Difference between revisions of "Tougodo 4×4 TLR"

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== General description ==
 
== 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 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.
+
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 ==
 
== Manual Kino-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>''Pictures courtesy of Robert Furnari @ frendakfurnari. {{with permission}}''
 
|| ''Regular Toyoca-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens no.62429, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.''<br>''Pictures courtesy of Robert Furnari @ frendakfurnari. {{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 {{MK}}, p.932, in [http://44culb.haluox.com/44IMPRESSION/toyoca44/toyoca44.html this page of the 44 Club], observed for sale at a dealer and at a past auction by Auction Team Breker. </REF> It 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 [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=17317&acat=17317&lang=3 here] as lot no.717 of Westlicht Auction no.3. Black paint: example pictured [http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/cameras/haking/ here at onetwoseven.org.uk]. </REF>
+
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://44culb.haluox.com/44IMPRESSION/toyoca44/toyoca44.html this page 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 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 [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=17317&acat=17317&lang=3 sold] as lot no.717 of Westlicht Auction no.3. Black paint: example pictured in [http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/cameras/haking/ this page at onetwoseven.org.uk]. </REF>
 
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== Deluxe model ==
 
== Deluxe model ==
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|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3537846901/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/3537846901_ed8473df58_d.jpg]
 +
|-
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|| ''Deluxe Kino-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.<br>Picture courtesy of [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ Pacific Rim Camera]. {{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-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. Variations are known in the shape of the sliding button engaging the exposure counter mechanism: on some examples, the button is contained in a large round cup and slides towards the bottom in a visible slit; on others, the surrounding cup is smaller and no slit is visible, as on the regular model.<REF> Compare the deluxe Kino-44 pictured as [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=43181&acat=43181&offset=1 lot no.695] of Westlicht auction no.8 (large cup) and the deluxe Tower 44 pictured [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Prinz%2044.html here at tlr-cameras.com] (small cup). </REF> The position of the round red window is the same as on the regular model.<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>
 
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-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. Variations are known in the shape of the sliding button engaging the exposure counter mechanism: on some examples, the button is contained in a large round cup and slides towards the bottom in a visible slit; on others, the surrounding cup is smaller and no slit is visible, as on the regular model.<REF> Compare the deluxe Kino-44 pictured as [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=43181&acat=43181&offset=1 lot no.695] of Westlicht auction no.8 (large cup) and the deluxe Tower 44 pictured [http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/slides/Prinz%2044.html here at tlr-cameras.com] (small cup). </REF> The position of the round red window is the same as on the regular model.<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>
  

Revision as of 10:40, 17 May 2009

[ 2811796124_0f5692fc7d_m_d.jpg
Picture courtesy of Robert Furnari @ frendakfurnari. (Image rights)]
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 red window. The shutter release is a simple button placed below the taking lens.

The shutter gives B, 25–300 speeds,[1] the shutter plate is black and is simply marked SYNCHRONIZED at the top. The PC synch socket is buried in the front standard, between the two lenses. The manual model has no accessory shoe. The shutter is manually wound by a small lever.

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 black on most examples, but also exists in gray.[2]

Regular Toyoca-44 and Haco-44

The regular model has semi-automatic film advance, with an exposure counter on the photographer's right. It still has a red window at the left of the back, protected by a vertically sliding cover, certainly to set the position of the first exposure. The right side plate also has a small sliding button, certainly to engage the exposure counter mechanism, and an accessory shoe.

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 reportedly gives B, 1–300 speeds and has a self-timer.[3]

2811796128_f967c5e25e_m_d.jpg 2811796136_fbb5249830_m_d.jpg 2811796140_bdda50ae25_m_d.jpg
2811796132_47191a0ae5_m_d.jpg 2811796152_8134220b5c_m_d.jpg
Regular Toyoca-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens no.62429, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.
Pictures courtesy of Robert Furnari @ frendakfurnari. (Image rights)

The regular model exists in black as the Toyoca-44, with Kinokkor and View Kinokkor lenses, and a Toyoca–44 nameplate.[4] 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.[5]

1990022442_3738ed3f50_m_d.jpg 1990022468_10a9b006a8_m_d.jpg 1990022640_d4df1724c5_m_d.jpg 1990022664_5614c992ec_m_d.jpg
Gray-painted Haco-44, Hacor 6cm f/3.5 lenses (taking lens no.63578, viewing lens no.63613).
Pictures courtesy of eBayer tuiteka. (Image rights)

Deluxe model

3537846901_ed8473df58_d.jpg
Deluxe Kino-44, Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 taking lens, View Kinokkor 6cm f/3.5 viewing lens.
Picture courtesy of Pacific Rim Camera. (Image rights)

The so-called deluxe model[6] 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. Variations are known in the shape of the sliding button engaging the exposure counter mechanism: on some examples, the button is contained in a large round cup and slides towards the bottom in a visible slit; on others, the surrounding cup is smaller and no slit is visible, as on the regular model.[7] The position of the round red window is the same as on the regular model.[8]

3464687329_9d7b84198a_m_d.jpg
Deluxe Tower 44 in the 1959 Sears catalogue. (Image rights)

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 only differ by the nameplate, respectively reading Toyoca–44, TOWER 44,[9] KINO–44 and LAQON–44, the latter being the most uncommon.[10]

Commercial life

The Kino-44 was featured in the October 1958 issue of Sankei Camera, among other cameras specifically made for export.[11] 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.[12] These are the only occurrences reported in Japanese camera magazines.[11]

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.[13] The Haco-44 is sometimes attributed to Haking, probably by mistake.[14] The distributors of the Kino-44 and Laqon-44 are unknown.

Notes

  1. ↑ Speed range: Sugiyama, item 2133, and McKeown, p.929, about the Kino-44.
  2. ↑ Black covering: examples pictured in Sugiyama, item 2133, here and here at Asacame, and observed for sale at a dealer. Gray covering: example observed in a past auction by Auction Team Breker.
  3. ↑ Speed range: McKeown, p.929, about the Haco-44.
  4. ↑ Toyoca-44: examples pictured in this page, in McKeown, p.932, in this page of the 44 Club, observed for sale at a dealer, at a past auction by Auction Team Breker and in an online auction.
  5. ↑ Gray paint: examples pictured in this page, in McKeown, p.929, and sold as lot no.717 of Westlicht Auction no.3. Black paint: example pictured in this page at onetwoseven.org.uk.
  6. ↑ The name "Deluxe" is used in Sugiyama, item 2134, in McKeown, p.929, about the Kino-44, and in this page and this page at Asacame. It is not confirmed by any original document found so far.
  7. ↑ Compare the deluxe Kino-44 pictured as lot no.695 of Westlicht auction no.8 (large cup) and the deluxe Tower 44 pictured here at tlr-cameras.com (small cup).
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ The 1959 catalogue by Sears shows a hyphen in the nameplate, which is absent on all the examples observed so far.
  10. ↑ Kino-44: examples pictured in Sugiyama, item 2134, here and here at Asacame, here at Nana-chōme no tabe and here in Dirapon's website, 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 here at www.tlr-cameras.com, and examples observed for sale at a dealer and in online auctions. Toyoca-44: examples pictured here at Fotomuseet i Osby and here at www.tlr-cameras.com.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.382.
  12. ↑ 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.
  13. ↑ 1959 catalogue by Sears, partly reproduced in this Flickr set by Mario Groleau.
  14. ↑ Haco by Haking: this page at onetwoseven.org.uk, this page at photographica-world.

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

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