Difference between revisions of "Tougodo 4×4 TLR"

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The simplest model has '''manual film advance''', controlled by a round [[red window]] on the rear, offset to the left and protected by a vertically sliding cover. The shutter is manually wound by a small lever, and released by a simple button placed below the taking lens. The range of speeds is B, 25, 50, 100, 300. The shutter plate is black, only marked ''SYNCHRONIZED'' at the top. The PC synch socket is buried in the front standard, between the two lenses, and there is no accessory shoe.  
 
The simplest model has '''manual film advance''', controlled by a round [[red window]] on the rear, offset to the left and protected by a vertically sliding cover. The shutter is manually wound by a small lever, and released by a simple button placed below the taking lens. The range of speeds is B, 25, 50, 100, 300. The shutter plate is black, only marked ''SYNCHRONIZED'' at the top. The PC synch socket is buried in the front standard, between the two lenses, and there is no accessory shoe.  
  
The manual model was only sold as the '''Kino-44'''. The main body is black finished and has the ''KINO–44'' nameplate. The leatherette covering is usually black,<REF> Examples pictured in this article, in {{SUG}}, item 2133, [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmcbest/clad24.htm here] and [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbest/best44tlr.htm here] at Asacame, and observed for sale at a dealer. </REF> but at least one example has been observed with gray leatherette.<REF> Example observed in a past auction by Auction Team Breker. </REF>
+
The manual model was only sold as the '''Kino-44'''. The main body is black finished and has the ''KINO–44'' nameplate. The leatherette covering is usually black,<REF> Examples pictured in this article, in {{SUG}}, item 2133, at Asacame (link below), and observed for sale at a dealer. </REF> but at least one example has been observed with gray leatherette.<REF> Example observed in a past auction by Auction Team Breker. </REF>
  
 
== Regular Toyoca-44 and Haco-44 ==
 
== Regular Toyoca-44 and Haco-44 ==
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| Regular Toyoca-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens no.62429, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.<br /><small>Pictures courtesy of Robert Furnari @ frendakfurnari.</small> {{with permission}}
 
| Regular Toyoca-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens no.62429, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.<br /><small>Pictures courtesy of Robert Furnari @ frendakfurnari.</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
The regular model exists in black as the '''Toyoca-44''', with Kinokkor and View Kinokkor lenses, and a ''Toyoca–44'' nameplate.<REF> Toyoca-44: examples pictured in this page, in {{MK}}, p.932, in [http://archive.is/44culb.haluox.com/44IMPRESSION/toyoca44/toyoca44.html this page (archived) of the 44 Club], observed for sale at a dealer, at a past auction by Auction Team Breker and in an online auction. </REF> Its original case is red, yellow and black, marked ''TOYOCA–44 <small>40m/m × 40m/m CAMERA</small>''.
+
The regular model exists in black as the '''Toyoca-44''', with Kinokkor and View Kinokkor lenses, and a ''Toyoca–44'' nameplate.<REF> Toyoca-44: examples pictured in this page, in {{MK}}, p.932, at the website 44 Club (linked below), observed for sale at a dealer, at a past auction by Auction Team Breker and in an online auction. </REF> Its original case is red, yellow and black, marked ''TOYOCA–44 <small>40m/m × 40m/m CAMERA</small>''.
  
The same model was also sold as the '''Haco-44''', certainly a distributor's brand, with Hacor 6cm f/3.5 lenses, a ''HACO–44'' nameplate, a film reminder on the focus knob and gray leatherette covering. This Haco-44 exists with gray paint or black paint.<REF> Gray paint: examples pictured in this page, in {{MK}}, p.929, and one sold as lot no.717 of Westlicht Auction no.3; see links below. Black paint: example pictured in [http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/cameras/haking/ this page at onetwoseven.org.uk]. </REF>
+
The same model was also sold as the '''Haco-44''', certainly a distributor's brand, with Hacor 6cm f/3.5 lenses, a ''HACO–44'' nameplate, a film reminder on the focus knob and gray leatherette covering. This Haco-44 exists with gray paint or black paint.<REF> Gray paint: examples pictured in this page, in {{MK}}, p.929, and one sold as lot no.717 of Westlicht Auction no.3; see links below. Black paint: example pictured (attributed to Haking) at onetwoseven.org.uk (linked below). </REF>
 
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align: center;"
 
|-
 
|-
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| Deluxe Kino-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.<br /><small>Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera].</small> {{with permission}}
 
| Deluxe Kino-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.<br /><small>Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera].</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
The so-called '''deluxe model'''<REF> The name "Deluxe" is used in {{SUG}}, item 2134, in {{MK}}, p.929, about the Kino-44, and in [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmcbest/clad24.htm this page] and [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbest/best44tlr.htm this page] at Asacame. It is not confirmed by any original document found so far. </REF> is similar to the regular model but for the [[Citizen|Citizen-MV]] shutter (B, 1–400, self-timer), enclosed in a larger casing with a protruding part at the bottom, containing the release button, the synch socket and an M/X selector with a yellow dot. The red window is the same as on the other models,<REF> An isolated example observed has been observed in an online auction with a different back, which does not fit the camera correctly and is covered with gray leatherette, certainly taken from some other 4×4cm TLR. </REF> and the advance mechanism is similar to that of the regular Toyoca-44.
+
The so-called '''deluxe model'''<REF> The name "Deluxe" is used in {{SUG}}, item 2134, in {{MK}}, p.929, about the Kino-44, and at Asacame (link below). It is not confirmed by any original document found so far. </REF> is similar to the regular model but for the [[Citizen|Citizen-MV]] shutter (B, 1–400, self-timer), enclosed in a larger casing with a protruding part at the bottom, containing the release button, the synch socket and an M/X selector with a yellow dot. The red window is the same as on the other models,<REF> An isolated example observed has been observed in an online auction with a different back, which does not fit the camera correctly and is covered with gray leatherette, certainly taken from some other 4×4cm TLR. </REF> and the advance mechanism is similar to that of the regular Toyoca-44.
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align: center;"
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| Tower 44 in the 1959 [[Sears]] catalogue. {{public domain US copyright not renewed}}
 
| Tower 44 in the 1959 [[Sears]] catalogue. {{public domain US copyright not renewed}}
 
|}
 
|}
The deluxe model was sold as the '''Toyoca-44''' by [[Tougodo]], as the '''Tower 44''' by [[Sears]], and as the '''Kino-44''' or '''Laqon-44''' by unknown distributors. They mostly differ by the nameplate, respectively reading ''Toyoca–44'', ''TOWER 44'',<REF> The 1959 catalogue by [[Sears]] shows a hyphen in the nameplate, which is absent on all the examples observed so far. </REF> ''KINO–44'' and ''LAQON–44'', the latter being the most uncommon.<REF> Kino-44: examples pictured here, in {{SUG}}, item 2134, in [http://asacame.fc2web.com/htmcbest/clad24.htm this page] and [http://asacame.fc2web.com/hspbest/best44tlr.htm this page] at Asacame, in a page formerly shown at Nana-chōme no tabe and in [http://dirapon.be/TLR127.html this page in Dirapon's website], and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Laqon-44: example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 2143, and example observed for sale at a dealer. Tower 44: examples pictured in {{MK}}, p.878, and in [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Prinz%2044.html this page at www.tlr-cameras.com], and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Toyoca-44: examples pictured in [http://www.fotomuseetiosby.nu/g-sida.html this page at Fotomuseet i Osby] and in [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/Odd_Japanese.html this page at www.tlr-cameras.com]. </REF> Variations are known in the shape of the sliding button engaging the exposure counter mechanism: on the Toyoca and Tower, the configuration is the same as on the regular model, whereas on the Kino, the button is surrounded by a larger cup and slides towards the bottom in a visible slit.
+
The deluxe model was sold as the '''Toyoca-44''' by [[Tougodo]], as the '''Tower 44''' by [[Sears]], and as the '''Kino-44''' or '''Laqon-44''' by unknown distributors. They mostly differ by the nameplate, respectively reading ''Toyoca–44'', ''TOWER 44'',<REF> The 1959 catalogue by [[Sears]] shows a hyphen in the nameplate, which is absent on all the examples observed so far. </REF> ''KINO–44'' and ''LAQON–44'', the latter being the most uncommon.<REF> Kino-44: examples pictured here, in {{SUG}}, item 2134, at Asacame (link below), in a page formerly shown at Nana-chōme no tabe and at Dirapon's website (link below), and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Laqon-44: example pictured in {{SUG}}, item 2143, and example observed for sale at a dealer. Tower 44: examples pictured in {{MK}}, p.878, and at www.tlr-cameras.com (linked below), and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Toyoca-44: examples pictured at Fotomuseet i Osby and at www.tlr-cameras.com (links below). </REF> Variations are known in the shape of the sliding button engaging the exposure counter mechanism: on the Toyoca and Tower, the configuration is the same as on the regular model, whereas on the Kino, the button is surrounded by a larger cup and slides towards the bottom in a visible slit.
  
