Snappy
The Snappy is a subminiature camera made from 1949 by Konishiroku (predecessor of Konica).
Contents
Description
The Snappy takes ten 14×14mm exposures on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm. From a distance, it looks quite similar to the Hit-type cameras, but it was made by a reputable company and it has a much better finish and better features.
The body has a trapezoidal shape, as viewed from above. The film is advanced by a knob on the left, as seen by the photographer. The back door is hinged to the right, and contains an uncovered red window in a diamond-shaped frame. The spool holders are attached to the inside of the back door.
The shutter is placed behind the lens and is tripped by a body release placed to the right of the viewfinder. The B, 25, 50, 100 speeds are selected by turning a ring at the base of the lens barrel. The lens is interchangeable via a screw mount. The standard lens is a fixed-focus Optor 25mm f/3.5. Its aperture is adjustable from 3.5 to 16. The other available lens is a Cherry Tele 40mm f/5.6, focusing down to 3.5ft.
Notes
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. Item 559 (see also the picture on p.432).
- 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). P.68.
- 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). P.545.
- Pritchard, Michael and St. Denny, Douglas. Spy Cameras — A century of detective and subminiature cameras. London: Classic Collection Publications, 1993. ISBN 1-874485-00-3. Pp.70–1.
- 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. Item 5136.
Links
In English:
- Snappy at Submin.com, with a reproduction of the English user manual
- Snappy, lot no.591 of auction no.10 (November 18, 2006) by Westlicht Photographica Auction
- Snappy in Nigel Richards' website
- Snappy among other subminiature cameras at the Subminiature site of Gary Sivertsen
In German:
- Snappy among miniature cameras at www.oldcameras.at