Semi Proud

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The Semi Proud (セミ・プラウド) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera made by the company Proud. It first appeared as a Baldax copy, and the Semi Proud II and III are variations. The Super Semi Proud is a rangefinder version, inspired by the Roll-Op II by Plaubel. The name Semi Proud II was used again for a short-lived Ikonta copy, and different post-war cameras were called Semi Proud too.

All the prewar models were distributed by Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten.

The original Baldax copy

The original model appears in 1935[1] and is perhaps the first Japanese copy of the Baldax. It is based on the large Baldax model for #0 size shutters. It has a folding optical finder and the advance knob on the opposite side. Film advance is controlled by two red windows in the back, protected on some cameras by individual pivoting covers and on others by a common sliding cover. The back itself is hinged to the left. The front leather is embossed SEMI PROUD.

This body was sold to Takachiho (the precursor of Olympus) company for its first camera the Semi Olympus.[2] (It is possible that the Adler CII and Adler III models by Riken are based on this body too.)

The Semi Proud exists with a number of lens and shutter combinations. In July 1935, the following options are advertised[3], all of them with a Corygon lens by Friedrich, engraved C. Friedrich München Corygon Anastigmat:

  • f:4.5 lens, Vario shutter, T, B, 25–100[4] (¥54);
  • f:4.5 lens, Pronto shutter, T, B, 25–100[5] (¥63);
  • f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–250[6] (¥89);
  • f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–250 (¥105)[7];
  • f:2.9 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–250 (¥120).

A popular edition (大衆版) is introduced later with a Japanese-made Proud Anastigmat lens and a Japanese shutter. In March 1936[8], the rest of the range is unchanged (even the price), while the popular edition is offered in the two following variants:

  • f:6.3 lens, Rulex D shutter, T, B, 25–150[9] (¥40);
  • f:4.5 lens, Rulex D shutter, T, B, 25–150 (¥45)[10].

A September 1936 advertisement[11] adds two new variants:

In April 1937[15], other options are added:

The rest of the range is kept the same, with prices unchanged since 1935.

The Semi Proud II and III

The Semi Proud II and Semi Proud III appear in 1938. They introduce two innovations: a body release and an automatic stop advance device with an exposure counter. The latter seems inspired by the Plaubel device mounted on the Roll-Op II folder and on roll-film backs for the Makina, but it is not a plain copy.

There is some confusion in the early advertisements for the Semi Proud II and III: in an advertisement dated February 1938[19] the Semi Proud II is announced with the auto-stop advance only, while the Semi Proud III has both auto-stop advance and a body release. The camera pictured is a Semi Proud II: the Compur shutter has a sort of release arm mounted on the shutter plate and connected with the shutter's own release lever. The release lever of the Compur is meant to be used with a body release linkage and thus it is not very accessible. The purpose of the release arm is probably to overcome this problem.

In a later advertisement dated September 1938[20] the Semi Proud II has the body release only and costs between ¥63 and ¥125, while the Semi Proud III again has both features and costs between ¥68 and ¥130.

Later the same year, in November 1938[21], the Semi Proud II is advertised with body release and red window advance, and the Semi Proud III designation has disappeared. The auto-stop device is available as an option, costing ¥4.50 to which was added an extra ¥0.50 for fitting. The camera is offered with a U.L.L. lens by Miyoshi Kōgaku, in the following combinations:

  • f:4.5 lens, Rulex B shutter (¥63);
  • f:4.5 lens, Rulex A shutter (¥68)[22];
  • f:3.5 lens, Rulex B shutter (¥72);
  • f:3.5 lens, Rulex A shutter (¥77);
  • f:4.5 lens, Parkur shutter, T, B, 1–250 speeds with self-timer[23] (¥89);
  • f:3.5 lens, Parkur shutter (¥98);
  • f:2.9 lens, Parkur shutter (¥115);
  • f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–250 speeds (¥100)[24];
  • f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥110);
  • f:2.9 lens, Compur shutter (¥125).

A Prontor II shutter option is also repôrted with the f:4.5 and f:3.5 lenses.[25]

In February 1940[26], the same model is advertised again as Semi Proud in short. Only the combinations with a Rulex shutter are offered, at slightly different prices.

The camera is featured in the new products column of the April 1940 issue of Asahi Camera, announced with a Koho shutter by Takachiho (the later Olympus).[27]

The Super Semi Proud

The Super Semi Proud (スーパー・セミ・プラウド) is a model with coupled rangefinder. The whole lens and shutter assembly is mounted on a helical for unit focusing. Both production versions of the Super Semi Proud were optionally available with auto-stop film advance.[28]

The first advertisements, in 1937, show a pre-production version, mentioned to be "available soon".[29] There is no finder visible, and the rangefinder housing extends to the left end of the top plate, in a rounded shape. Maybe a combined view- and rangefinder was planned but never made, another possibility being that the camera was pictured in an unfinished state.

On the first production version, the overall layout is similar to the Roll Op II by Plaubel (itself derived from the Baldax). The viewfinder is a separate tubular one, offset at the right end of the top plate. The rangefinder unit has one rectangular and one round window, and it is engraved SUPER SEMI–PROUD between both. The body itself is still engraved SEMI PROUD in the front leather. There is a long rod between the viewfinder and the rangefinder, certainly the folding bed opening. A body release is mentioned in the advertisements, it seems that it is located on the folding bed, to be tripped by the left hand, but the pictures do not show this very precisely.

This version is advertised in the June 1938 issue of Asahi Camera[30] with the following options:

  • Proud f:3.5 lens, Rulex B shutter (¥120);
  • Proud f:3.5 lens, Rulex A shutter (¥130);
  • Proud f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥155);
  • Corygon f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥155);
  • Corygon f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥167);
  • Corygon f:2.9 lens, Compur shutter (¥190).

Later the same year, in November 1938[31], the Super Semi Proud is advertised together with the Semi Proud II. The auto-stop device is available on the latter as an option, costing ¥4.50 to which was added an extra ¥0.50 for fitting. It is unclear if this option also concerns the rangefinder model, but the answer is probably yes. The camera is offered with a U.L.L. lens by Miyoshi Kōgaku, in the following combinations:

  • f:4.5 lens, Parkur shutter, T, B, 1–250 speeds with self-timer[32] (¥135);
  • f:3.5 lens, Parkur shutter (¥145);
  • f:2.9 lens, Parkur shutter (¥165);
  • f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter, T, B, 1–250 speeds (¥145);[33]
  • f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥155);
  • f:2.9 lens, Compur shutter (¥175).

The second production version[34] is released at the end of 1938[35]. It has a restyled top housing, reminiscent of the Super Sport Dolly by Certo, integrating both the view- and the rangefinder. There are two identically sized rectangular windows at one end and one round window at the other. The folding bed release button protrudes slightly from this top housing. The body release is again mentioned in an advertisement[36], and it seems to be at the same place as before. Here is the list of available variants:

  • U.L.L. Proud f:4.5 lens, Parkur S shutter (¥135 — case extra ¥6);
  • U.L.L. Proud f:3.5 lens, Parkur S shutter (¥145);
  • U.L.L. Proud f:2.9 lens, Parkur S shutter (¥165);
  • U.L.L. Proud f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥145);
  • U.L.L. Proud f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥155);
  • U.L.L. Proud f:2.9 lens, Compur shutter (¥175);
  • Corygon f:4.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥155);
  • Corygon f:3.5 lens, Compur shutter (¥167);
  • Corygon f:2.9 lens, Compur shutter (¥190).

It has been observed[37] with a U.L.L. Proud Anastigmat 7.5cm f:3.5 lens and a Compur shutter giving T, B, 1–250 speeds.

The Ikonta copy

The next model is a copy of the Ikonta, with a folding optical finder, briefly advertised as Semi Proud II (セミ・プラウドⅡ型) in 1941–2[38]. It is probable that the previous Semi Proud II was being called simply Semi Proud for a couple of years, and the model II designation was thus reused.

It is advertised in October 1941[39] and January 1942[40], with the following lens and shutter combinations:

  • U.L.L. f:4.5 lens, Shinko shutter, T, B, 5–200 (¥74 in 1941, ¥87 in 1942);
  • U.L.L. f:3.5 lens, Selon shutter, T, B, 5–300 (¥83 in 1941, ¥96 in 1942).

The distributor is Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten, like the earlier models. The Shinko brand belongs to this distributor.

Notes

  1. ↑ Earliest advertisement mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  2. ↑ Source: The medium format folders at the Olympus corporate site. Somewhat confirmed by a discussion with John Foster in Talk:Olympus folders.
  3. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 88.
  4. ↑ Speeds: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  5. ↑ Speeds: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  6. ↑ Speeds: a Semi Proud has been directly observed at the 2006 Bièvres fair with a Compur shutter giving T, B, 1–250 speeds, and that seems to be standard at the time for Compur shutters in #0 size. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, says T, B, 1–300, maybe by mistake.
  7. ↑ This variant has been observed at the 2006 Bièvres fair.
  8. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 71.
  9. ↑ Speeds: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  10. ↑ It is the example pictured in this page of Japan Family Camera, mistakenly called "Semi Proud II". The accessory shoe is probably not original. It has individual pivoting covers for the red windows, and the lens is engraved Proud Anastigmat. Another example has been observed in a Yahoo Japan auction, with the same red window covers but the lens is engraved PROUD Anastigmat.
  11. ↑ Advertisement published in Ars Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 104.
  12. ↑ Speeds: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  13. ↑ This variant has been observed in a Yahoo Japan auction, with a common sliding cover for the two red windows. The lens on this example is engraved Proud Anastigmat.
  14. ↑ Speeds: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, says T, B, 1–500 but it is mistaken on other shutter speeds and it seems that the standard at the time for Compur-Rapid shutters in #0 size is 1/400 top speed.
  15. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  16. ↑ An example is pictured in Inoue, p. 131, with T, B, 5–200 speeds, and the lens engraved U.L.L. Proud Anastigmat.
  17. ↑ Speeds: example pictured in this page of Puppy's Island. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, says T, B, 1–175, but it is mistaken on other shutter speeds.
  18. ↑ It is the example pictured in this page of Puppy's Island.
  19. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  20. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  21. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  22. ↑ The prices of the two first versions is swapped in the advertisement, obviously by mistake.
  23. ↑ Shutter characteristics: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  24. ↑ One example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction, with the lens engraved U.L.L. Anastigmat.
  25. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  26. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  27. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  28. ↑ McKeown, p. 804, mentions a variant with auto-stop advance for both the first and second production versions. The advertisements observed are ambiguous about the availability of the auto-stop advance on the rangefinder model. The few examples of the camera observed are not equipped with this device.
  29. ↑ Advertisement published in the May 1937 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  30. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  31. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  32. ↑ Shutter characteristics: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  33. ↑ It is the variant pictured in this page of the JCII collection.
  34. ↑ It is called "Super Semi Proud II" in McKeown, p. 804, but it seems that it was simply called "Super Semi Proud", like the previous version.
  35. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, mentions an advertisement dated December 1938.
  36. ↑ Advertisement published in the February 1939 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  37. ↑ Pictured in a Chinese forum.
  38. ↑ Dates of the two advertisements mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  39. ↑ Advertisement published in Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 106.
  40. ↑ Advertisement published in Hōdō Shashin, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.

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 218–21. (See also the advertisement for items 102–3, 222, 326 and 341.)
  • Inoue, Mitsuo (井上光朗). "Shashin renzu no yoake. Renzu-ya Funsenki" (写真レンズの夜明け・レンズ屋奮戦記, Dawn of the photographic lens – Fierce war tales between lens shops). Classic Camera Senka (クラシックカメラ専科), no.14, Oct 1, 1989. Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama. Pp 128–132.
  • 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 and 55.

Links

In Japanese:

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