Difference between revisions of "Tsubasa Chrome"

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m (Original model: link fix)
(1940 prices, tweaks)
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== Original model ==
 
== Original model ==
The '''original Tsubasa Chrome''' (ツバサ・クローム) has T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds. The advance knob has a cylindrical shape and their is a smaller cylindrical knob at the opposite end of the top plate.
+
The '''original Tsubasa Chrome''' (ツバサ・クローム) has T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds. The advance knob has a cylindrical shape and their is a smaller cylindrical knob at the opposite end of the top plate. There is a button on the right of the top plate, looking like a body release. Actually it is probably the release of the spring loaded telescopic tube. The back contains two uncovered red windows.
 
 
There is a button on the right of the top plate, looking like a body release. Actually it is probably the release of the spring loaded telescopic tube. The back contains two uncovered red windows.
 
  
 
The shutter plate is marked ''TSUBASA SHUTTER'' at the top, with a ''NE'' logo between both words, and ''NEW GOLD'' at the bottom. The speeds are written on the shutter plate itself and they are selected by turning a very thin rim. The aperture scale is at the bottom.
 
The shutter plate is marked ''TSUBASA SHUTTER'' at the top, with a ''NE'' logo between both words, and ''NEW GOLD'' at the bottom. The speeds are written on the shutter plate itself and they are selected by turning a very thin rim. The aperture scale is at the bottom.
  
{{Kokusan}} says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the August 1937 issue of ''Asahi Camera''.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;337. </REF> An advertisement dated August 1937<REF> Published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;78. </REF> offers the model with a Lucomar f/6.3 lens ({{yen|19.50|1937}}) or a Lucomar f/4.5 lens ({{yen|28.50|1937}}) &mdash; case cost extra &yen;4. In an advertisement dated June 1938<REF> Published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;78. Eight authorized dealers are mentioned, among which [[Asanuma|Asanuma Shōkai]], [[Misuzu Shōkai]], [[Yamashita|Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten]], [[Mizuno|Mizuno Shashinki-ten]], [[Eikōdō]], [[Matsuzaki|Matsuzaki Shashinki-ten]] and [[Ueda|Ueda Shashinki-ten]]. </REF>, the prices are respectively {{yen|23|1938}} and {{yen|34|1938}} (case for &yen;4.50).
+
{{Kokusan}} says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the August 1937 issue of ''Asahi Camera''.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;337. </REF> An advertisement dated August 1937<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;78. </REF> offers the model with a Lucomar f/6.3 lens ({{yen|19.50|1937}}) or a Lucomar f/4.5 lens ({{yen|28.50|1937}}) &mdash; case cost extra &yen;4. In an advertisement dated June 1938,<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;78. Eight authorized dealers are mentioned: [[Asanuma|Asanuma Shōkai]], [[Hagi|Hagi Kōgyō Bōeki]], [[Misuzu Shōkai]], [[Mizuno|Mizuno Shashinki-ten]], [[Yamashita|Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten]], [[Eikōdō]], [[Matsuzaki|Matsuzaki Shashinki-ten]] and [[Ueda|Ueda Shashinki-ten]]. </REF> the prices are respectively {{yen|23|1938}} and {{yen|34|1938}} (case for &yen;4.50).
  
 
Two examples have been observed. Their advance knob is higher than on the advertising pictures and it has three rows of knurls. One of them has a Lucomar Anastigmat f/6.3 fixed-focus lens and speeds marked T, B, 25, 50, 100 in that order. The other has a Lucomar Anastigmat f/4.5 front-cell focusing lens and speeds marked T, B, 100, 50, 25.
 
Two examples have been observed. Their advance knob is higher than on the advertising pictures and it has three rows of knurls. One of them has a Lucomar Anastigmat f/6.3 fixed-focus lens and speeds marked T, B, 25, 50, 100 in that order. The other has a Lucomar Anastigmat f/4.5 front-cell focusing lens and speeds marked T, B, 100, 50, 25.
  
 
== Tsubasa Chrome New ==
 
== Tsubasa Chrome New ==
The '''Tsubasa Chrome New''' (ツバサ・クローム・新型) adds 1/150 top speed. The advance knob has a more rounded shape and a hollow top, and the samll knob at the right end of the top plate has a conical shape.
+
The '''Tsubasa Chrome New''' (ツバサ・クローム・新型) adds 1/150 top speed. The advance knob has a more rounded shape and a hollow top, and the small knob at the right end of the top plate has a conical shape.
  
 
The shutter plate is marked ''WING ANCHOR'' at the top, ''MADE IN JAPAN'' at the bottom, and the ''NE'' logo is on the right. The speeds are engraved T, B, 150, 100, 50, 25 in that order in the shutter rim. There is a distant release connector added next to the release lever.
 
The shutter plate is marked ''WING ANCHOR'' at the top, ''MADE IN JAPAN'' at the bottom, and the ''NE'' logo is on the right. The speeds are engraved T, B, 150, 100, 50, 25 in that order in the shutter rim. There is a distant release connector added next to the release lever.
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This button has disappeared in an advertisement dated February 1939, but the prices are unchanged.<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;78. It is looking the same as the September 1938 advertisement cited above, but there are detail differences. </REF> The disparition of the button probably means that the telescopic tube was no longer spring-loaded.
 
This button has disappeared in an advertisement dated February 1939, but the prices are unchanged.<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;78. It is looking the same as the September 1938 advertisement cited above, but there are detail differences. </REF> The disparition of the button probably means that the telescopic tube was no longer spring-loaded.
  
The camera was simply called '''Tsubasa Chrome''' again in an advertisement dated April 1939<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;79. </REF>, where the price of the f/6.3 variant has raised to {{yen|28|1939}}. {{Kokusan}} does not mention any advertisement posterior to 1939, but a Japanese catalogue reportedly dated 1942 lists the Tsubasa Chrome with Lucomar f/6.3 only, for &yen;40 &mdash; case &yen;6.70 extra.<REF> Scans observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF>
+
The camera was simply called '''Tsubasa Chrome''' again in an advertisement dated April 1939<REF> Advertisement published in ''Asahi Camera'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;79. </REF>, where the price of the f/6.3 variant has raised to {{yen|28|1939}}. {{Kokusan}} does not mention any advertisement posterior to 1939. The Tsubasa Chrome is mentioned in the {{Kakaku1940_short}} listing the official prices as of October 25, 1940, under the names "Tsubasa Chrome" (&yen;28), "Tsubasa Chrome II" (&yen;33) and "Tsubasa Chrome IIA" (&yen;42), with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 1, section 3 and type 2, sections 3 and 5A. </REF> A Japanese catalogue reportedly dated 1942 lists the Tsubasa Chrome with Lucomar f/6.3 only, for &yen;40 &mdash; case &yen;6.70 extra.<REF> Scans observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF>
  
The Tsubasa Chrome New has been observed on various occasions, with or without the telescopic tube release.<REF> See for example Sugiyama, item 4099, without the tube release. </REF> None of them has a focusing lens, and no example of the f/4.5 version has yet been observed. One example is pictured in {{Sugiyama}} with a folding frame finder that does not look original.<REF> Sugiyama, item 4102, with the tube release, simply called "Tsubasa" by mistake. </REF>
+
Actual examples of the Tsubasa Chrome New have been observed a number of times, with or without the telescopic tube release.<REF> See for example Sugiyama, item 4099, without the tube release. </REF> All the examples observed so far have a fixed-focus f/6.3 lens. The example pictured in {{Sugiyama}} with the tube release has a folding frame finder that does not look original.<REF> Sugiyama, item 4102, with the tube release, simply called "Tsubasa" by mistake. </REF>
  
 
== Later version ==
 
== Later version ==
A single example of a probably later version has been observed.<REF> In a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF> It has a big key in place of the advance knob. The back latch has changed and consists of a long sliding bar. The back has a round metal plate in the middle and a single red window on the right. This probably means that the dual-format capability was dropped but the viewfinder still has the two bars for 3&times;4cm pictures. There is an accessory shoe (perhaps not original) to the right of the viewfinder, in place of the telescopic tube release of the early version.
+
A single example of a probably later version has been observed.<REF> Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction. </REF> It has a big key in place of the advance knob. The back latch is different and consists of a long sliding bar. The back has a round metal plate in the middle and a single red window on the right. This probably means that the dual-format capability was dropped; however the viewfinder still has the two bars for 3&times;4cm pictures. There is an accessory shoe (perhaps not original) to the right of the viewfinder, in place of the telescopic tube release of the early version.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
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== Bibliography ==
 
== Bibliography ==
 
* {{Showa10}} Items 143&ndash;4. (See also the advertisements for items 146&ndash;7.)
 
* {{Showa10}} Items 143&ndash;4. (See also the advertisements for items 146&ndash;7.)
 +
* {{Kakaku1940}}
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;464.
 
* {{McKeown12}} P.&nbsp;464.
 
* {{Zukan}} Items 4099 and 4102.
 
* {{Zukan}} Items 4099 and 4102.

Revision as of 22:41, 15 February 2007

Japanese Vest (4×5 and 4×6.5) (edit)
folding
4×4.5 Orient
4×5 Minion
4×6.5 Clover Vest | Dianette | Eagle | Friend | Kooa | National | New Vest | Nifcarette | Pearlette | B Pearlette | Special Pearlette | Pionette | Pocket Prince | Sirius Bebe | Speed Pocket | Tsubasa Spring | Victory
rigid or collapsible
4×5 Alfax | Olympus Standard | Sakura (bakelite) | Well Standard
4×6.5 Vest Adler | Vest Alex | Kowa Kid | Light | Light Super | Baby Minolta | Minolta Vest | Regal Olympic | Vest Olympic | Tsubasa Chrome | Zen-99
box
4×6.5 Baby Clover | Sakura (box) | Spirit
unknown
4×5 Vesten
4×6.5 Victor Vest
unknown Meiro
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Tsubasa Chrome is a Japanese camera taking 4×6.5cm and 3×4cm exposures on 127 film. It was made by the Japanese company Optochrom from 1937 to 1939.[1]

General description

All the models have a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly. They have a tubular optical finder in the middle of the top plate, with two bars indicating the field of view for 3×4 format. The advance knob is at the left end and the release lever is on the shutter housing itself. The back is hinged to the right and film advance is controlled by red window. The front leather is embossed TSUBASA.

Original model

The original Tsubasa Chrome (ツバサ・クローム) has T, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds. The advance knob has a cylindrical shape and their is a smaller cylindrical knob at the opposite end of the top plate. There is a button on the right of the top plate, looking like a body release. Actually it is probably the release of the spring loaded telescopic tube. The back contains two uncovered red windows.

The shutter plate is marked TSUBASA SHUTTER at the top, with a NE logo between both words, and NEW GOLD at the bottom. The speeds are written on the shutter plate itself and they are selected by turning a very thin rim. The aperture scale is at the bottom.

Kokusan kamera no rekishi says that the camera was featured in the new products column of the August 1937 issue of Asahi Camera.[2] An advertisement dated August 1937[3] offers the model with a Lucomar f/6.3 lens (¥19.50) or a Lucomar f/4.5 lens (¥28.50) — case cost extra ¥4. In an advertisement dated June 1938,[4] the prices are respectively ¥23 and ¥34 (case for ¥4.50).

Two examples have been observed. Their advance knob is higher than on the advertising pictures and it has three rows of knurls. One of them has a Lucomar Anastigmat f/6.3 fixed-focus lens and speeds marked T, B, 25, 50, 100 in that order. The other has a Lucomar Anastigmat f/4.5 front-cell focusing lens and speeds marked T, B, 100, 50, 25.

Tsubasa Chrome New

The Tsubasa Chrome New (ツバサ・クローム・新型) adds 1/150 top speed. The advance knob has a more rounded shape and a hollow top, and the small knob at the right end of the top plate has a conical shape.

The shutter plate is marked WING ANCHOR at the top, MADE IN JAPAN at the bottom, and the NE logo is on the right. The speeds are engraved T, B, 150, 100, 50, 25 in that order in the shutter rim. There is a distant release connector added next to the release lever.

An advertisement dated September 1938[5] offers the camera with the Lucomar f/6.3 lens (¥25) or the Lucomar f/4.5 lens (¥34, case ¥5 extra). The advertising picture shows the new shutter plate and there is still a button on the right of the top plate.

This button has disappeared in an advertisement dated February 1939, but the prices are unchanged.[6] The disparition of the button probably means that the telescopic tube was no longer spring-loaded.

The camera was simply called Tsubasa Chrome again in an advertisement dated April 1939[7], where the price of the f/6.3 variant has raised to ¥28. Kokusan kamera no rekishi does not mention any advertisement posterior to 1939. The Tsubasa Chrome is mentioned in the Template:Kakaku1940 short listing the official prices as of October 25, 1940, under the names "Tsubasa Chrome" (¥28), "Tsubasa Chrome II" (¥33) and "Tsubasa Chrome IIA" (¥42), with no further detail.[8] A Japanese catalogue reportedly dated 1942 lists the Tsubasa Chrome with Lucomar f/6.3 only, for ¥40 — case ¥6.70 extra.[9]

Actual examples of the Tsubasa Chrome New have been observed a number of times, with or without the telescopic tube release.[10] All the examples observed so far have a fixed-focus f/6.3 lens. The example pictured in Sugiyama with the tube release has a folding frame finder that does not look original.[11]

Later version

A single example of a probably later version has been observed.[12] It has a big key in place of the advance knob. The back latch is different and consists of a long sliding bar. The back has a round metal plate in the middle and a single red window on the right. This probably means that the dual-format capability was dropped; however the viewfinder still has the two bars for 3×4cm pictures. There is an accessory shoe (perhaps not original) to the right of the viewfinder, in place of the telescopic tube release of the early version.

Notes

  1. Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 337.
  2. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 337.
  3. Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 78.
  4. Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 78. Eight authorized dealers are mentioned: Asanuma Shōkai, Hagi Kōgyō Bōeki, Misuzu Shōkai, Mizuno Shashinki-ten, Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten, Eikōdō, Matsuzaki Shashinki-ten and Ueda Shashinki-ten.
  5. Advertisement for the Tsubasa range published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
  6. Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 78. It is looking the same as the September 1938 advertisement cited above, but there are detail differences.
  7. Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 79.
  8. Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 1, section 3 and type 2, sections 3 and 5A.
  9. Scans observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.
  10. See for example Sugiyama, item 4099, without the tube release.
  11. Sugiyama, item 4102, with the tube release, simply called "Tsubasa" by mistake.
  12. Example observed in a Yahoo Japan auction.

Bibliography

Links

In Japanese:

Timeline

Kigawa timeline (edit)
Type 1930s 1940s 1950s
6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3
                                                                                                                                                                                   
3×4 rigid Baby Chrome
Baby Oso Tsubasa Oso
Tsubasa Arawashi ...
4×6.5 telescopic Tsubasa Chrome ...
folding Tsubasa Spring ...
4.5×6 strut folding Semi Chrome B
horizontal folding Tsubasa Super Semi ... _
Tsubasa II Super Semi
Tsubasa Nettar Tsubasa Kiko Three
vertical folding Semi Chrome A Semi Sixteenth
(dates unclear)
Semi Kulax Kiko Semi ... _ Tsubasa Semi
6×6 horizontal folding Gotex ... ... Poppy Six
(dates unknown)
... Carl Six
TLR Kiko Flex Tsubasaflex Graceflex
16mm subminiature ... Poppy
(dates unknown)
...
Manufacturer: ... Kigawa Seimitsu ... Kigawa Kōgaku Carl Kōgaku
Shin Nippon
Distributor: Optochrom-sha ... Nichiei Shōkai Kikō Shōji ...
Cameras whose actual existence is dubious are in a lighter shade.
Cameras in yellow are variants sold and maybe assembled by other companies.