Difference between revisions of "Semi Prince"

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<br>''Picture courtesy of Adrian Gotts. {{with permission}}''
 
<br>''Picture courtesy of Adrian Gotts. {{with permission}}''
 
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The '''Semi Prince''' (セミプリンス) is a series of [[Japanese 4.5×6 folders]], made by [[Fujimoto|Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho]] and distributed by [[Fukada|Fukada Shōkai]] from 1934 to 1939.<REF> Attribution to Fujimoto: [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/web/corp/history/index.html company history] of the [http://www.fujimoto-photo.co.jp/ Fujimoto official website]; Tanimura, p.50 of {{KKS}} no.11, based on an interview of Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of [[Fujimoto]]; Lewis, p.53; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.78–80; {{Sugiyama}}, items 1228–32; {{McKeown}}, pp.331–2. </REF> It was the first Japanese 4.5×6 camera, predating the [[Semi Minolta]] and [[Semi Proud]].<REF> Tanimura, p.50 of {{KKS}} no.11, says that the [[Semi Minolta]] and [[Semi Proud]] were mentioned as "soon to follow" at the end of a column about the Semi Prince in the January 1935 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]''. (Same information on pp.1–2 of {{CCN}} no.116). </REF>
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The '''Semi Prince''' (セミプリンス) is a series of [[Japanese 4.5×6 folders]], released in 1934 and sold until 1939 by the distributor [[Fukada|Fukada Shōkai]]. It was made by [[Fujimoto|Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho]].<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.53; ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.78–80; {{McKeown}}, pp.331–2. </REF> However all the advertisements observed show the name [[Prince|Prince Camera Works]] or the distributor's name.<REF> Advertisements reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, pp.90–1, and [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki12.jpg advertisement] reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF>
 
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The Semi Prince was the first Japanese 4.5×6 camera, predating the [[Semi Minolta]] and [[Semi Proud]].<REF> Tanimura, p.50 of {{KKS}} no.11, says that the [[Semi Minolta]] and [[Semi Proud]] were mentioned as "soon to follow" at the end of a column about the Semi Prince in the January 1935 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]''. (Same information on pp.1–2 of {{CCN}} no.116). </REF>
 
  
 
== General description ==
 
== General description ==

Revision as of 15:25, 22 April 2008

753849154_6a45347ca8_m_d.jpg
Picture courtesy of Adrian Gotts. (Image rights)
Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
folding
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collapsible
Semi Kinsi | Lord | Lyrax | Nippon | New Olympic | Semi Olympic | Semi Renky | Auto Victor | Well Super
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Sun Stereo
unknown
Semi Elka | Semi Keef | Napoleon
Postwar models ->
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo ->
Japanese 3×4, 4×4, 4×5, 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, made by Fujimoto Shashinki Seisakusho and distributed by Fukada Shōkai from 1934 to 1939.[1] It was the first Japanese 4.5×6 camera, predating the Semi Minolta and Semi Proud.[2]

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. The film advance is 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 (1934–7) has uncovered red windows and no body release, and the back latch is covered by a leather handle.

It is said that the development of the camera was plagued by various problems, such as light leaks, and that the company had a hard time to adjust the pressure plate and the finder opening mechanism, certainly because the experience of making such a product was lacking in Japan at the time.[3]

The earliest advertisement for the Semi Prince was in the November 1934 issue of Asahi Camera,[4] where the camera was announced as "available soon" (発売迫る) with a German Laack 75/4.5 lens and a New Vario shutter (25, 50, 100, T, B). This and later advertisements, inserted by Fukada Shōkai, say that the camera was made by "Prince Camera Works", which was certainly a mere dummy name (see Camera Works). The Semi Prince was featured in the January 1935 issue of Asahi Camera.[5]

The very first examples have an advance knob, soon replaced by a key.[6] The only such example observed so far is pictured in Tanimura and has a Regulyt f/4.5 lens and a Vario shutter.[7]

The original Semi Prince was advertised in July 1935[8] in five versions (with an advance key), 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,[9] gives details about these five versions:

The Radionar lenses are engraved N.&H. Radionar, probably because they were made by Neumann & Heilemann. It is said that the Schneider lenses were imported as separate elements and were assembled in Japan.[13] This was certainly the case of the Radionar lenses, engraved N.&H. Radionar, surely because they were assembled by Neumann & Heilemann. It is unclear if this applies to the Isco as well.

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 some examples have been observed with Jsco Anastigmat 1:4.5 F=7.5cm.[14] None has a serial number.

753849158_b8a593544a_m_d.jpg 753849154_6a45347ca8_m_d.jpg 753849166_f29b76a889_m_d.jpg 753849186_0edc1e03b1_t_d.jpg 753849172_93bb9dbac1_t_d.jpg
753849182_76645da33e_t_d.jpg
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,[15] the Pronto shutter option was replaced by two new versions:

  • Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Prontor I shutter, T, B, 25–125 speeds (¥65);[16]
  • Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Prontor II shutter, T, B, 1–175 speeds (¥75).[17]

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).[18] This version has no body release and a modified advance key, shaped as a half-moon.[19] It is sometimes said to have a common sliding cover for the red windows,[20] 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,[21] three versions of the improved Semi Prince were listed:

Semi Prince II

The Semi Prince II (1937–8)[23] has an added body release and is confirmed to have a common cover for the red windows, controlled by a vertically sliding lever. It was advertised in the September 1937 issue of Asahi Camera[24] with the same three lens and shutter combinations listed for the previous model (the price was not given).[25]

An example of the Semi Prince has been observed with a body release, a Lucky Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a Compur shutter (T, B, 1–300).[26] However this example belongs to the Fujimoto company and has the low lens number 00184; it is probable that the lens and shutter were mounted on the camera for testing purpose and that this equipment was never sold on the Semi Prince.

