Difference between revisions of "Union Ref and Hansa Rollette Ref"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
(misc minor)
m (Redirected Album URL rebollo_fr/sets/72157600606108614/)
 
(20 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Japanese prewar and wartime TLR
+
{{Japanese pseudo TLR
|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/313260796/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/107/313260796_16ae8ba11b_m_d.jpg]<br />''Extract of a Union Ref leaflet.''<br />''{{public domain}}''
+
|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.&nbsp;339, but this is a typo. </REF> are Japanese 4.5&times;6 [[pseudo TLR]] cameras. They seem to be the first Japanese cameras with the TLR shape.<REF> ''The Japanese Historical Camera,'' p.&nbsp;23 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371046&APage=5 this page of the JCII]. </REF>
+
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 they are believed to be name variants of each other. Their actual maker is unknown, with hints pointing to [[Kigawa|Optochrom]] and to [[Yamashita]].
+
Both models are nearly identical and are certainly name variants of each other. Their actual maker is unknown.
  
 
== General description ==
 
== 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.&nbsp;339, about the Hansa Rollette Ref. </REF>
+
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 advance knob is on the top of the right hand sideplate. The viewing hood has an "X"-shaped decorative rib.
+
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 ==
<div class="floatleft plainlinks" style="text-align: center;">
+
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.
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/313106927/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/101/313106927_1b43bade1c_m_d.jpg]
 
<br />''Baby Ref and Union Ref leaflet.''
 
<br />''{{public domain}}''
 
</div>
 
The '''Union Ref''' (ユニオンレフ) is only known from a leaflet dating around 1937<REF> Undated leaflet for the [[Victory]], [[Semi Dymos]], [[Reex]], [[Japanese 3&times;4 and 4&times;4 pseudo TLR cameras|Baby Ref]], Union Ref and [[Baby Chrome]]. </REF> where it is presented together with the [[Japanese 3&times;4 and 4&times;4 pseudo TLR cameras|Baby Ref]] as an affordable reflex camera. No company name is indicated.
 
  
Three variants were offered:
+
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
* f/8 lens, B, 25, 50 speeds (&yen;20 &mdash; case &yen;6 extra);
+
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/32283188147/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7802/32283188147_18fbe38b7f.jpg]
* Lucomar Anastigmat f/6.3 lens, B, 25, 50, 100 speeds (&yen;28);
+
|-
* Milittle<REF> Name inferred from the ''katakana'' ミリトル. </REF> f/4.5 lens, T, B, 25, 50, 100, 200 speeds (&yen;48).
+
|| ''Baby Ref and Union Ref leaflet. {{Flickr translated}} {{public domain Japan old}}''
 +
|}
  
The advertising picture shows the Lucomar f/6.3 variant. 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''.
+
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).
  
These markings and brand names indicate that the lens and shutter were made by [[Kigawa|Optochrom]] (the later Kigawa), and are similar to the markings found on the shutter plate of the original version of the [[Baby Chrome]] illustrated in the same leaflet.
+
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''.
<br clear="left">
+
 
<div class="floatleft plainlinks" style="text-align: center;">
+
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/314206803/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/113/314206803_f07f178621_s_d.jpg]
+
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/48735147263/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48735147263_ba1c268ed0_s.jpg]
<br />''YS logo.''
+
|-
<br />''{{public domain}}''
+
|| ''YS logo.<br>{{public domain Japan old}}''
</div>
+
|}
The nameplate 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.
+
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}}
  
<br clear="both">
 
 
== The Hansa Rollette Ref ==
 
== The Hansa Rollette Ref ==
The '''Hansa Rollette Ref''' (ハンザ・ローレット・レフ) was surely distributed by [[Ōmiya|Ōmiya Shashin-yōhin]], the owner of the "Hansa" brand. Its nameplate is only written ''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.
 +
 
 +
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
 +
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/48735486666/in/pool-camerawiki https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48735486666_8116f263d4.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
|| ''Announcement of the Hansa Rollette Ref in {{ACA}} February 1936. {{public domain Japan old}}''
 +
|}
  
It was featured in the new products column of the February 1936 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]],''<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;339. </REF> and it was listed in the catalogue of [[Yamashita|Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten]] dated April 20, 1937<REF> Extract of the catalogue reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;84. </REF>, but the ''YS'' logo is no more visible. The price was {{yen|16|1937}}. The camera is said to have a Tribar 75/8 lens and a T, B, 25&ndash;100 shutter.<REF> Lens and shutter: {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;339. The Tribar spelling is inferred from the ''katakana'' トリバー. </REF>
+
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 ==
 
== Notes ==
Line 45: Line 55:
  
 
== Bibliography ==
 
== 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.
 
* {{Showa10}} Item 183.
* {{Jhistcam}}
+
* {{Jhistcam}} P.23.
* Leaflet for the [[Victory]], [[Semi Dymos]], [[Reex]], [[Japanese 3&times;4 and 4&times;4 pseudo TLR cameras|Baby Ref]], [[Union Ref and Hansa Rollette Ref|Union Ref]] and [[Baby Chrome]], published by an unknown company. Date not indicated.
+
* {{Lewis}} P.54 (brief mention only).
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;54 (brief mention only).
+
These cameras are not listed in {{SUG}}.
These cameras are not listed in {{Sugiyama}}.
 
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
* [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?18=&key=103310371046&APage=618 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]
+
* [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: Japanese 4.5x6 pseudo TLR]]
Line 59: Line 73:
 
[[Category: H|Hansa Rollette Ref]]
 
[[Category: H|Hansa Rollette Ref]]
 
[[Category: R|Rollette Ref]]
 
[[Category: R|Rollette Ref]]
 +
[[Category: 1936]]

Latest revision as of 18:22, 9 December 2019

Japanese pseudo TLR (edit)
Prewar and wartime models
4.5×6 Hansa Rollette Ref | Roll Light Ref | Union Ref
4×4 Pilot Ref (4×4)
3×4 Alma Baby Ref | Baby Ref | Baby Roll Ref | Chukon Ref | Clover Baby Ref | Mario Ref | Pilot Ref | Prince Baby Ref | Truth
Postwar models
6×6 Cometflex | Dox New Six | Elliotte | Flex-O-Cord | Honestflex | Koniken | Mikono Flex C | Oplen Junior | Palma Brilliant | Rionflex | Rosko Brilliant | Topflex | Vesterflex
4.5×6 Binox | Maruso Refe
4×4 Herlight
Japanese true TLR ->
Japanese 6×6, 4.5×6, 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5 ->

The Union Ref and Hansa Rollette Ref[1] are Japanese 4.5×6 pseudo TLR cameras. They seem to be the first Japanese cameras with the TLR shape.[2]

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 twin lens reflex but the viewing lens is not used for focusing. The cheaper versions are fixed-focus, but this is perhaps not the case for the better ones.[3]

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,[4] where it is presented together with the Baby Ref as an affordable reflex camera. No company name is indicated.

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[5] 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.

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 Shōten but this is merely a guess.


The Hansa Rollette Ref

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

The Hansa Rollette Ref was featured in the new products column of the February 1936 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced above.[6] The document mentions a Triver[7] f/8 meniscus lens (単玉), and 100, 50, 25, B, T speeds. The dimensions are 12×9×8.5cm, and the price is ¥16.

The camera also appears in the catalogue of Yamashita Yūjirō Shōten dated April 20, 1937, together with the Hansa Semi Rollette 4.5×6cm folder.[8] In this document, the price is unchanged at ¥16 — case ¥4 extra. Nothing is said of the lens and shutter, and there is a picture showing three cameras.

Notes

  1. The name is spelled "Hanza Rollette Ref" in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339, but this is a typo.
  2. The Japanese Historical Camera, p.23 (in Japanese and English); Japanese-only version in this page of the JCII.
  3. Fixed-focus: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.339, about the Hansa Rollette Ref.
  4. Undated leaflet for the Victory, Semi Dymos, Reex, Baby Ref, Union Ref and Baby Chrome.
  5. Name inferred from the katakana ミリトル.
  6. Column in Asahi Camera February 1936, pp.329–30.
  7. The Triver spelling is inferred from the katakana トリバー and the Triver lens name found on a Ricohflex B.
  8. Extract of the catalogue reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.84.

Bibliography

Original documents

Recent sources

These cameras are not listed in Sugiyama.

Links

In Japanese: