Tōa Kōki
Tōa Kōki Seisakusho (東亜光機製作所, meaning Far-East Optical Works), usually called Toakoki[1], was a Japanese camera maker. It made the Gelto 3×4 camera distributed by Hattori Tokei-ten, that appeared in 1937. Advertisements dated 1937[2] and 1938[3] are written "Gelto Camera Werke". It is not known if this was the actual company name at some time or some name only used for advertising. The earliest original document observed so far with the Tōa Kōki name is dated 1939.[4]
The company is probably related to Takahashi Kōgaku (高橋光学), to which is attributed the Arsen, a close derivative of the Gelto.
It is supposed that the Semi Gelto 4.5×6 folder was also made by Tōa Kōki, and at least one document suggests that the National and Ugein folders were made by the company too.[5]
The company survived the war and the production of the Gelto was resumed. It is supposed that the Geltoflex TLR cameras were made by this company too. By 1952, the company name had become Shinwa Seiki (新和精機).[6]
Contents
127 film
3×4 rigid
- Gelto, various models
4×4 rigid
- Arsen, with and without rangefinder
120 film
4.5×6 folding
The National and Ugein folders were perhaps made by Tōa Kōki.
6×6 TLR
- Geltoflex, at least three versions
Other
- Gelto rangefinder, sold ¥16.50 in 1939[7]
Notes
- ↑ The Roman spelling that was used by the company is not known, and it is possible that Toakoki is a mistaken name recently crafted by Western collectors.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Ugein published in the October 1943 issue of Shashin Bunka, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 100, where the maker is indicated to be Tōkyō Tōa Kōki-sha (東京東亜光機社).
- ↑ Advertisement published in the July 1952 issue of Shashin Salon, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 136. See also this page at Asacame.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 70.
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.