Semi Prince III

The Semi Prince III (1938–9)[27] has a modified back latch, consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle, and it has a chrome trim line around the top and bottom plates and around the folding bed. The following lens and shutter combinations were listed in an advertisement dated January 1939:[28]

  • Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Prontor I shutter, 125–25, B, T speeds (¥85);[29]
  • Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Prontor II shutter, 175–1, B, T speeds (¥105);[30]
  • Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–300 speeds (¥120);[31]
  • Schneider Xenar f/4.5 lens, Compur-Rapid shutter, T, B, 1–500 speeds (¥155).

The Semi Prince was succeeded by the Semi Sport with a new lens and shutter. It is said that the name was changed because the contract between the manufacturer Fujimoto and the distributor Fukada, owner of the name "Prince", was rescinded.[32] The Semi Prince is not in the official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, confirming that it was no longer sold.[33]

Aftermarket conversion

The Sun film stop is an auto-stop device, advertised by Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten in January 1939, and described in the page about Yamashita. The conversion was available for the Semi Prince and other similar cameras, such as the Super Ikonta, Ikonta, Nettar, Welta Perle, Semi Lyra and Semi Minolta.

Notes

  1. ↑ Attribution to Fujimoto: company history of the Fujimoto official website; Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, based on an interview of Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of Fujimoto; Lewis, p.53; Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp.78–80; Sugiyama, items 1228–32; McKeown, pp.331–2.
  2. ↑ Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, says that the Semi Minolta and Semi Proud were mentioned as "soon to follow" at the end of a column about the Semi Prince in the January 1935 issue of Asahi Camera. (Same information on pp.1–2 of Camera Collectors' News no.116).
  3. ↑ Detail of the development problems: Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, quoting Takahashi Kenzō.
  4. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11.
  5. ↑ Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11.
  6. ↑ Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, quoting Takahashi Kenzō. (Same information in Tanaka, p.76 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8.)
  7. ↑ Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11.
  8. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.90.
  9. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.90.
  10. ↑ This version is pictured in this page, in Sugiyama, item 1230 (with a non-original accessory shoe), in McKeown, p.331, in Tanaka, p.77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8, in Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, and has been observed in online auctions, with lenses made by Neumann & Heilemann.
  11. ↑ This version is pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp.78–9, in Tanaka, p.77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8, 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.
  12. ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1228 (with an early SEMI PRINCE embossing), and has been observed in online auctions.
  13. ↑ Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, quoting Takahashi Kenzō.
  14. ↑ Examples observed in online auctions.
  15. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.90.
  16. ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1231, in Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, and has been observed in an online auction.
  17. ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1232, in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.428, in this page, and has been observed in online auctions.
  18. ↑ Date: the only advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340, are dated July and August 1937.
  19. ↑ Compare for example the cameras pictured in Sugiyama, items 1231 (old key) and 1229 (new key).
  20. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340, Tanaka, p.77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8.
  21. ↑ 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.
  22. ↑ This version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1229 (misidentified as a "Semi Prince II"), and in Tomo ni shita kamera (with an accessory shoe added next to the viewfinder).
  23. ↑ Dates: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  24. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
  25. ↑ The version with Isco f/4.5 lens and Compur shutter has been observed in online auctions. The version with Isco f/4.5 lens and Prontor II shutter is pictured in this page at ksmt.com.
  26. ↑ Example pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp.78–9.
  27. ↑ Dates: advertisements and articles listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  28. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
  29. ↑ This version is pictured in Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, and has been observed in online auctions.
  30. ↑ This version is pictured in Tanaka, p.77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8, and has been observed in an online auction.
  31. ↑ This version has been observed in online auctions.
  32. ↑ Tanimura, p.51 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11.
  33. ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku".

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.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku" (国産写真機の公定価格, Set prices of the Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of October 25, 1940 and setting the retail prices from December 10, 1940. Published in Asahi Camera January 1941 and reproduced in 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. Pp.108—9. The Semi Prince does not appear in this document.
  • 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.
  • Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Sonota no nihon no supuringu-kamera" (その他の日本のスプリングカメラ, "Other Japanese folding cameras"). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.8, September 1986. No ISBN number. Supuringu kamera (スプリングカメラ, special issue on spring cameras). Pp.76–80.
  • Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Semi Purinsu kara Rakku made — Takahashi Kenzō shi ni kiku." (セミプリンスからラックまで・高橋健三氏にきく, "From the Semi Prince to the Luck — Asking Takahashi Kenzō") Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.11, March 1988. No ISBN number. Shirarezaru kamera (知られざるカメラ, special issue on unknown cameras). Pp.50–1. Based on an interview of Takahashi Kenzō, former CEO of Fujimoto, who entered the company in 1934.

Links

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