Difference between revisions of "Semi Prince"

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(observations on the Semi Prince III)
(observations)
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=== Improved model ===
 
=== 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).<REF> Date: the only advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.340, are dated July and August 1937. </REF> This version has no body release and a modified advance key, shaped as a half-moon.<REF> Compare for example the cameras pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, items 1231 (old key) and 1229 (new key). </REF> It is sometimes said to have a common sliding cover for the red windows,<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340, Tanaka, p.77 of {{KKS}} no.8. </REF> but this is not mentioned in the advertisements and all the examples observed so far with a red window cover have a body release.
+
The original model was replaced for a couple of months in July and August 1937 by the '''improved Semi Prince''' (改良型セミプリンス).<REF> Date: advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> The only modification visible in the original documents is a new type of advance key, shaped as a half-moon.<REF> Compare for example the cameras pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, items 1231 (old key) and 1229 (new key, misidentified as a "Semi Prince II"). </REF> This model is sometimes said to have a common sliding cover for the red windows,<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340, Tanaka, p.77 of {{KKS}} no.8. </REF> but this is not mentioned in the advertisements seen so far and the surviving examples do not seem to confirm this.
  
In advertisements dated July and August 1937,<REF> July 1937: [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki12.jpg Advertisement] published in ''[[Asahi Graph]]'' (14 July 1937) reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. August 1937: advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> three versions of the improved Semi Prince were listed:
+
Three versions of the improved Semi Prince are listed in advertisements dated July and August 1937:<REF> July 1937: [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki12.jpg Advertisement] published in ''[[Asahi Graph]]'' (14 July 1937) reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. August 1937: advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF>
 
* Schneider Isco f/4.5 lens, [[Prontor II]] shutter ({{yen|75|1937}});
 
* Schneider Isco f/4.5 lens, [[Prontor II]] shutter ({{yen|75|1937}});
 
* Schneider Isco f/4.5 lens, [[Compur]] shutter ({{yen|89|1937}});
 
* Schneider Isco f/4.5 lens, [[Compur]] shutter ({{yen|89|1937}});
* Schneider Xenar f/4.5 lens, [[Compur-Rapid]] shutter ({{yen|113|1937}}).<REF> This version is pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1229 (misidentified as a "Semi Prince II"), and in [http://homepage3.nifty.com/teramatijosainisi/kamera%201.html Tomo ni shita kamera] (with an accessory shoe added next to the viewfinder). </REF>
+
* Schneider Xenar f/4.5 lens, [[Compur-Rapid]] shutter ({{yen|113|1937}}).
 +
 
 +
Actual examples of the Semi Prince are known with the newer advance key and no red window cover, presumably corresponding to the improved Semi Prince. They have been observed with the [[Prontor II]] shutter (175–1, B, T) and Isco lens, engraved ''Schneider–Jsco f:4.5 F=7.5cm'' with a silver distance scale on the side.<REF> Example pictured in [http://ranzosha.web.fc2.com/d004semiprince.html this page at Sakusen Ichiman-ri], and example observed in an online auction. </REF> At least one example is known with a [[Vario]] shutter and a [[Laack]] Regulyt 7.5cm f/4.5 lens.<REF> Example observed in an online auction. </REF>
 +
 
 +
At least two cameras are known with the Xenar lens and [[Compur-Rapid]] shutter; they have no body release and at least one is confirmed to have the newer type of advance key.<REF> Examples pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 1229 (with the newer key, misidentified as a "Semi Prince II"), and in [http://homepage3.nifty.com/teramatijosainisi/kamera%201.html Tomo ni shita kamera] (with an accessory shoe added next to the viewfinder). </REF>
  
 
== Semi Prince II ==
 
== Semi Prince II ==
The Semi Prince II (1937–8)<REF> Dates: advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> 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]]''<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF> with the same three lens and shutter combinations listed for the previous model (the price was not given).<REF> 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 [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/classic2.htm#26 this page] at [http://www.ksmt.com/ ksmt.com]. </REF>
+
The Semi Prince II has an added body release and a common cover for the red windows, controlled by a vertically sliding lever. It was advertised from September 1937 to April 1938.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> The September 1937 advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' lists the same three lens and shutter combinations as for the previous model (the price is not given).<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF>
 +
 
 +
Actual examples of the Semi Prince II have been seen with the Isco lens and [[Prontor II]] or [[Compur]] shutter, but the version with Xenar and Compur-Rapid has not yet been observed so far.<REF> Isco, Compur: example pictured in [http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/camera/1b/1-prince-01L this page at Itō Sadanobu's camera collection], and examples observed in online auctions. Isco f/4.5, Prontor II: example pictured in [http://www.ksmt.com/eos10d/classic2.htm#26 this page] at [http://www.ksmt.com/ ksmt.com]. </REF> Minor variations are known in the lens engraving and in the shape of the lens rim. The cameras with Compur shutter have ''Schneider–Jsco f:4.5 F=7.5cm'' lens markings and a silver distance scale on the side of the lens. On the cameras with Prontor shutter, the lens bezel is either the same or has a silver distance scale at the front, as on some examples of the Semi Prince III.
  
