Soligor 45
The Soligor 45 is a Japanese 35mm viewfinder camera distributed by Allied Impex under the Soligor brand. Two versions are known. Both are export models of the Nescon 35 or its predecessor the Aruba 35 II. They were probably made by Koike Seiki or by Nihon Seiki.
Early version
The early version has the same body as the Aruba 35 II and Nescon 35, with fixed back and film loading through the bottom plate.[1] The advance and rewind knobs are similar to the knobs of the Nescon, with an exposure counter surrounding the base of the advance knob. The position and shape of the shutter release is the same as on the Aruba. There is a small knob behind the shutter release, in place of the exposure counter of the Aruba, certainly used as a rewind selector. The front of the top housing has a Soligor 45 marking. It is said that the serial number is inside the body.[2]
The lens barrel too is half way between the Aruba and the Nescon. The lens is a 40mm f/4.5 mounted on a helical with a large focusing tab. The lens rim is chrome and is simply engraved SOLIGOR 1:4.5 f=40mm with no serial number. The shutter is behind the focusing helical and gives B, 25–100 speeds, selected by a small index.[3]
Late version
The late version is much more similar to the Nescon 35. It is reported to have a detachable back and it thus probably corresponds to the Nescon 35 II New.[4] The shape and position and the release button is the same as on the Nescon. The lens rim is black and the lens is the same Soligor 40mm f/4.5 as on the previous version. This model has been observed once in a box marked Soligor 45 Model 1, reportedly with a JCII tag dated June 1956.[5]
Notes
Bibliography
- 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. 721.
- 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 3760.
This camera is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, certainly because it was intended for export.
