Difference between revisions of "Semi Prince"
Rebollo fr (talk | contribs) (doubts about the features of the improved model) |
Rebollo fr (talk | contribs) (larger pictures) |
||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
* Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, [[Compur]] shutter, T, B, 1–300 ({{yen|89|1936}}). | * Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, [[Compur]] shutter, T, B, 1–300 ({{yen|89|1936}}). | ||
The Radionar lenses were made by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], presumably under license from [[Schneider]]. | The Radionar lenses were made by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], presumably under license from [[Schneider]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center; clear: both;" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | rowspan="2" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/753849158/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/753849158_b8a593544a_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/753849154/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1204/753849154_6a45347ca8_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/753849166/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/753849166_f29b76a889_m_d.jpg] | ||
| + | | style="vertical-align: bottom;" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/753849186/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/753849186_0edc1e03b1_t_d.jpg] | ||
| + | | style="vertical-align: bottom;" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/753849172/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1247/753849172_93bb9dbac1_t_d.jpg] | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | style="vertical-align: top;" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/753849182/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1246/753849182_76645da33e_t_d.jpg] | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | colspan="3" | ''Original Semi Prince, Neumann & Heilemann Radionar 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Perfect shutter, 5–250, B, T speeds, old advance key.''<br>''Pictures courtesy of Adrian Gotts. {{with permission}}'' | ||
| + | |} | ||
In an advertisement dated April 1937,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 90. </REF> the Pronto shutter option was replaced by two new versions: | In an advertisement dated April 1937,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 90. </REF> the Pronto shutter option was replaced by two new versions: | ||
| Line 26: | Line 37: | ||
In all the cameras 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<REF> Example with Isco and Pronto shutter observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF> with ''Jsco Anastigmat 1:4.5 F=7.5cm''. None has a serial number. | In all the cameras 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<REF> Example with Isco and Pronto shutter observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF> with ''Jsco Anastigmat 1:4.5 F=7.5cm''. None has a serial number. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== Improved model === | === Improved model === | ||
| Line 79: | Line 79: | ||
* [http://ranzosha.web.fc2.com/d004semiprince.html Semi Prince (original model)] in [http://ranzosha.web.fc2.com/d000shasinkizai.html Sakusen Ichiman-ri's camera pages] | * [http://ranzosha.web.fc2.com/d004semiprince.html Semi Prince (original model)] in [http://ranzosha.web.fc2.com/d000shasinkizai.html Sakusen Ichiman-ri's camera pages] | ||
* [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html History page] at the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website] | * [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html History page] at the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website] | ||
| − | * [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki12.jpg Advertisement for the Semi Prince] published in the 14 July 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Graph]]'', reproduced in the [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki.htm Japanese camera page of the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website] | + | * [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki12.jpg Advertisement for the Semi Prince] published in the 14 July 1937 issue of ''[[Asahi Graph]]'', reproduced in the [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki.htm Japanese camera page] of the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website] |
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Prince, Semi]] | [[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding|Prince, Semi]] | ||
Revision as of 15:33, 8 July 2007
The Semi Prince (セミプリンス) is a series of Japanese 4.5×6 folders, released in 1934 or 1935 and sold until 1939 by the distributor Fukada Shōkai.[1] It was certainly made by Fujimoto.[2] However all the advertisements observed show the name Prince Camera Works or the distributor's name.[3]
The Semi Prince was the first Japanese 4.5×6 camera, predating the Semi Minolta and Semi Proud.[4]
Contents
General description
All the Semi Prince models are copies of the Ikonta, with the typical folding struts. They have a folding optical finder, whose opening is coupled to the release of the folding bed. There is a key for film advance at the bottom right, as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The back is hinged to the left and has two red windows. The name Semi Prince is embossed in the leather at the front and on the back, and the folding struts are engraved Semi Prince too.
Semi Prince (I)
Original model
The original model (1934/5–7) has uncovered red windows and no body release. It was advertised in July 1935[5] in five versions, priced at ¥89, ¥65, ¥60 and ¥55 with an f/4.5 lens and at ¥52 with an f/6.3 lens, the latter being mentioned as "newly available" (新発売). An advertisement dated January 1936,[6] gives details about these five versions:
- Radionar f/6.3 lens, Perfect shutter by Neumann & Heilemann, giving 5–250 speeds (¥52);
- Radionar f/4.5 lens, Perfect shutter (¥60);[7]
- Laack Regulyt f/4.5 lens, New Vario shutter, 25, 50, 100, B, T (¥55);[8]
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Pronto shutter, T, B, 100, 50, 25, with selftimer (¥65);[9]
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–300 (¥89).
The Radionar lenses were made by Neumann & Heilemann, presumably under license from Schneider.
  
|
|
|
| ||
| Original Semi Prince, Neumann & Heilemann Radionar 7.5cm f/4.5 lens, Perfect shutter, 5–250, B, T speeds, old advance key. Pictures courtesy of Adrian Gotts. (Image rights) | ||
In an advertisement dated April 1937,[10] the Pronto shutter option was replaced by two new versions:
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Prontor I shutter, T, B, 25–125 (¥65);[11]
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Prontor II shutter, T, B, 1–175 (¥75).[12]
In all the cameras 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[13] with Jsco Anastigmat 1:4.5 F=7.5cm. None has a serial number.
Improved model
The original model was replaced in 1937 for a couple of months by the improved Semi Prince (改良型セミプリンス). This version has no body release and a modified advance key, shaped as a half-moon.[14] It is said to have a common sliding cover for the red windows,[15] but this is not mentioned in the advertisements and all the examples observed so far with a red window cover have a body release.
In advertisements dated July and August 1937,[16] three versions of the improved Semi Prince were listed:
- Schneider Isco f/4.5 lens, Prontor II shutter (¥75);
- Schneider Isco f/4.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥89);
- Schneider Xenar f/4.5 lens, Compur-Rapid shutter (¥113).[17]
Semi Prince II
The Semi Prince II (1937–8[18]) is identical to the Semi Prince (improved) with an added body release. It is advertised in the September 1937 issue of Asahi Camera[19] with the same three lens and shutter combinations as listed for the previous model, but no price is indicated.[20]
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.[21] 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[22]) 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[23]:
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f:4.5 lens, Prontor I shutter, 125, 100, 50, 25, B, T speeds (¥85);[24]
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f:4.5 lens, Prontor II shutter (¥105);[25]
- Schneider Isco Anastigmat f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥120);[26]
- Schneider Xenar f:4.5 lens, Compur-Rapid shutter (¥155).
Notes
- ↑ 1934 release date: Company history at the Fujimoto official website; Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp. 78–9. — The first advertisements mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, are dated 1935. Tanimura, pp. 1–2 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116, says that the Semi Prince was featured in an article of the January 1935 issue of Asahi Camera. — 1939: Last advertisements mentioned in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
- ↑ Company history of the Fujimoto official website; Lewis, p. 53; Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp. 78–80; McKeown, pp. 331–2.
- ↑ Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp. 90–1, and advertisement reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
- ↑ Tanimura, pp. 1–2 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116, says that the Semi Minolta and Semi Proud were mentioned as "soon to follow" at the end of an article about the Semi Prince in the January 1935 issue of Asahi Camera. Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 78–9, says that the Semi Prince was sold half a year before the Semi Minolta.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
- ↑ This version is pictured in this page, in Sugiyama, item 1230 (with a non-original accessory shoe), and has been observed in online auctions, with lenses made by Neumann & Heilemann.
- ↑ This version is pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp. 78–9, and has been observed in online auctions. The example with Vario shutter pictured in Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten, p. 15, is reported to have an Isco lens, but a serial number is visible and it probably has a Regulyt instead.
- ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1228 (with an early SEMI PRINCE embossing), and has been observed in online auctions.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
- ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1231, and has been observed in an online auction.
- ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1232, in this page, and has been observed in online auctions.
- ↑ Example with Isco and Pronto shutter observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
- ↑ Compare for example the cameras pictured in Sugiyama, items 1231 (old key) and 1229 (new key).
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
- ↑ July 1937: Advertisement published in Asahi Graph (14 July 1937) reproduced in the Gochamaze website. August 1937: advertisement published in Asahi Camera reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
- ↑ One example of this version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1229 (misidentified as a "Semi Prince II"), and another in Tomo ni shita kamera, with an accessory shoe added next to the viewfinder.
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
- ↑ The variant with Isco f:4.5 lens and Compur shutter has been observed in Yahoo Japan auctions. The variant with Isco f:4.5 lens and Prontor II shutter is presented in this page at ksmt.com.
- ↑ Example pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, p. 78–9.
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 91.
- ↑ Observed in Yahoo Japan auctions, lens name not visible.
- ↑ Observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. Lens with no serial number.
- ↑ Observed in an eBay auction, lens name not visible.
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 225–8. (See also the advertisements for items 155 and 230–1 and the picture p. 428.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P. 15.
- 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 1228–32.
- Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Minolta I-gata to II-gata." (セミミノルタⅠ型とⅡ型, "Semi Minolta I and II") In Camera Collectors' News no. 116 (February 1987). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
Links
In English:
- Semi Prince, a detailed picture of an original model among Dave's photos
- Schneider-Jsco lens of a Semi Prince at ksmt.com, with a link to a Semi Prince picture
In Japanese:
- Tomo ni shita kamera, a page with a picture of a Semi Prince (it is the camera that looks like an Ikonta!)
- A table and another table at the All Japan Classic Camera Club website, listing variants of the Semi Prince
- Semi Prince (original model) in Sakusen Ichiman-ri's camera pages
- History page at the Fujimoto official website
- Advertisement for the Semi Prince published in the 14 July 1937 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the Japanese camera page of the Gochamaze website
