Difference between revisions of "Vero Four"

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There is a single red window in the back, used to set the first exposure and protected by a horizontally sliding cover. Film loading is through the bottom plate, which is styled after the [[Leica]] screw mount models, with a single opening key at one end.
 
There is a single red window in the back, used to set the first exposure and protected by a horizontally sliding cover. Film loading is through the bottom plate, which is styled after the [[Leica]] screw mount models, with a single opening key at one end.
  
All the models observed have a Rapid-Vero shutter giving T, B, 1–500 speeds. The April 1943 government inquiry on the Japanese camera production says that the camera was equipped with a Rapid Presto made by [[Kinshō]] and giving the same range of speeds (including a typical 1/300 setting),<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-R-4. </REF> but these two shutters were probably identical. The lens is a front-cell focusing Vero Anastigmat 60/3.5 on the first models and a unit-focusing Verona Anastigmat 60/3.5 on the following models. The Verona has three elements and was made by [[Kinshō]] too.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item K4. </REF>
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All the models observed have a Rapid-Vero shutter giving T, B, 1–500 speeds. The April 1943 government inquiry on the Japanese camera production says that the camera was equipped with a Rapid Presto made by [[Kinshō]] and giving the same range of speeds (including a typical 1/300 setting),<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 18-R-4. </REF> but these two shutters were probably identical. The lens is a front-cell focusing Vero Anastigmat 6.0cm f/3.5 on the early models and a unit-focusing Verona Anastigmat 6.0cm f/3.5 on later ones. The Verona has three elements and was made by [[Kinshō]] too.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, lens item K4. </REF>
  
 
== Evolution ==
 
== Evolution ==
 
=== Original model, front-cell focusing ===
 
=== Original model, front-cell focusing ===
The '''original model''' has a front-cell focusing lens and no leather covering. The lens is a Vero Anastigmat 60/3.5 lens and the shutter is a Rapid Vero giving T, B, 1–500 speeds. The camera was featured in the January 1938 issue of {{ACA}}, reproduced below.<REF> Column in {{ACA}} January 1938, pp.173–4. </REF> In this document, the camera is said to be distributed by "Star Camera Works" (スター・カメラ・ウワークス). The lens is described as a Vero Anastigmat 60/3.5, and the shutter as a Rapid-Vero.<REF> The full range of speeds is specified: T, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500. </REF> The advance mechanism is said to have no auto-stop provision, but to include an exposure counter. The absence of a body release is regretted, but accounted for by the difficulties involved in adding this mechanism — certainly because of the telescopic tube configuration.<REF> Original sentence: これがボデイ・レリーズであったならと思われますが、此形式では装置に困難が伴いましょう. </REF> The price is quoted as {{yen|115|1938}}, including an ever-ready case and a hood with filter holder.
+
The '''original model''' has a front-cell focusing lens and no leather covering. The lens is a Vero Anastigmat 6.0cm f/3.5 and the shutter is a Rapid Vero giving T, B, 1–500 speeds.<REF> The full range of speeds is specified as T, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 in the column in {{ACA}} January 1938, pp.173–4. </REF> The camera was featured in the January 1938 issue of {{ACA}}, reproduced below.<REF> Column in {{ACA}} January 1938, pp.173–4. </REF> In this document, the camera is said to be distributed by "Star Camera Works" (スター・カメラ・ウワークス). The advance mechanism is said to have no auto-stop provision, but to include an exposure counter. The absence of a body release is regretted, but accounted for by the difficulties involved in adding this mechanism — certainly because of the telescopic tube configuration.<REF> Original sentence: これがボデイ・レリーズであったならと思われますが、此形式では装置に困難が伴いましょう. </REF> The price is quoted as {{yen|115|1938}}, including an ever-ready case and a hood with filter holder.
  
 
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In the earliest picture, the exposure counter looks like a simple slit and the reset button is barely visible, perhaps because of a retouch. In subsequent pictures published from March onwards, the counter is contained inside a frame shaped as a parallelogram, and there is a reset button next to it. The same type of exposure counter has been observed on an early Vero Four F (see below); it contains a slotted index running in a slit along a ladder graduated from 1 to 12. The name ''Vero'' is engraved on the advance housing, together with the serial number. A logo reading ''n.m.k.'' is engraved above the viewfinder, the same as found on an early Vero Four F (see below).
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The earliest pictures, used till March 1938,<REF> Column in {{ACA}} January 1938, pp.173–4, advertisements in {{ACA}} January 1938, p.A45, and February 1938, p.A33, and advertisements in ''[[Asahi Graph]]'', [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/syasinki18.jpg 17 January] and [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/Ve.jpg 23 March 1938], reproduced in [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze]. </REF> show an extremely early camera. The exposure counter appears as a mere slit, certainly with a running index; the reset button is small and is barely visible after the picture was cut-out for insertion in the advertisements.
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|| ''January 1938 news column''
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|| ''February 1938 advertisement''
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| colspan=2 | ''Very early Vero Four in {{ACA}}. {{public domain Japan old}}''
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In subsequent pictures published from March onwards, the counter is contained inside a frame shaped as a parallelogram, and there is a reset button next to it. The same type of exposure counter has been observed on an early Vero Four F (see below); it contains a slotted index running in a slit along a ladder graduated from 1 to 12. The name ''Vero'' is engraved on the advance housing, together with the serial number. A logo reading ''n.m.k.'' is engraved above the viewfinder, the same as found on an early Vero Four F (see below).
  
 
No surviving example of the Vero Four with front-cell focusing has yet been observed.
 
No surviving example of the Vero Four with front-cell focusing has yet been observed.

Revision as of 13:53, 27 June 2010

Japanese Baby (3×4) and Four (4×4) (edit)
folding
3×4 Baby Balnet | Doris | Baby Doris | Baby Germa | Kinsi | Baby Leotax | Loren | Baby Lyra | Baby Pearl | Baby Pilot | Baby Rosen | Baby Suzuka | Walz
4×4 Adler Four | Rosen Four
rigid or collapsible
3×4 Baika | Baby Chrome | Comet | Cyclon | Gelto | Baby Germa | Gokoku | Hamond | Baby Hawk | Kinka Lucky | Lausar | Light | Baby Light | Molby | Mulber | Olympic | Baby Ōso | Peacock | Picny | Ricohl | Rorox | Shinko Baby | Slick | Baby Sport | Tsubasa Arawashi | Baby Uirus | Zessan
3.5×4 Kenko 35
4×4 Alma Four | Andes Four | Anny 44 | Arsen | Balnet Four | Bonny Four | Freude | Kalimar 44 | Auto Keef | Kraft | Letix | Mykey-4 | Olympic Four | Roico | Royal Senior | Seica | Terra Junior | Vero Four | Welmy 44 | Yashica Future 127
unknown
Baby First | Baby Lyra Flex
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6, 6×6 and 6×9 ->

The Vero Four (ヴェロ・フォアー) is a Japanese camera taking 4×4cm pictures on 127 film. It was made by Kinshō and distributed by Ueda Shashinki-ten from 1938 to about 1943.[1] The name "Star Camera Works" appears in advertisements and other documents dated 1938, but it was probably not a dummy name belonging to the distributor, as other names ending in Camera Works.

Description

The Vero Four has a metal body and a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly. The viewfinder sits in a recessed part of the top plate, slightly offset to the left. There is an accessory shoe at the left end. The advance knob is at the right end and the right half of the top plate is covered by a housing containing the advance mechanism and exposure counter. (The film paper backing was not marked for 4×4cm pictures at the time the camera was sold, and the exposure counter was absolutely needed.)

There is a single red window in the back, used to set the first exposure and protected by a horizontally sliding cover. Film loading is through the bottom plate, which is styled after the Leica screw mount models, with a single opening key at one end.

All the models observed have a Rapid-Vero shutter giving T, B, 1–500 speeds. The April 1943 government inquiry on the Japanese camera production says that the camera was equipped with a Rapid Presto made by Kinshō and giving the same range of speeds (including a typical 1/300 setting),[2] but these two shutters were probably identical. The lens is a front-cell focusing Vero Anastigmat 6.0cm f/3.5 on the early models and a unit-focusing Verona Anastigmat 6.0cm f/3.5 on later ones. The Verona has three elements and was made by Kinshō too.[3]

Evolution

Original model, front-cell focusing

The original model has a front-cell focusing lens and no leather covering. The lens is a Vero Anastigmat 6.0cm f/3.5 and the shutter is a Rapid Vero giving T, B, 1–500 speeds.[4] The camera was featured in the January 1938 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced below.[5] In this document, the camera is said to be distributed by "Star Camera Works" (スター・カメラ・ウワークス). The advance mechanism is said to have no auto-stop provision, but to include an exposure counter. The absence of a body release is regretted, but accounted for by the difficulties involved in adding this mechanism — certainly because of the telescopic tube configuration.[6] The price is quoted as ¥115, including an ever-ready case and a hood with filter holder.