 
== Commercial life ==
 
== Commercial life ==
 
The Kino-44 was featured in the October 1958 issue of ''[[Sankei Camera]]'', among other cameras specifically made for export.<REF name="Kokusan 382"> {{Kokusan}}, p.382. </REF> The Toyoca-44 and Kino-44 are mentioned again in the December 1960 issue of {{SK}}: they are presented as almost unknown in Japan, and mainly made for export.<REF> Otagi, p.29 of {{SK}} December 1960: あまり国内で知られていない4×4判二眼レフにトヨカ44、キノ44などもある。これはいずれも国内よりも輸出向きに生産された方が多いようです. </REF> These are the only occurrences reported in Japanese camera magazines.<REF name="Kokusan 382" />
 
The Kino-44 was featured in the October 1958 issue of ''[[Sankei Camera]]'', among other cameras specifically made for export.<REF name="Kokusan 382"> {{Kokusan}}, p.382. </REF> The Toyoca-44 and Kino-44 are mentioned again in the December 1960 issue of {{SK}}: they are presented as almost unknown in Japan, and mainly made for export.<REF> Otagi, p.29 of {{SK}} December 1960: あまり国内で知られていない4×4判二眼レフにトヨカ44、キノ44などもある。これはいずれも国内よりも輸出向きに生産された方が多いようです. </REF> These are the only occurrences reported in Japanese camera magazines.<REF name="Kokusan 382" />
  
This indicates that none of the Tougodo 4×4 TLR cameras was regularly sold in Japan, except maybe a few Toyoca-44 directly distributed by [[Tougodo]]. The trademarks other than Toyoca were certainly owned by various foreign distributors. The Tower 44 was sold by [[Sears]], and appears in the 1959 catalogue by the company.<REF> 1959 catalogue by [[Sears]], partly reproduced in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/sets/72157617170820602/ this Flickr set] by Mario Groleau. </REF> The Haco-44 is sometimes attributed to [[Haking]], probably by mistake.<REF> Haco by Haking: [http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/cameras/haking/ this page at onetwoseven.org.uk], [http://www.photographica-world.de/h.htm this page at photographica-world]. </REF> The distributors of the Kino-44 and Laqon-44 are unknown.
+
This indicates that none of the Tougodo 4×4 TLR cameras was regularly sold in Japan, except maybe a few Toyoca-44 directly distributed by [[Tougodo]]. The trademarks other than Toyoca were certainly owned by various foreign distributors. The Tower 44 was sold by [[Sears]], and appears in the 1959 catalogue by the company.<REF> 1959 catalogue by [[Sears]], partly reproduced in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/sets/72157617170820602/ this Flickr set] by Mario Groleau. </REF> The Haco-44 is sometimes attributed to [[Haking]], probably by mistake.<REF> Haco attributed to Haking at onetwoseven.org.uk and at photographica-world (links below). </REF> The distributors of the Kino-44 and Laqon-44 are unknown.
  
 
== Original box ==
 
== Original box ==
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In French:
 
In French:
 
* Kino-44 among [http://dirapon.be/TLR127.html 4×4 TLR cameras] at [http://dirapon.be/ Dirapon's website]
 
* Kino-44 among [http://dirapon.be/TLR127.html 4×4 TLR cameras] at [http://dirapon.be/ Dirapon's website]
 +
In German and English:
 +
*[http://www.photographica-world.de/h.htm Cameras 'H' including Haco] at [http://www.photographica-world.de/pr012.htm photographica-world]
 
In Swedish:
 
In Swedish:
 
* Toyoca-44 in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20160312131308/http://www.fotomuseetiosby.nu/g-sida.html page of TLRs] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135051/http://fotomuseetiosby.nu/ Fotomuseet i Osby]
 
* Toyoca-44 in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20160312131308/http://www.fotomuseetiosby.nu/g-sida.html page of TLRs] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135051/http://fotomuseetiosby.nu/ Fotomuseet i Osby]

Revision as of 10:54, 15 July 2020

Japanese 4×4 TLR (edit)
4×4cm Cordlef | Olympus Eye 44 | Haco-44 | Halma 44 | Kino-44 | Laqon-44 | Minolta Miniflex | Primo Jr | Prinz 44 | Ricohmatic 44 | Ricoh Super 44 | Sawyer's Mark IV | Tower 44 | Tower 44B | Toyoca-44 | Walz Automat 44 | Yashica-44, 44A, 44LM
Other TLR, pseudo TLR and medium format SLR ->
Other Japanese 6×6, 4.5×6, 3×4 and 4×4 ->

The Toyoca-44 is a Japanese 4×4 TLR made by Tougodo at the end of the 1950s, during the brief 4×4 camera boom. Different versions exist, notably with manual or semi-automatic film advance. The camera was also sold as Haco-44, Kino-44, Laqon-44 and Tower 44.

General description

All the Tougodo 4×4 TLR models have the same basic body, with a classical TLR shape. They have a predominantly black finish, except for the Haco-44 and some manual Kino-44. The front standard moves back and forth for focusing. The focus knob is on the photographer's left and has depth-of-field indications; the advance knob is on the opposite side. The viewing hood contains a sports finder, and the nameplate has an oval shape. The back is hinged at the top and locked by a black knob under the camera, with O and C indications. The taking lens is a Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 and the viewing lens is a View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5, again except for the Haco-44.

Manual Kino-44

The simplest model has manual film advance, controlled by a round red window on the rear, offset to the left and protected by a vertically sliding cover. The shutter is manually wound by a small lever, and released by a simple button placed below the taking lens. The range of speeds is B, 25, 50, 100, 300. The shutter plate is black, only marked SYNCHRONIZED at the top. The PC synch socket is buried in the front standard, between the two lenses, and there is no accessory shoe.

The manual model was only sold as the Kino-44. The main body is black finished and has the KINO–44 nameplate. The leatherette covering is usually black,[1] but at least one example has been observed with gray leatherette.[2]

Regular Toyoca-44 and Haco-44

The regular model has semi-automatic film advance, with an exposure counter on the photographer's right. The position and shape of the red window is unchanged, but it is only used to set the position of the first exposure. There is a small sliding button on the right side, certainly to engage the exposure counter mechanism, and an accessory shoe in front of the advance knob.

The shutter release and the synch socket are placed the same as on the manual model. There are bayonet attachments on both lenses. The shutter gives B, 1–300 speeds and has a self-timer.

The regular model exists in black as the Toyoca-44, with Kinokkor and View Kinokkor lenses, and a Toyoca–44 nameplate.[3] Its original case is red, yellow and black, marked TOYOCA–44 40m/m × 40m/m CAMERA.

The same model was also sold as the Haco-44, certainly a distributor's brand, with Hacor 6cm f/3.5 lenses, a HACO–44 nameplate, a film reminder on the focus knob and gray leatherette covering. This Haco-44 exists with gray paint or black paint.[4]

Deluxe model

The so-called deluxe model[5] is similar to the regular model but for the Citizen-MV shutter (B, 1–400, self-timer), enclosed in a larger casing with a protruding part at the bottom, containing the release button, the synch socket and an M/X selector with a yellow dot. The red window is the same as on the other models,[6] and the advance mechanism is similar to that of the regular Toyoca-44.

The deluxe model was sold as the Toyoca-44 by Tougodo, as the Tower 44 by Sears, and as the Kino-44 or Laqon-44 by unknown distributors. They mostly differ by the nameplate, respectively reading Toyoca–44, TOWER 44,[7] KINO–44 and LAQON–44, the latter being the most uncommon.[8] Variations are known in the shape of the sliding button engaging the exposure counter mechanism: on the Toyoca and Tower, the configuration is the same as on the regular model, whereas on the Kino, the button is surrounded by a larger cup and slides towards the bottom in a visible slit.

Commercial life

The Kino-44 was featured in the October 1958 issue of Sankei Camera, among other cameras specifically made for export.[9] The Toyoca-44 and Kino-44 are mentioned again in the December 1960 issue of Shashin Kōgyō: they are presented as almost unknown in Japan, and mainly made for export.[10] These are the only occurrences reported in Japanese camera magazines.[9]

This indicates that none of the Tougodo 4×4 TLR cameras was regularly sold in Japan, except maybe a few Toyoca-44 directly distributed by Tougodo. The trademarks other than Toyoca were certainly owned by various foreign distributors. The Tower 44 was sold by Sears, and appears in the 1959 catalogue by the company.[11] The Haco-44 is sometimes attributed to Haking, probably by mistake.[12] The distributors of the Kino-44 and Laqon-44 are unknown.

Original box

The original box for the Toyoca-44 is black, yellow and red, and is marked TOYOCA–44 and 40m/m×40m/m CAMERA. The original box for the Kino-44 is black, yellow and beige, and has similar markings with Kino–44 and 40m/m×40m/m CAMERA. It gives no indication on the distributor's name.

Notes

  1. Examples pictured in this article, in Sugiyama, item 2133, at Asacame (link below), and observed for sale at a dealer.
  2. Example observed in a past auction by Auction Team Breker.
  3. Toyoca-44: examples pictured in this page, in McKeown, p.932, at the website 44 Club (linked below), observed for sale at a dealer, at a past auction by Auction Team Breker and in an online auction.
  4. Gray paint: examples pictured in this page, in McKeown, p.929, and one sold as lot no.717 of Westlicht Auction no.3; see links below. Black paint: example pictured (attributed to Haking) at onetwoseven.org.uk (linked below).
  5. The name "Deluxe" is used in Sugiyama, item 2134, in McKeown, p.929, about the Kino-44, and at Asacame (link below). It is not confirmed by any original document found so far.
  6. An isolated example observed has been observed in an online auction with a different back, which does not fit the camera correctly and is covered with gray leatherette, certainly taken from some other 4×4cm TLR.
  7. The 1959 catalogue by Sears shows a hyphen in the nameplate, which is absent on all the examples observed so far.
  8. Kino-44: examples pictured here, in Sugiyama, item 2134, at Asacame (link below), in a page formerly shown at Nana-chōme no tabe and at Dirapon's website (link below), and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Laqon-44: example pictured in Sugiyama, item 2143, and example observed for sale at a dealer. Tower 44: examples pictured in McKeown, p.878, and at www.tlr-cameras.com (linked below), and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Toyoca-44: examples pictured at Fotomuseet i Osby and at www.tlr-cameras.com (links below).
  9. 9.0 9.1 Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.382.
  10. Otagi, p.29 of Shashin Kōgyō December 1960: あまり国内で知られていない4×4判二眼レフにトヨカ44、キノ44などもある。これはいずれも国内よりも輸出向きに生産された方が多いようです.
  11. 1959 catalogue by Sears, partly reproduced in this Flickr set by Mario Groleau.
  12. Haco attributed to Haking at onetwoseven.org.uk and at photographica-world (links below).

Bibliography

Original documents

  • Otagi Michifusa (愛宕通英). "4×4 6×6 senchi-han kamera ni tsuite" (4×4 6×6センチ判カメラについて, 4×4cm and 6×6cm cameras). In Shashin Kōgyō no.104, December 1960. Pp.28–9.
  • Sears, Roebuck and Co. Sears Camera Catalog, 1959. Partly reproduced in this Flickr set by Mario Groleau. The Tower 44 appears on p.36.

Recent sources

Links

In English:

In French:

In German and English:

In Swedish:

In Japanese: