, a key for film advance and two red windows in the back. They are embossed ''Semi Prince'' in the front and back leather, and the folding struts are engraved ''Semi Prince'' too.
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The first versions of the Semi Prince and [[Semi Lucky]] are not identical as sometimes stated<REF> For example in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;343. </REF>, but the Semi Prince III and Semi Lucky III indeed look somewhat similar.
 
  
 
== Original model ==
 
== Original model ==

Revision as of 19:27, 13 September 2006

211838959_cffe2f7b14_m_d.jpg
All images courtesy of Adrian Gotts.
Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
folding
Semi Ace | Semi Adler | Adler III | Adler A | Adler B | Adler C | Semi Ako | Ami | Bakyna | Semi Chrome | Semi Clover | Collex | Semi Condor | Semi Dymos | Semi Elega | Semi First | Auto Semi First | Baby Semi First | Gaica | Semi Gelto | Semi Germa | Hansa Semi Rollette | Heil | Hokoku | Hope | Kadera | Kankyu | Kelly | Kiko Semi | Semi Kinka | Semi Konter | Semi Kreis | Semi Kulax | Semi Lead | Semi Leotax | Semi Lester | Loyal | Semi Lucky | Semi Lyra | Semi Makinet | Semi Metax | Semi Minolta (I) and II | Auto Semi Minolta | Semi Miss | Mizuho | Semi Mulber | Semi National | New Gold | Okaco | Oko Semi | Semi Olympus | Semi Olympus II | Semi Osamo | Semi Pearl | Primo | Semi Prince | Semi Proud | Semi Prux | Roavic | Semi Rody | Rondex | Semi Rosen | Semi Rotte | Seica | Seves | Semi Shiks | Sintax | Semi Sixteenth | Semi Solon | Semi Sport | Star Semi | Semi-Tex | Tsubasa Kiko Three | Tsubasa Nettar | Tsubasa Super Semi | Ugein | Vester-Lette | Victor | Waltax | Wester | Zeitax
collapsible
Semi Kinsi | Lord | Lyrax | Nippon | New Olympic | Semi Olympic | Semi Renky | Auto Victor | Well Super
stereo
Sun Stereo
unknown
Semi Elka | Semi Keef | Napoleon
Postwar models (edit)
folding
Apollo | Semi Blond | Semi Crystar | Daido Semi | Doris | Semi Frank | Semi Gelto | Semi Golder | Karoron | Karoron RF | Kely | Kiko Semi | Korin | Kuri | BB Kuri | Lark | Semi Leotax | Semi Leotax DL / R | Lo Ruby | Semi Lord | Luck | Semi Lyra | Semi Masmy | Middl 120 | Semi Mihama | Mikado | Million Proud | Semi Minolta III | Semi Minolta P | Semi Oscon | Semi Pearl | Pearl I–III | Pearl IV | Petri | Petri RF | Petri Super | Pioneer | Semi Proud | Semi Rocket | Rocky Semi | Rosen | Ruby | Shinkoh Rabbit | Semi Sport | Tsubasa Semi | Union Semi | Union Model U | Walcon Semi | Waltax | Semi Wester | Zenobia
rigid or collapsible
Semi Dak | Semi Hobix | Super Semi Plum | Rocket Camera | Tomy
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Semi Prince (セミプリンス) is a series of Japanese 4.5×6 folders, released in 1934 or 1935[1] and sold until 1939 by the distributor Fukada Shōkai.[2] It is said that it was made by Fujimoto.[3] However all the advertisements observed show the company name Prince Camera Works or the distributor's name.[4]

The Semi Prince disputes to the Semi Minolta the title of first Japanese 4.5×6 camera.[5]

All the Semi Prince models are copies of the Ikonta, with a folding optical finder, a key for film advance and two red windows in the back. They are embossed Semi Prince in the front and back leather, and the folding struts are engraved Semi Prince too.

