Semi Proud

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For the postwar Semi Proud horizontal folder made by Sumida, see Proud postwar folders.

The Semi Proud (セミ・プラウド, semi puraudo) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera made by Proud-sha. 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 Plaubel Roll-Op II. The name Semi Proud II was used again for a short-lived Ikonta copy, and different post-war cameras were called Semi Proud too (see Proud postwar folders).

All the prewar and wartime models were distributed by Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten.

The viewfinder-only Baldax copy

General description

The first Semi Proud cameras are copies of the large Baldax model for #0 size shutters. There is a folding optical finder in the middle of the top plate and an advance knob at the bottom right, as seen by a photographer holding the camera horizontally. The back is hinged to the left and the back latch is covered by a leather handle. There are two red windows to control the film advance, protected on some cameras by individual pivoting covers and on others by a common sliding cover.[1] 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 original model

The original model, with no body release, appeared in 1935. It was mentioned in the January 1935 issue of Asahi Camera, at the end of an article about the Semi Prince,[3] and the earliest reported advertisement is in the June 1935 issue of the same magazine.[4] The Semi Proud is thus the first Japanese copy of the Baldax.

The original Semi Proud exists with a number of lens and shutter combinations. In July 1935, the following options were advertised,[5] all of them with a Corygon lens by Friedrich, engraved C. Friedrich München Corygon Anastigmat:

shutter Vario
(T, B, 25–100) 		Pronto
(T, B, 25–100) 		Compur
(T, B, 1–250)[6]
lens
f/4.5 ¥54 ¥63 ¥89
f/3.5 _ _ ¥105[7]
f/2.9 _ _ ¥120[8]

Some examples with Compur shutter have a release arm mounted on the shutter plate and connected with the shutter's own release lever. The release lever of the Compur, designed to be used with a body release linkage, is placed at the bottom and is impractical to operate. The purpose of the release arm is probably to overcome this problem.

A popular edition (大衆版) was introduced later with a Japanese-made Proud Anastigmat lens and a Japanese shutter. The Proud Anastigmat lens is known with various engravings: Proud Anastigmat, PROUD Anastigmat or U.L.L. Proud Anastigmat. It was certainly made by Miyoshi Kōgaku. In March 1936,[9] the rest of the range was unchanged (as were the prices), and the popular edition was offered in two versions:

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

A September 1936 advertisement[11] added two new versions:

The top speed of the Rulex B was upgraded to 1/200 at some time.

In an April 1937 advertisement,[14] other options were added:

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

It is also reported that the Lausar f/4.5 lens by Tomioka was offered as an option on the Semi Proud.[17]

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 straightforward copy.

In an advertisement dated February 1938[18] the Semi Proud II was announced with the auto-stop advance only, whereas the Semi Proud III provided both auto-stop advance and a body release. The pictured camera corresponds to a Semi Proud II with the Compur shutter and a release arm in front of the shutter plate. An advertisement dated June 1938[19] shows the same picture and also shows a model with body release only. The two options were probably offered independently for a few months, until all the bodies were equipped with a body release.

In a later advertisement dated September 1938,[20] the Semi Proud II was offered with the body release only, costing between ¥63 and ¥125, and the Semi Proud III had both auto-stop advance and body release, costing between ¥68 and ¥130.

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

shutter Rulex B Rulex A Parkur
(T, B, 1–250, self-timer)[22] 		Compur
(T, B, 1–250)
lens
f/4.5 ¥63 ¥68[23] ¥89 ¥100[24]
f/3.5 ¥72[25] ¥77 ¥98 ¥110
f/2.9 _ _ ¥115 ¥125

An example with body release has been observed with a Corygon-Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 lens and a Compur shutter (T, B, 1–250).[26] A Prontor II shutter option is also reported with the f/4.5 and f/3.5 lenses.[27]

In advertisements dated May and June 1939 and February 1940,[28] the same model was offered, with a U.L.L. lens, body release and red window advance, simply called "Semi Proud", along with the Semi Prux. Only the four versions with Rulex shutter were proposed, priced at ¥70, ¥75, ¥80 and ¥85.[29] The June 1939 and February 1940 advertisements show two company names: Proud-sha and Miyoshi Kōgaku. It seems that these two companies merged after some time.

The Semi Proud was also featured in the new products column of the April 1940 issue of Asahi Camera, with a Koho shutter by Takachiho (the later Olympus).[30]

The Super Semi Proud rangefinder camera

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. The front leather is still embossed SEMI-PROUD only.

First model

The overall aspect of the first model is similar to the Roll Op II by Plaubel (itself derived from the Baldax). The rangefinder housing covers about two thirds of the top plate, on the left as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. It has a rectangular window and a round second-image window. The name SUPER SEMI–PROUD is engraved between the two. There is a separate tubular viewfinder at the right end of the top plate, and a long rod between the viewfinder and the rangefinder, certainly the folding bed release. The main release is placed at the base of the folding bed, near the hinge, and is tripped by the left hand.

The earliest known advertisement, dated May 1937, shows a pre-production version, described as "available soon".[31] No viewfinder is visible and the rangefinder housing extends to the left end of the top plate, in a rounded shape; either the camera has a combined range- and view-finder that was not put into production, or it is an incomplete prototype. The folding bed release is a simple button instead of a rod, because of the absence of a viewfinder. The camera is pictured with a Compur shutter. The release button and linkage are not visible either, and the shutter is perhaps tripped directly by a lever on the side of the lens.