An example of the Semi Prince has been observed with a body release, a [[Nishida lenses|Lucky Anastigmat]] 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a [[Compur]] shutter (T, B, 1–300).<REF> Example pictured in ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.78–9. </REF> 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.
+
An isolated example of the Semi Prince II is known with a [[Nishida lenses|Lucky Anastigmat]] 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a [[Compur]] shutter (T, B, 1–300).<REF> Example pictured in ''Supuringu kamera de ikou'', pp.78–9. </REF> 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 ==
 
== Semi Prince III ==
The '''Semi Prince III''' (1938–9)<REF> Dates: advertisements and articles listed in {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> 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:<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF>
+
The '''Semi Prince III''' has a modified back latch, consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle, and a chrome trim line around the top and bottom plates and around the folding bed. It was advertised from May 1938 to December 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.340. </REF> The following lens and shutter combinations are listed in the January 1939 advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'':<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.91. </REF>
 
* Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, [[Prontor|Prontor I]] shutter, 125–25, B, T speeds ({{yen|85|1939}});
 
* Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, [[Prontor|Prontor I]] shutter, 125–25, B, T speeds ({{yen|85|1939}});
 
* Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, [[Prontor|Prontor II]] shutter, 175–1, B, T speeds ({{yen|105|1939}});
 
* Schneider Isco Anastigmat f/4.5 lens, [[Prontor|Prontor II]] shutter, 175–1, B, T speeds ({{yen|105|1939}});
Line 91: Line 97:
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
 
* [http://homepage3.nifty.com/teramatijosainisi/kamera%201.html Tomo ni shita kamera], a page with a picture of a Semi Prince (it is the camera that looks like an Ikonta)
 
* [http://homepage3.nifty.com/teramatijosainisi/kamera%201.html Tomo ni shita kamera], a page with a picture of a Semi Prince (it is the camera that looks like an Ikonta)
* [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 (improved)] in [http://ranzosha.web.fc2.com/d000shasinkizai.html Sakusen Ichiman-ri's camera pages]
* [http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/camera/1b/1-prince-01L Semi Prince] at [http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/sonota.html Itō Sadanobu's camera collection]
+
* [http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/camera/1b/1-prince-01L Semi Prince II] at [http://www.geocities.jp/wwsada/sonota.html Itō Sadanobu's camera collection]
 
* [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]

Revision as of 16:16, 23 April 2008

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 ->
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.

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 for a couple of months in July and August 1937 by the improved Semi Prince (改良型セミプリンス).[18] The only modification visible in the original documents is a new type of advance key, shaped as a half-moon.[19] This model is sometimes said to have a common sliding cover for the red windows,[20] but this is not mentioned in the advertisements seen so far and the surviving examples do not seem to confirm this.

Three versions of the improved Semi Prince are listed in advertisements dated July and August 1937:[21]

Actual examples of the Semi Prince are known with the newer advance key and no red window cover, presumably corresponding to the improved Semi Prince. They have been observed with the Prontor II shutter (175–1, B, T) and Isco lens, engraved Schneider–Jsco f:4.5 F=7.5cm with a silver distance scale on the side.[22] At least one example is known with a Vario shutter and a Laack Regulyt 7.5cm f/4.5 lens.[23]

At least two cameras are known with the Xenar lens and Compur-Rapid shutter; they have no body release and at least one is confirmed to have the newer type of advance key.[24]

Semi Prince II

The Semi Prince II has an added body release and a common cover for the red windows, controlled by a vertically sliding lever. It was advertised from September 1937 to April 1938.[25] The September 1937 advertisement in Asahi Camera lists the same three lens and shutter combinations as for the previous model (the price is not given).[26]

Actual examples of the Semi Prince II have been seen with the Isco lens and Prontor II or Compur shutter, but the version with Xenar and Compur-Rapid has not yet been observed so far.[27] Minor variations are known in the lens engraving and in the shape of the lens rim. The cameras with Compur shutter have Schneider–Jsco f:4.5 F=7.5cm lens markings and a silver distance scale on the side of the lens. On the cameras with Prontor shutter, the lens bezel is either the same or has a silver distance scale at the front, as on some examples of the Semi Prince III.

An isolated example of the Semi Prince II is known with a Lucky Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5 lens and a Compur shutter (T, B, 1–300).[28] 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 has a modified back latch, consisting of a long sliding bar with no leather handle, and a chrome trim line around the top and bottom plates and around the folding bed. It was advertised from May 1938 to December 1939.[29] The following lens and shutter combinations are listed in the January 1939 advertisement in Asahi Camera:[30]

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

Actual examples of the Semi Prince III have been seen with the first three combinations, but none has been observed so far with the Xenar and Compur-Rapid.[31] Minor variations are known in the lens engraving and in the shape of the lens rim. On the cameras with Prontor shutter, the presumably early lenses have the distance scale at the front of the rim and are engraved Schneider Jsco, whereas the presumably late lenses have the distance scale on the side and are engraved Jsco Anastigmat with no mention of Schneider. The cameras with Compur shutter have a larger lens bezel engraved Schneider Jsco f:4.5 F=7.5cm, with a black distance scale on the side and two silver rims at the front, perhaps to accommodate a different filter size. None of the Isco lenses has a serial number.

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: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  19. Compare for example the cameras pictured in Sugiyama, items 1231 (old key) and 1229 (new key, misidentified as a "Semi Prince II").
  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. Example pictured in this page at Sakusen Ichiman-ri, and example observed in an online auction.
  23. Example observed in an online auction.
  24. Examples pictured in Sugiyama, item 1229 (with the newer key, misidentified as a "Semi Prince II"), and in Tomo ni shita kamera (with an accessory shoe added next to the viewfinder).
  25. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  26. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
  27. Isco, Compur: example pictured in this page at Itō Sadanobu's camera collection, and examples observed in online auctions. Isco f/4.5, Prontor II: example pictured in this page at ksmt.com.
  28. Example pictured in Supuringu kamera de ikou, pp.78–9.
  29. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.340.
  30. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.91.
  31. Isco, Prontor I: example pictured in Tanimura, p.50 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.11, and examples observed in online auctions. Isco, Prontor II: example pictured in Tanaka, p.77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no.8, and examples observed in online auctions. Isco, Compur: examples 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.

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