View source for Union Ref and Hansa Rollette Ref

{{Japanese pseudo TLR
|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/48735643872/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48735643872_abb710b4ac_m.jpg]<br />''Union Ref. {{public domain Japan old}}''
}}
The '''Union Ref''' and '''Hansa Rollette Ref'''<REF> The name is spelled "Hanza Rollette Ref" in {{Kokusan}}, p.339, but this is a typo. </REF> are Japanese 4.5×6 [[pseudo TLR]] cameras. They seem to be the first Japanese cameras with the TLR shape.<REF> ''The Japanese Historical Camera'', p.23 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?no=103310371046 this page of the JCII]. </REF>

Both models are nearly identical and are certainly name variants of each other. Their actual maker is unknown.

== General description ==
Both cameras are shaped like a [[TLR|twin lens reflex]] but the viewing lens is not used for focusing. The cheaper versions are [[fixed focus|fixed-focus]], but this is perhaps not the case for the better ones.<REF> Fixed-focus: {{Kokusan}}, p.339, about the Hansa Rollette Ref. </REF>

The camera takes horizontal 4.5×6cm pictures only. The film is advanced by a knob at the top of the right-hand sideplate, and there is a small film retaining flange at the bottom. The viewing hood has an "X"-shaped decorative rib, and a button towards the rear for opening.

== The Union Ref ==
The '''Union Ref''' (ユニオンレフ) is only known from a leaflet dating c.1937, reproduced below,<REF> Undated leaflet for the [[Victory]], [[Semi Dymos]], [[Reex]], [[Japanese 3×4 and 4×4 pseudo TLR|Baby Ref]], Union Ref and [[Baby Chrome]]. </REF> where it is presented together with the [[Japanese 3×4 and 4×4 pseudo TLR|Baby Ref]] as an affordable reflex camera. No company name is indicated.

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|| ''Baby Ref and Union Ref leaflet. {{Flickr translated}} {{public domain Japan old}}''
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In the document, three versions are listed:
* f/8 lens, B, 25, 50 speeds (¥20 — case ¥6 extra);
* Lucomar Anastigmat f/6.3 lens, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds (¥28);
* Milittle<REF> Name inferred from the ''katakana'' ミリトル. </REF> f/4.5 lens, T, B, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds (¥48).

The advertising picture shows the model with Lucomar f/6.3. The lens appears to be fixed-focus but it is probable that the f/4.5 variant has front-cell focusing. The shutter plate is marked ''Optochrom'' at the top and something beginning with ''DUPL'' at the bottom (perhaps "Duplex"), with a logo in a circle on the right perhaps reading ''DK''.

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|| ''YS logo.<br>{{public domain Japan old}}''
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The Lucomar and Optochrom brand names indicate that the lens and shutter were made by [[Kigawa]]. The markings on the shutter plate are similar to those found on the original version of the [[Baby Chrome]] illustrated in the same leaflet.

The nameplate at the top reads ''Union Ref'', and there is a ''YS'' logo in a circle in the middle of the viewing hood. This logo might stand for [[Yamashita|'''Y'''amashita '''S'''hōten]] but this is merely a guess.

{{br}}

== The Hansa Rollette Ref ==
The '''Hansa Rollette Ref''' (ハンザ・ローレット・レフ) was distributed by [[Ōmiya|Ōmiya Shashin-yōhin]], owner of the "Hansa" brand. The nameplate is only marked ''Rollette Ref'', and there is no ''YS'' logo.

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|| ''Announcement of the Hansa Rollette Ref in {{ACA}} February 1936. {{public domain Japan old}}''
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The Hansa Rollette Ref was featured in the new products column of the February 1936 issue of {{ACA}}, reproduced above.<REF> Column in {{ACA}} February 1936, pp.329–30. </REF> The document mentions a Triver<REF> The Triver spelling is inferred from the ''katakana'' トリバー and the Triver lens name found on a [[Ricohflex B]]. </REF> f/8 meniscus lens (単玉), and 100, 50, 25, B, T speeds. The dimensions are 12×9×8.5cm, and the price is {{yen|16|1937}}.

The camera also appears in the catalogue of [[Yamashita|Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten]] dated April 20, 1937, together with the [[Hansa Semi Rollette]] 4.5×6cm folder.<REF> Extract of the catalogue reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.84. </REF> In this document, the price is unchanged at {{yen|16|1937}} — case ¥4 extra. Nothing is said of the lens and shutter, and there is a picture showing three cameras.

== Notes ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
=== Original documents ===
* Anonymous company. Leaflet for the [[Victory]], [[Semi Dymos]], [[Reex]], [[Japanese 3×4 and 4×4 pseudo TLR|Baby Ref]], Union Ref and [[Baby Chrome]]. Date not indicated. Document reproduced in [https://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/albums/72157712042809812/ this Flickr album] by Rebollo_fr.
* {{ACA}} February 1936. "Atarashii kikai to zairyō" (新しい機械と材料, New equipment and machinery). Pp.329–30.

=== Recent sources ===
* {{Showa10}} Item 183.
* {{Jhistcam}} P.23.
* {{Lewis}} P.54 (brief mention only).
These cameras are not listed in {{SUG}}.

== Links ==
In Japanese:
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?no=103310371046 Hansa Rollette Ref] in the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/set_brws_01.php?id=1033 Camera database] of the [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/ Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology]

[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 pseudo TLR]]
[[Category: U|Union Ref]]
[[Category: H|Hansa Rollette Ref]]
[[Category: R|Rollette Ref]]
[[Category: 1936]]