The regular production version was advertised in the June 1938 issue of Asahi Camera[32] with the following options:

shutter Rulex B Rulex A Compur
lens
Proud f/3.5 ¥120 ¥130 ¥155
Corygon f/4.5 _ _ ¥155
Corygon f/3.5 _ _ ¥167
Corygon f/2.9 _ _ ¥190

In this advertisement, an auto-stop advance device is mentioned for the Semi Proud, but it is not clear if it applies to the rangefinder model as well. An example of the Super Semi Proud is known with Corygon f/3.5 lens, Compur shutter and auto-stop advance.[33]

Later the same year, in November 1938,[34] the Super Semi Proud was advertised together with the Semi Proud II. The auto-stop device is available as an option, costing ¥4.50 and ¥0.50 for fitting, probably concerning the rangefinder model as well as the viewfinder-only Semi Proud. The camera was offered with a U.L.L. lens by Miyoshi Kōgaku, in the following combinations:

shutter Parkur
(T, B, 1–250, self-timer)[35] 		Compur (T, B, 1–250)
lens
f/4.5 ¥135 ¥145[36]
f/3.5 ¥145 ¥155
f/2.9 ¥165 ¥175

Second model

The second model was released at the end of 1938.[37] 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. An advertisement dated February 1939[38] again mentions a body release that seems to be at the same place as before. Here is the list of available variants:

shutter Parkur S Compur
lens
U.L.L. Proud f/4.5 ¥135 ¥145
U.L.L. Proud f/3.5 ¥145 ¥155
U.L.L. Proud f/2.9 ¥165 ¥175
Corygon f/4.5 _ ¥155
Corygon f/3.5 _ ¥167
Corygon f/2.9 _ ¥190

It has been observed[39] 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[40]. 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.

In advertisements dated October 1941 and January 1942,[41] the following variants are listed:

  • 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).

In both dates, the advertising company is the distributor Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten, owner of the Shinko brand. There is no mention of Proud-sha.

Notes

  1. ↑ Individual pivoting covers: example pictured in this page at Japan Family Camera and example pictured in an online auction. Common sliding cover: examples observed in online auctions.
  2. ↑ Sakurai Eiichi, p. 64 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 20.
  3. ↑ Tanimura, pp. 1–2 of Camera Collectors' News no. 116.
  4. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  5. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 88.
  6. ↑ Speeds: examples of the Semi Proud are known with a Compur shutter giving T, B, 1–250 speeds. This was standard at the time for Compur shutters in #0 size. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, says T, B, 1–300 by mistake.
  7. ↑ This version has been observed by User:Rebollo_fr at the 2006 Bièvres fair, with lens no. 189976.
  8. ↑ This version is pictured in Tanaka, p. 77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 8, with a release arm.
  9. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 71.
  10. ↑ An example of this version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1234. Another example is pictured (with a non original accessory shoe) in this page at Japan Family Camera, where it is mistakenly called "Semi Proud II". It has a non original accessory shoe, individual red windows covers and the Proud Anastigmat engraving. A third example has been observed in an online auction, with individual red window covers and the PROUD Anastigmat engraving. All three examples have the old Rulex shutter plate.
  11. ↑ Advertisement published in Ars Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 104.
  12. ↑ This version has been observed in an online auction, with a common red window cover, the old Rulex shutter plate and the Proud Anastigmat engraving.
  13. ↑ Speeds: the 1/400 top speed was standard at the time for Compur-Rapid shutters in #0 size. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, says T, B, 1–500 by mistake.
  14. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  15. ↑ An example has been observed in an online auction with 5×200, B, T speeds, the old type of Rulex shutter plate and the Proud Anastigmat engraving. Another example is pictured in Inoue, p. 131 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 14, with 5–200, B, T speeds, the new type of Rulex shutter plate and the U.L.L. Proud Anastigmat engraving.
  16. ↑ An example is pictured in this page of Puppy's Island, with T, B, 150–1 speeds. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, says T, B, 1–175 by mistake.
  17. ↑ Tanaka, p. 77 of Kurashikku Kamera Senka no. 8.
  18. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  19. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  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. ↑ Shutter features: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  23. ↑ The prices of the Rulex A, f/4.5 and Rulex B, f/4.5 versions are swapped in the advertisement, obviously by mistake.
  24. ↑ One example has been observed in an online auction, with red window advance and the U.L.L. Anastigmat engraving.
  25. ↑ One example has been observed in an online auction, with red window advance, 5–200, B, T speeds, the new type of Rulex shutter plate and the U.L.L. Anastigmat engraving.
  26. ↑ Example observed in an online auction, with red window advance and a common red window cover.
  27. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  28. ↑ May and June 1939: advertisements published in Ars Camera, reproduced in Fujishima, p. 24 of Camera Collectors' News no. 41. February 1940: advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  29. ↑ Six options are listed in the advertisements, but the "Rulex B" and the "Rulex shutter (5–200)" (priced the same) are probable duplicates.
  30. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  31. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90. It is the earliest advertisement mentioned on p. 340 of the same source.
  32. ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  33. ↑ Example pictured in Sugiyama, item 1236.
  34. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.
  35. ↑ Shutter features: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  36. ↑ An example of this version is pictured in Sugiyama, item 1235, in Lewis, p. 55 and in this page of the JCII collection.
  37. ↑ 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. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340, mentions an advertisement dated December 1938.
  38. ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 90.
  39. ↑ Pictured in a Chinese forum.
  40. ↑ Dates of the two advertisements mentioned by Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 340.
  41. ↑ October 1941: advertisement published in Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 106. January 1942: advertisement published in Hōdō Shashin, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 89.

Bibliography

Links

In Japanese:

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