Original model

The original model (1934/5–7) has no body release and uncovered red windows. It is advertised in July 1935 and January 1936[6], in a choice of six variants:

In an advertisement dated April 1937[12], the Pronto shutter option is replaced by two new variants:

At least some of the Radionar lenses were made by Neumann & Heilemann, presumably under license from Schneider.

In all the variants equipped with an Isco lens, the actual engraving is Jsco, with an old form of the capital I. Most are engraved Schneider–Jsco 1:4.5 F=7.5cm, but at least one example has been observed[15] with Jsco Anastigmat 1:4.5 F=7.5cm. None has a serial number.

Pictures

211838962_f26da6d8c6_t_d.jpg 211838961_6e2c1ee29e_t_d.jpg 211838963_01c17a9d11_t_d.jpg 211838966_8f7cc545db_t_d.jpg 211838964_f83694e330_t_d.jpg
Original Semi Prince, Radionar f:4.5 lens and Perfect shutter, both by Neumann & Heilemann.
All images courtesy of Adrian Gotts.

Improved version

The original model was replaced in 1937 for a couple of months by the Semi Prince (improved) (セミ・プリンス・改良型), adding a common sliding cover for the two red windows.[16] This new version is advertised for example in the July 14, 1937 issue of Asahi Graph[17] and in the August 1937 issue of Asahi Camera[18], in three variants:

Semi Prince II

The Semi Prince II (1937–8[20]) is identical to the Semi Prince (improved) with an added body release. It is advertised in the September 1937 issue of Asahi Camera[21] with the same three lens and shutter combinations as listed for the previous model, but no price is indicated.[22]

An example of the Semi Prince II has been observed with a Lucky Anastigmat f:4.5 lens mounted on a Compur shutter giving T, B, 1–300 speeds.[23] However this example belongs to the Fujimoto company, thus there is a higher probability that the lens and shutter equipment is non original, for example because it was mounted for testing purpose.

Semi Prince III

The Semi Prince III (1938–9[24]) is an evolution of the Semi Prince II. The back latch is modified, the handle has disappeared and there is a chrome trim line around the top and bottom plates. The following lens and shutter combinations are available in January 1939[25]:

Notes

  1. ↑ 1934: Company history at the Fujimoto official website; Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp. 78–9. — 1935: First advertisements mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340. — 1939: Last advertisements mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  2. ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  3. ↑ Company history of the Fujimoto official website; Lewis, p. 53; Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp. 78–80; McKeown, pp. 331–2.
  4. ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp. 90–1, or in a page of prewar and wartime advertisements for Japanese cameras at the Gochamaze website.
  5. ↑ In Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 78–9, it is said that the Semi Prince was sold half a year before the Semi Minolta.
  6. ↑ Advertisements published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  7. ↑ About the name: a PERFECT marking has been observed on a Semi Prince, but a PERFEKT engraving has also been observed on an example of the Semi Lucky.
  8. ↑ Observed in an eBay auction, with a lens made by Neumann & Heilemann.
  9. ↑ Example pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 78–9. Also observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  10. ↑ Observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  11. ↑ Observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  12. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  13. ↑ Observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  14. ↑ It seems to be the example presented in this page at ksmt.com. Another example has been observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. In both cases, a confusion is possible with the later Semi Prince improved.
  15. ↑ Example with Isco and Pronto shutter observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  16. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  17. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in a page of prewar and wartime advertisements for Japanese cameras at the Gochamaze website.
  18. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
  19. ↑ Example pictured in the Tomo ni shita kamera webpage, with some part added besides the viewfinder.
  20. ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  21. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
  22. ↑ The variant with Isco f:4.5 lens and Compur shutter has been observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  23. ↑ Example pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 78–9.
  24. ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  25. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
  26. ↑ Observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.

Bibliography

In Japanese:

  • 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 225–8. (See also the advertisements for items 155 and 230–1.)
  • Kawamata Masataku (川又正卓). Semi Prince — Luck. 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: The use of and actual examples from 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp. 78–80.

In English:

  • 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. 331–2.
  • 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). Pp. 53, brief mention only.

Links

In Japanese and English:

In Japanese:

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