The original model also appears in advertisements running from January 1938 to September 1938.[7] Very early advertisements wrongly say that the camera can take 14 exposures in 4×4cm size,[8] and most documents omit 1/10 from the range of speeds, despite providing photographic evidence of its presence on the shutter dial. The price and accessories are the same as mentioned in the original announcement, and the company name in all the advertisements is "Star Camera Works", mentioned as the distributor.

The earliest pictures, used till March 1938,[9] show an extremely early camera. The exposure counter appears as a mere slit, certainly with a running index; the reset button is small and is barely visible after the picture was cut-out for insertion in the advertisements.

In subsequent pictures published from March onwards, the counter is contained inside a frame shaped as a parallelogram, and there is a reset button next to it. The same type of exposure counter has been observed on an early Vero Four F (see below); it contains a slotted index running in a slit along a ladder graduated from 1 to 12. The name Vero is engraved on the advance housing, together with the serial number. A logo reading n.m.k. is engraved above the viewfinder, the same as found on an early Vero Four F (see below).

No surviving example of the Vero Four with front-cell focusing has yet been observed.

Vero Four F, unit focusing

The range was declined in three models from October 1938. The Vero Four C seems to be identical to the previous model and the Vero Four D is the same camera with leather covering. The Vero Four F has a focusing helical at the base of the telescopic tube and a Verona lens; on the original variant, the rest of the features is the same. These three models are described in an advertisement in Asahi Camera October 1938, where the C and D are priced at ¥115 and the F at ¥125.[10] The F appears alone in an advertisement in Asahi Camera April 1939, but the heavily retouched picture seems to show a Vero Four D instead.[11] A list of accessories is given, with a filter holder (¥1.50), a lens hood (¥2) and a case (¥6). An advertisement dated December 1939 shows a murky drawing, on which the details of the exposure counter cannot be observed, and gives the same price and accessory list.[12]

A single surviving example of the first variant has been observed, with a body number in the 1xxx range, and the very low serial number 0340 on the lens. It has the same exposure counter as on the pictures of the model C. The letters n.m.k. are engraved above the viewfinder. The exact same engraving would appear on the Flora 6×6cm prototype, perhaps indicating a relationship with Kinshō — the meaning of the N.M.K. initials is unknown.

The exposure counter was altered after that date, on the second variant of the Vero Four F. It now appears under a crescent-shaped window, displacing the Vero engraving to the rear. The button has moved too and a small lever is added behind which, when in the "A" position, allows the film wind knob to be turned at will; and when in the "G" position allows the film to be advanced one frame at a time (in use the film is wound with the lever set on "A" to the first frame using the red film window on the back of the camera and once the initial number on the film backing paper shows "1" the window slide is closed and the top lever is set to "G". When a photograph is taken the button on top of the camera is temporarily pressed and the film wind knob turned. The counter will then advance and the film knob will stop at the next frame. Once all 12 pictures are taken the lever on top is then set to "A" to allow the film to be freely wound. At the same time the lever is set to "A" the film counter resets to 1). There is a K.S. logo above the viewfinder, probably standing for Kinshō or Kinshō Seisakusho.

This variant of the Vero Four F is pictured in Sugiyama and the same example is also pictured in Kokusan kamera no rekishi (the advance knob is not original).[13] The speed rim is engraved RAPID–VERO at the bottom. The lens is engraved Verona Anastigmat f=6.0cm 1:3.5. This paricular example has the three-digit lens number 364, very close to no.0340 found on example of the early variant described above.

The second variant is pictured in advertisements dated August and November 1940 and January 1941, where it is offered at an unchanged price (an advertisement dated December 1940 makes use of the older retouched picture of a Vero Four D).[14] The camera also appears in the list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941, under the names "Vero Four" and "Vero Four F", both for the same price of ¥125.[15] This perhaps indicates that the front-cell focusing model was still available for sale.

On the third variant, a frame was added to the front of the viewfinder, attached by two screws. One example with this frame and the crescent-shaped exposure counter is pictured in this page of the AJCC and another appears in a Christies auction catalogue.[16]

The examples of the fourth variant have a round exposure counter window replacing the crescent-shaped one. This variant is the most common, and one example is pictured in this page.[17]

The Vero Four still appears in the April 1943 government inquiry (with the shutter listed as a Rapid-Presto).[18]

Rangefinder conversions

The Cyclon coupled rangefinder conversion offered in 1943 and 1944 for the Gelto was also available for the Vero Four (presumably only for the unit-focusing Vero Four F).[19] The conversion is described in detail in this section of the Gelto page. It is not known if the earlier conversion with separate range- and viewfinder, called Suzuki coupled device, was offered for this camera. No surviving example has been observed with a rangefinder conversion.

