Difference between revisions of "Speed Reflex"
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/699712466/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/699712466_939cb1a83d_m_d.jpg]<br>''{{public domain Japan old}}'' | |image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/699712466/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/699712466_939cb1a83d_m_d.jpg]<br>''{{public domain Japan old}}'' | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | The '''Speed Reflex''' (スピードレフレックス) is a Japanese SLR made in the 1920s by [[Petri|Kuribayashi]].<REF> | + | The '''Speed Reflex''' (スピードレフレックス) is a Japanese SLR made in the 1920s by [[Petri|Kuribayashi]], and distributed by [[Saneidō]] and [[Sone|Sone Shunsuidō]].<REF> Made by Kuribayashi: Lewis, p.36, {{Sugiyama}}, items 2028–9, Baird, pp.13 and 39–42, {{McKeown}}, p.575. (No original document has been found so far to confirm this.) Distributors: Lewis, p.36, Baird, p.42. </REF> |
== Description == | == Description == | ||
The Speed Reflex has a boxy shape, inspired by English models such as the [[Thornton-Pickard]] [[Ruby Reflex]], the [[Marion]] [[Soho Reflex]] or the [[Houghton]] [[Ensign Reflex]]. The front standard is mounted on a rack-and-pinion device with double extension bellows, certainly driven by a knob on the photographer's left.<REF> Double extension bellows: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40. </REF> The removable lensboard is attached to a plate sliding vertically in the front standard, allowing vertical movements and locked in position by a wheel. | The Speed Reflex has a boxy shape, inspired by English models such as the [[Thornton-Pickard]] [[Ruby Reflex]], the [[Marion]] [[Soho Reflex]] or the [[Houghton]] [[Ensign Reflex]]. The front standard is mounted on a rack-and-pinion device with double extension bellows, certainly driven by a knob on the photographer's left.<REF> Double extension bellows: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40. </REF> The removable lensboard is attached to a plate sliding vertically in the front standard, allowing vertical movements and locked in position by a wheel. | ||
− | The main body has a viewing hood hinged | + | The main body has a large viewing hood, hinged to the front or to the rear, and strap lugs on both sides. There is a self-capping focal plane shutter, wound and set by a knob on the photographer's right.<REF> Self-capping: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40. </REF> The mirror is raised and the shutter is tripped by a lever placed on the same side. The camera has a revolving back, allowing to take vertical and horizontal pictures.<REF> Revolving back: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40. </REF> |
== Commercial life == | == Commercial life == | ||
− | Many sources say that the Speed Reflex was introduced in 1919 | + | Many sources say that the Speed Reflex was introduced in 1919.<REF> Release date: Lewis, p.36, {{Sugiyama}}, items 2028–9, Baird, pp.13 and 39–42, {{McKeown}}, p.575. No original document has been found so far to confirm this. </REF> However an advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' March 1928 says that the camera was introduced three years before.<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' March 1928, p.A21. </REF> It is said that the camera was first released in {{tefuda}}-size (8×10.5cm) as the Speed Reflex, and later in {{meishi}}-size (5.5×8cm) as the Speed Reflex Junior.<REF> Baird, p.41. </REF> |
− | The advertisement by [[Saneidō]] in | + | The advertisement by [[Saneidō]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' September 1925 presents the camera as the "Speed Reflex, renaming of the Junior" (ジュニオル改称スピードレフレックス), in both {{tefuda}} and {{meishi}} formats.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40. </REF> In the picture, the viewing hood is hinged to the rear. The camera was supplied with three plate holders and one film pack holder. The following options are listed: |
* Royal lens, {{tefuda}} size, {{yen|100|1925}}; | * Royal lens, {{tefuda}} size, {{yen|100|1925}}; | ||
* Royal lens, {{meishi}} size, {{yen|90|1925}}; | * Royal lens, {{meishi}} size, {{yen|90|1925}}; | ||
Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
* body only, {{meishi}} size, {{yen|70|1925}}. | * body only, {{meishi}} size, {{yen|70|1925}}. | ||
The same advertisement also mentions a [[Photoman Special Reflex]] for ¥125, about which nothing is known. | The same advertisement also mentions a [[Photoman Special Reflex]] for ¥125, about which nothing is known. | ||
− | {| class="plainlinks" | + | {| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=200px style="text-align: center;" |
− | || [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/ | + | || [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/2236588955/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2236588955_2d879992e6_m_d.jpg] |
|- | |- | ||
− | || ''Advertisement | + | || ''Advertisement in ''[[Ars Camera]]'' February 1927. {{public domain Japan old}}'' |
+ | |} | ||
+ | In the advertisement by [[Saneidō]] in ''[[Ars Camera]]'' February 1927, the camera is simply called Speed Reflex. Three models are available, in {{tefuda}} (8×10.5cm), {{meishi}} (5.5×8cm) and {{atom}} (4.5×6cm) formats. The pictured camera is certainly the larger {{tefuda}} model. The lensboard is covered by a flap and a small ''SPEED REFLEX'' nameplate is attached immediately above. The following options are listed: | ||
+ | * {{tefuda}} size, body only, {{yen|80|1927}}; | ||
+ | * {{tefuda}} size, [[Dallmeyer]] Speed f/4.5 lens, {{yen|135|1927}}; | ||
+ | * {{tefuda}} size, [[Carl Zeiss]] Tessar f/4.5 lens, {{yen|175|1927}}; | ||
+ | * {{meishi}} size, body only, {{yen|75|1927}}; | ||
+ | * {{atom}} size, body only, {{yen|85|1927}}. | ||
+ | <br style="clear: left;" /> | ||
+ | {| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=200px style="text-align: center;" | ||
+ | || [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/705386303/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/705386303_869c126a84_m_d.jpg] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | || ''Advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' March 1928. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | In the advertisement by [[Saneidō]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' March 1928, the camera is said to be a commercial success.<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' March 1928, p.A21: ヨクウレルスピードレフレックス. </REF> It is said that many points were unsatisfactory when the camera was released three years before, and that they were corrected thanks to the unremitting support of the public. The same three formats are offered, and the pictured camera is perhaps the middle {{meishi}} model. The following options are listed: | ||
+ | {| border="1" cellpadding="4" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | body size || rowspan="2" | {{atom}} || rowspan="2" | {{meishi}} || rowspan="2" | {{tefuda}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | lens | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | Tessar f/3.5 || {{yen|185|1928}} || || | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | Tessar f/4.5 || {{yen|158|1928}} || || {{yen|180|1928}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | [[Krauss]] Tessar f/4.5 || || {{yen|155|1928}} || | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | Xenar f/4.5 || || || {{yen|130|1928}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | Ernoplast f/4.5 || || {{yen|120|1928}} || {{yen|125|1928}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | [[Kenngott]] f/4.5 || || {{yen|110|1928}} || {{yen|115|1928}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | Royal f/4.5 || || {{yen|88|1928}} || {{yen|93|1928}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | style="text-align:left" | body only || {{yen|85|1928}} || || {{yen|80|1928}} | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | <br style="clear: left;" /> | ||
+ | {| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=200px style="text-align: center;" | ||
+ | || [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/2236093469/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/2236093469_edc59c2f84_m_d.jpg] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | || ''Advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May 1929. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | In the advertisement by [[Saneidō]] in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May 1929, it is said that the camera received the First Prize at the Fair commemorating the Imperial Coronation, held in the Ueno Park in Tokyo.<REF> Advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May 1929, p.A31: 於御大礼記念東京博覧会第一位優良国産賞受領. </REF> No other detail is given and the illustration is the same as in March 1928. | ||
+ | <br style="clear: left;" /> | ||
+ | {| class="plainlinks floatleft" width=200px style="text-align: center;" | ||
+ | || [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/699712000/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1218/699712000_9ce4417049_m_d.jpg] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | || ''Advertisement in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' September 1929. {{public domain Japan old}}'' | ||
|} | |} | ||
Revision as of 19:23, 25 February 2008
The Speed Reflex (スピードレフレックス) is a Japanese SLR made in the 1920s by Kuribayashi, and distributed by Saneidō and Sone Shunsuidō.[1]
Description
The Speed Reflex has a boxy shape, inspired by English models such as the Thornton-Pickard Ruby Reflex, the Marion Soho Reflex or the Houghton Ensign Reflex. The front standard is mounted on a rack-and-pinion device with double extension bellows, certainly driven by a knob on the photographer's left.[2] The removable lensboard is attached to a plate sliding vertically in the front standard, allowing vertical movements and locked in position by a wheel.
The main body has a large viewing hood, hinged to the front or to the rear, and strap lugs on both sides. There is a self-capping focal plane shutter, wound and set by a knob on the photographer's right.[3] The mirror is raised and the shutter is tripped by a lever placed on the same side. The camera has a revolving back, allowing to take vertical and horizontal pictures.[4]
Commercial life
Many sources say that the Speed Reflex was introduced in 1919.[5] However an advertisement in Asahi Camera March 1928 says that the camera was introduced three years before.[6] It is said that the camera was first released in tefuda-size (8×10.5cm) as the Speed Reflex, and later in meishi-size (5.5×8cm) as the Speed Reflex Junior.[7]
The advertisement by Saneidō in Asahi Camera September 1925 presents the camera as the "Speed Reflex, renaming of the Junior" (ジュニオル改称スピードレフレックス), in both tefuda and meishi formats.[8] In the picture, the viewing hood is hinged to the rear. The camera was supplied with three plate holders and one film pack holder. The following options are listed:
- Royal lens, tefuda size, ¥100;
- Royal lens, meishi size, ¥90;
- body only, tefuda size, ¥80;
- body only, meishi size, ¥70.
The same advertisement also mentions a Photoman Special Reflex for ¥125, about which nothing is known.
Advertisement in Ars Camera February 1927. (Image rights) |
In the advertisement by Saneidō in Ars Camera February 1927, the camera is simply called Speed Reflex. Three models are available, in tefuda (8×10.5cm), meishi (5.5×8cm) and atom (4.5×6cm) formats. The pictured camera is certainly the larger tefuda model. The lensboard is covered by a flap and a small SPEED REFLEX nameplate is attached immediately above. The following options are listed:
- tefuda size, body only, ¥80;
- tefuda size, Dallmeyer Speed f/4.5 lens, ¥135;
- tefuda size, Carl Zeiss Tessar f/4.5 lens, ¥175;
- meishi size, body only, ¥75;
- atom size, body only, ¥85.
Advertisement in Asahi Camera March 1928. (Image rights) |
In the advertisement by Saneidō in Asahi Camera March 1928, the camera is said to be a commercial success.[9] It is said that many points were unsatisfactory when the camera was released three years before, and that they were corrected thanks to the unremitting support of the public. The same three formats are offered, and the pictured camera is perhaps the middle meishi model. The following options are listed:
body size | atom | meishi | tefuda |
lens | |||
Tessar f/3.5 | ¥185 | ||
Tessar f/4.5 | ¥158 | ¥180 | |
Krauss Tessar f/4.5 | ¥155 | ||
Xenar f/4.5 | ¥130 | ||
Ernoplast f/4.5 | ¥120 | ¥125 | |
Kenngott f/4.5 | ¥110 | ¥115 | |
Royal f/4.5 | ¥88 | ¥93 | |
body only | ¥85 | ¥80 |
Advertisement in Asahi Camera May 1929. (Image rights) |
In the advertisement by Saneidō in Asahi Camera May 1929, it is said that the camera received the First Prize at the Fair commemorating the Imperial Coronation, held in the Ueno Park in Tokyo.[10] No other detail is given and the illustration is the same as in March 1928.
Advertisement in Asahi Camera September 1929. (Image rights) |
Notes
- ↑ Made by Kuribayashi: Lewis, p.36, Sugiyama, items 2028–9, Baird, pp.13 and 39–42, McKeown, p.575. (No original document has been found so far to confirm this.) Distributors: Lewis, p.36, Baird, p.42.
- ↑ Double extension bellows: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40.
- ↑ Self-capping: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40.
- ↑ Revolving back: advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40.
- ↑ Release date: Lewis, p.36, Sugiyama, items 2028–9, Baird, pp.13 and 39–42, McKeown, p.575. No original document has been found so far to confirm this.
- ↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera March 1928, p.A21.
- ↑ Baird, p.41.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Baird, p.40.
- ↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera March 1928, p.A21: ヨクウレルスピードレフレックス.
- ↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera May 1929, p.A31: 於御大礼記念東京博覧会第一位優良国産賞受領.
Bibliography
- Ars Camera. Advertisement in February 1927. No page number.
- Asahi Camera. Advertisements in March 1928 (p.A21), May 1929 (p.A31) and September 1929 (p.A30).
- Baird, John R. Collectors guide to Kuribayashi-Petri Cameras. Grantsburg, WI (USA): Centennial Photo Service, 1991. ISBN 0-931838-16-9. Pp.13 and 39–42.
- 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.36.
- 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.575.
- Morishita Hajime (森下肇). "Atomu-han kamera no subete" (アトム判カメラのすべて, All of Atom-size 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.22, September 1992. No ISBN number. Airesu no subete (アイレスのすべて, special issue on Aires). Pp.55–70.
- 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 2028–9.
Kuribayashi prewar and wartime cameras ( ) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
rollfilm folders | ||||
Eagle | Speed Pocket | First Roll | First Center | Semi First | First Six | Baby Semi First | Semi Rotte | Hokoku | Mizuho | ||||
plate folders | rigid | SLR | TLR | unknown |
Mikuni | First | First Etui | Kokka | Romax | Tokiwa | Molby | Speed Reflex | First Reflex | Baby First |