Tōa Kōki
Toakoki was a Japanese camera maker, which made the Gelto 3×4 camera distributed by Hattori Tokei-ten.
The Gelto appeared in 1937, and advertisements dated 1937[1] and 1938[2] attribute the Gelto to the "Gelto Camera Werke", it is unknown if this was truly the company name at some time or some expression specifically forged for advertising purposes.
The name Tōa Kōki Seisakusho (東亜光機製作所, meaning Far-East Optical Works) is attested in 1939[3] The Semi Gelto 4.5×6 folder is also attributed to Toakoki.
Toakoki is probably related to the company Takahashi Kōgaku (高橋光学), to which is attributed the Arsen, a close derivative of the Gelto.
Toakoki survived the war and resumed the production of the Gelto. It is said that it became Shinwa Seiki (新和精機) in 1952.[4]
Contents
127 film
3×4 rigid
- Gelto, various models
4×4 rigid
- Arsen, with and without rangefinder
120 film
4.5×6 folding
6×6 TLR
- Geltoflex, at least two versions
Notes
- ↑ Advertisement published in the December 1937 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 70.
- ↑ Advertisement published in the September 1938 issue of Asahi Camera.
- ↑ Advertisement published in the March 1939 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 70.
- ↑ Shinwa Seiki: see Page with a Gelto at Asacame.
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.