Notes

  1. Made by Kinshō: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), item 153. Dates: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.341, run from 1938 to 1941, and the camera was still mentioned in the "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras") compiled in April 1943.
  2. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 18-R-4.
  3. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), lens item K4.
  4. The full range of speeds is specified as T, B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 in the column in Asahi Camera January 1938, pp.173–4.
  5. Column in Asahi Camera January 1938, pp.173–4.
  6. Original sentence: これがボデイ・レリーズであったならと思われますが、此形式では装置に困難が伴いましょう.
  7. Advertisements in Asahi Camera January 1938, p.A45, February 1938, p.A33, March 1938, p.A43, April 1938, p.A39, May 1938, p.A41, June 1938, p.A39, and September 1938, p.A35. See also the advertisements in Asahi Graph, 17 January, 23 March and 29 June 1938 reproduced in Gochamaze.
  8. Advertisement in Asahi Camera January 1938, p.A45, and advertisement in Asahi Graph, 17 January 1938, reproduced in Gochamaze.
  9. Column in Asahi Camera January 1938, pp.173–4, advertisements in Asahi Camera January 1938, p.A45, and February 1938, p.A33, and advertisements in Asahi Graph, 17 January and 23 March 1938, reproduced in Gochamaze.
  10. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.92.
  11. Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.92.
  12. Advertisement on p.24 of Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin, December 15, 1939, reproduced on p.58 of Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku.
  13. Sugiyama, item 3053, Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.13. Lens no.364, body number starting with "2".
  14. Advertisements in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp.72, 76 and 77.
  15. "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku", type 1, section 10.
  16. Christies auction dated 13 January 1994, lot 221. Body no.2529. Lens number reported as no.0771. The example of the AJCC has body no.2x25 and lens no.0838.
  17. Examples observed: body no.3118 (online auction and online shop, lens not original); body no.3727, lens no.2009 (online auctions) body no.44xx, lens no.2889 (online auction); body no.4784, lens no.3080 (this page); lens no.3220 (Sugiyama, item 3054); lens no.44xx (McKeown, p.943); body no.6367, lens no.4255 (page at Japan Family Camera); body no.6617, lens no.4513 (online auction).
  18. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), item 153.
  19. Advertisements dated October 1943 and May 1944 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.112.

Bibliography

Original documents

  • Asahi Camera. "Atarashii kikai to zairyō" (新しい機械と材料, New equipment and materials), January 1938, pp.173–4.
  • Asahi Camera. Advertisements by "Star Camera Works":
    • January 1938, p.A45;
    • February 1938, p.A33;
    • March 1938, p.A43;
    • April 1938, p.A39;
    • May 1938, p.A41;
    • June 1938, p.A39;
    • September 1938, p.A35.

Recent sources

  • Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Item 239. (See also the advertisements for items 129 and 136 and the picture on p.13.)
  • Christies auction catalogue: Cameras and Optical Toys (13 January 1994), lot no.221.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" (国産写真機ノ現状調査, Inquiry into Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943. Reproduced in Supuringu kamera de ikou: Zen 69 kishu no shōkai to tsukaikata (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の紹介と使い方, Let's try spring cameras: Presentation and use of 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha, 2004. ISBN 4-87956-072-3. Pp.180–7. Item 153.
  • "Kokusan shashinki no kōtei kakaku" (国産写真機の公定価格, Set prices of the Japanese cameras), listing Japanese camera production as of October 25, 1940 and setting the retail prices from December 10, 1940. Published in Asahi Camera January 1941 and reproduced in Shōwa 10—40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10〜40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935—1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Pp.108—9. Type 1, section 10.
  • McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.943.
  • Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin (日本写真興業通信). Hyaku-gō goto jūkai no kiroku (百号ごと十回の記録, Ten records, every hundred issues). Tokyo: Nihon Shashin Kōgyō Tsūshin Sha (日本写真興業通信社), 1967. No ISBN number. Advertisement on p.58, corresponding to p.24 of the December 15, 1939 issue.
  • Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Items 3053–4.

Links

In Japanese: