Difference between revisions of "Star Semi"
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=== Later range === | === Later range === | ||
| − | Other models, called Star Semi III, IIIA, IIIB and V, appeared at the end of 1940. They were first advertised in the December 1940 issue of ''Asahi Camera'',<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 72. The same source, p. 337, says that it was the first advertisement listing the models III, IIIA, IIIB and V. </REF> where the range was listed as follows: | + | Other models, called Star Semi III, IIIA, IIIB and V<REF> No model IV is known. This is perhaps because the number four is sometimes considered in Japan as bringing ill luck. </REF>, appeared at the end of 1940. They were first advertised in the December 1940 issue of ''Asahi Camera'',<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 72. The same source, p. 337, says that it was the first advertisement listing the models III, IIIA, IIIB and V. </REF> where the range was listed as follows: |
* Star Semi I: f/4.5 lens, T, B, 5–200 shutter, {{yen|74|1940}} (same as above); | * Star Semi I: f/4.5 lens, T, B, 5–200 shutter, {{yen|74|1940}} (same as above); | ||
* '''Star Semi V''': same model with a "special finder" (特殊ファインダー), {{yen|90|1940}}; | * '''Star Semi V''': same model with a "special finder" (特殊ファインダー), {{yen|90|1940}}; | ||
Revision as of 14:12, 28 October 2006
The Star Semi (スターセミ) is a series of Japanese 4.5×6 folders, distributed by Ueda Shashinki-ten from 1940 to 1943.[1]
Contents
Right-hand release models
Most models of the Star Semi are vertical folders with straight folding struts and a rounded body, not unlike the Semi Kreis. The finder, advance knob and body release are to the right when the camera is held vertically by the photographer, the reverse of the usual arrangement. Thus the body release is actioned by the right hand's finger. The front leather is embossed Star in fancy letters.
Early range
The Star Semi I and II appeared at the beginning of 1940, and they were featured in the new products column of the February 1940 issue of Asahi Camera.[2] Both have a Star Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens and a Star Alpha shutter giving T, B, 5–200 speeds.
The Star Semi I has a folding optical finder and red window advance. The Star Semi II has a tubular optical finder and an automatic stop advance device with an exposure counter, located in a small housing extending from the advance knob to the finder. In mid-1940, the model I cost ¥100 and the model II cost ¥120.[3]
Later range
Other models, called Star Semi III, IIIA, IIIB and V[4], appeared at the end of 1940. They were first advertised in the December 1940 issue of Asahi Camera,[5] where the range was listed as follows:
- Star Semi I: f/4.5 lens, T, B, 5–200 shutter, ¥74 (same as above);
- Star Semi V: same model with a "special finder" (特殊ファインダー), ¥90;
- Star Semi II: same model with auto-stop advance and exposure counter, ¥100;
- Star Semi III: f/4.5 lens, Star-Rapid shutter (T, B, 1–500), ¥121;
- Star Semi IIIA: f/3.5 lens, Star-Rapid shutter (T, B, 1–500), ¥140;
- Star Semi IIIB: f/3.5 lens, Star-Rapid shutter (T, B, 1–500), auto-stop advance and exposure counter, ¥155.[6]
The Star Semi III and IIIA have the same folding optical finder as the Star Semi I.[7] The Star Semi IIIB presumably has the same tubular finder and auto-stop mechanism as the II.
The nature of the "special finder" of the Star Semi V is unknown. However, an example having a Star Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens and a Star-Rapid shutter has been reported with a brilliant finder and a direct vision finder grouped together in a small housing, and it is called "Star Semi III" by some sources.[8] This model cannot be a Star Semi V because the lens and shutter do not match, but it is possible that the "special finder" is this combination of brilliant finder and eye level finder.
In an advertisement dated March 1942,[9] the range of models is the same except that the I has disappeared:
- Star Semi V, ¥105;
- Star Semi II, ¥116;
- Star Semi III, ¥140;
- Star Semi IIIA, ¥162;
- Star Semi IIIB, ¥180.
Other models
A different model of the Star Semi is reported and picture in McKeown, with a reversed configuration: the folding optical finder, advance knob and body release are to the left as seen by the photographer holding the camera vertically. The folding struts are different too, being quite similar to the Ikonta struts. The lens is a Star Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5 and the shutter is a Star-Rapid, engraved STAR-RAPID in the speed rim. The shutter speeds are not legible. The lens standard plate has some protruding plate, on the top right of the shutter as seen from the front, probably to attach a removable brilliant finder.[10]
Notes
- ↑ Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp. 337.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 337.
- ↑ Advertisements published in the August and November 1940 issues of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 76. The advertisement dated August pictures the Star Semi II and gives the prices, while the one dated November pictures the Star Semi I and gives no price.
- ↑ No model IV is known. This is perhaps because the number four is sometimes considered in Japan as bringing ill luck.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 72. The same source, p. 337, says that it was the first advertisement listing the models III, IIIA, IIIB and V.
- ↑ Shutter speeds: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 337.
- ↑ The III or IIIA is pictured in an advertisement published in the January 1941 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 77.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 337, says that such an example is called "Star Semi III" in the book Kamera Zukan by Sugiyama and Naoi. McKeown, p. 902, also mentions this model as the "Star Semi III", probably after Sugiyama.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Hōdō Shashin, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 76. The model pictured is a III or IIIA.
- ↑ McKeown, p. 902.
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 129. (See also the advertisements for items 108 and 136.)
- 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. 902.
