Difference between revisions of "Victor folders"
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''See also the [[Auto Victor]] rigid model.'' | ''See also the [[Auto Victor]] rigid model.'' | ||
− | The '''Victor''' folders are Japanese 4.5×6 and 6×6 folding cameras, made | + | The '''Victor''' folders are Japanese 4.5×6 and 6×6 folding cameras, made from 1937 by [[Condor Camera|Motodori]].<REF> Dates: advertisements and articles listed in {{Kokusan}}, p. 339. </REF> The original Victor was the successor of the nearly identical [[Semi Lester]] and the series was followed by the similar [[Condor folders]]. |
== General description == | == General description == | ||
− | All the models | + | All the models have the same body, inherited from the [[Semi Lester]] and copied from the large [[Baldax]] model. Most have a folding optical finder, whose front part folds above the rear part. The folding bed release is to the right of the viewfinder, as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The advance knob is at the bottom right. The back is hinged to the left and the back latch is usually covered by a leather handle. There are two red windows, protected by vertically sliding individual covers, to control film advance. The name is embossed in the front leather: ''VICTOR'' on the 4.5×6cm models and ''VICTOR SIX'' on the 6×6cm models. All the models have a front-cell focusing lens. |
== Evolution == | == Evolution == | ||
=== Victor === | === Victor === | ||
− | The '''original Victor''' (ビクター) has a folding optical finder and no body release. The | + | The '''original Victor''' (ビクター), announced in September 1937,<REF> The earliest advertisement listed in {{Kokusan}}, p. 339, is dated September 1937, and the camera was mentioned as "available soon". </REF> has a folding optical finder, a leather handle and no body release. The individual red window covers are the only visible difference with the preceding [[Semi Lester]]. |
− | * | + | |
− | * | + | In an advertisement dated October 1937,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 84. </REF> placed by [[Motodori|Motodori Shashin Kikai Kōgyōsho]], the Victor was offered with a [[Rulex]] shutter by [[Neumann & Heilemann]], in four versions: |
− | * | + | * Delter Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Rulex D shutter, 25–150, B, T speeds ({{yen|50|1937}});<REF> This version has been observed in an online auction. </REF> |
+ | * Delter Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Rulex B shutter, 5–150, B, T speeds ({{yen|58|1937}}); | ||
+ | * Delter Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds ({{yen|65|1937}}); | ||
* Quick<REF> Name inferred from the ''katakana'' クイック appearing in later advertisements and in {{Kokusan}}, p. 339. The October 1937 advertisement reads クツク, a probable typo. </REF> Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds ({{yen|78|1937}}). | * Quick<REF> Name inferred from the ''katakana'' クイック appearing in later advertisements and in {{Kokusan}}, p. 339. The October 1937 advertisement reads クツク, a probable typo. </REF> Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds ({{yen|78|1937}}). | ||
− | The versions with | + | The versions with Delter lens are called the '''popular edition''' (大衆版). In the picture, the Rulex shutter has the old type of shutter plate (see [[Rulex]]). |
=== Semi Victor === | === Semi Victor === | ||
− | In | + | In advertisements dated June and September 1938,<REF> June 1938: [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/j.jpg advertisement] published in ''[[Asahi Graph]]'' (8 June 1938), reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website], and advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 85. September 1938: advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' (scans observed in an online auction). </REF> the company uses the dummy name Victor Camera Works (ビクターカメラ・ウオークス). The camera is now called '''Semi Victor''' (セミビクター) and the Victor Six is announced as coming soon. The list of versions has the following addition: |
* Quick Anastigmat 75/2.9 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds ({{yen|95|1938}}). | * Quick Anastigmat 75/2.9 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds ({{yen|95|1938}}). | ||
− | In one of the advertisements, the camera is presented together with the [[Auto Victor]] rigid model. | + | In one of the June advertisements, the camera is presented together with the [[Auto Victor]] rigid model. In all the pictures, the Rulex shutter has the newer type of shutter plate (see [[Rulex]]). |
=== Victor Six and Semi Victor with body release === | === Victor Six and Semi Victor with body release === | ||
− | The '''Victor Six''' (ビクターシックス), announced in 1938, was not released until 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 339, mentions advertisements in ''Asahi Camera'' between March to September 1938, but even | + | The '''Victor Six''' (ビクターシックス), announced in 1938, was not released until 1939.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 339, mentions advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' between March to September 1938, but even the latter one only mentions the camera as "available soon". </REF> It is a 6×6 model with a body release. Two versions exist, one has '''red window advance''' like the Semi Victor, the other has an '''auto-stop advance''' device with an exposure counter. This mechanism was copied on the [[Plaubel]] device mounted on rollfilm backs and on the [[Roll-Op|Roll-Op II]] camera. |
− | |||
− | |||
+ | The Semi Victor received a body release at the beginning of 1939, together with the introduction of the Victor Six.<REF> Date: advertisements listed in {{Kokusan}}, p. 339. </REF> In an advertisement dated January 1939,<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. 84. </REF> the following versions were offered: | ||
{| border="1" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;" | {| border="1" style="margin: 0.5em 2em; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 38: | Line 39: | ||
| style="text-align:left" | Quick Anastigmat 75/3.5,<br>Rulex A || {{yen|83|1939}} || {{yen|85|1939}} || {{yen|90|1939}} | | style="text-align:left" | Quick Anastigmat 75/3.5,<br>Rulex A || {{yen|83|1939}} || {{yen|85|1939}} || {{yen|90|1939}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | This advertisement was placed by [[Nissan|Nissan Kōgaku Kōgyōsha]], a company whose relationship with Motodori is unknown. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In mid 1939, the Victor folders were replaced by the similar [[Condor folders]]. However a "Semi Victor II" is said to be advertised by Ueno Shōten in the October 1939 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', with an Adler f/4.5 lens and a Rulex B shutter.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p. 339. </REF> The lens name could indicate a relationship with some of the [[Adler]] models by [[Ricoh|Riken]]. | ||
− | + | == Later models == | |
+ | The official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 has four versions of the Semi Victor and three of the Victor Six: "Semi Victor I" (¥74), "Semi Victor II" (¥85), "Semi Victor III" (¥88), "Semi Victor IV" (¥98), "Victor Six I" (¥79), "Victor Six II" (¥89), "Victor Six III" (¥110), with no further details.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 3, sections 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A; type 4, sections 3, 5A, 6A. </REF> The same list also has [[Condor folders|Condor models]]. A similar list dated November 1941 still has the "Semi Victor IV", attributed to "Motodori Kōgaku".<REF> {{Kakaku1141_short}}, type 3, section 7A. </REF> | ||
− | {{McKeown}} | + | One late example of the Victor is pictured in {{Sugiyama}}.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 1261. The same information is repeated in {{McKeown}}, p. 945. </REF> It has a rigid optical finder, a new type of back latch with no leather handle, and perhaps a bakelite advance knob. The lens is a Delter Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5. The unmarked shutter is everset and gives 5–250, B, T speeds; it is in #00 size and looks disproportionately small on the Victor body. The camera is only identified by the name ''VICTOR'' embossed in the front leather; it is pretty similar to the [[Zeitax]] pictured in [http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JA_ZEITAX_QQ_PIC.htm this page] or [http://rd2h-ari.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JAS_ZEITAX_QQ_PIC.htm this page at Japan Family Camera] except for the absence of body release (and maybe for the configuration of the red windows). |
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Line 48: | Line 53: | ||
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
* {{Showa10}} Items 188–9 and 191. (See also the advertisement for item 190.) | * {{Showa10}} Items 188–9 and 191. (See also the advertisement for item 190.) | ||
+ | * {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, section 7A. | ||
+ | * {{Kakaku1940}} Type 3, sections 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A; type 4, sections 3, 5A, 6A. | ||
* {{McKeown12}} P. 945. | * {{McKeown12}} P. 945. | ||
+ | * {{Zukan}} Item 1261. | ||
== Links == | == Links == |
Revision as of 14:22, 12 July 2007
See also the Auto Victor rigid model.
The Victor folders are Japanese 4.5×6 and 6×6 folding cameras, made from 1937 by Motodori.[1] The original Victor was the successor of the nearly identical Semi Lester and the series was followed by the similar Condor folders.
Contents
General description
All the models have the same body, inherited from the Semi Lester and copied from the large Baldax model. Most have a folding optical finder, whose front part folds above the rear part. The folding bed release is to the right of the viewfinder, as seen by the photographer holding the camera horizontally. The advance knob is at the bottom right. The back is hinged to the left and the back latch is usually covered by a leather handle. There are two red windows, protected by vertically sliding individual covers, to control film advance. The name is embossed in the front leather: VICTOR on the 4.5×6cm models and VICTOR SIX on the 6×6cm models. All the models have a front-cell focusing lens.
Evolution
Victor
The original Victor (ビクター), announced in September 1937,[2] has a folding optical finder, a leather handle and no body release. The individual red window covers are the only visible difference with the preceding Semi Lester.
In an advertisement dated October 1937,[3] placed by Motodori Shashin Kikai Kōgyōsho, the Victor was offered with a Rulex shutter by Neumann & Heilemann, in four versions:
- Delter Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Rulex D shutter, 25–150, B, T speeds (¥50);[4]
- Delter Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Rulex B shutter, 5–150, B, T speeds (¥58);
- Delter Anastigmat 75/4.5 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds (¥65);
- Quick[5] Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds (¥78).
The versions with Delter lens are called the popular edition (大衆版). In the picture, the Rulex shutter has the old type of shutter plate (see Rulex).
Semi Victor
In advertisements dated June and September 1938,[6] the company uses the dummy name Victor Camera Works (ビクターカメラ・ウオークス). The camera is now called Semi Victor (セミビクター) and the Victor Six is announced as coming soon. The list of versions has the following addition:
- Quick Anastigmat 75/2.9 lens, Rulex A shutter, 1–200, B, T speeds (¥95).
In one of the June advertisements, the camera is presented together with the Auto Victor rigid model. In all the pictures, the Rulex shutter has the newer type of shutter plate (see Rulex).
Victor Six and Semi Victor with body release
The Victor Six (ビクターシックス), announced in 1938, was not released until 1939.[7] It is a 6×6 model with a body release. Two versions exist, one has red window advance like the Semi Victor, the other has an auto-stop advance device with an exposure counter. This mechanism was copied on the Plaubel device mounted on rollfilm backs and on the Roll-Op II camera.
The Semi Victor received a body release at the beginning of 1939, together with the introduction of the Victor Six.[8] In an advertisement dated January 1939,[9] the following versions were offered:
body version | Semi Victor | Victor Six without exposure counter |
Victor Six with exposure counter |
lens and shutter | |||
Deller Anastigmat 75/4.5, Rulex B |
¥63 | ¥65 | ¥70 |
Deller Anastigmat 75/4.5, Rulex A |
¥70 | ¥73 | ¥78 |
Quick Anastigmat 75/3.5, Rulex A |
¥83 | ¥85 | ¥90 |
This advertisement was placed by Nissan Kōgaku Kōgyōsha, a company whose relationship with Motodori is unknown.
In mid 1939, the Victor folders were replaced by the similar Condor folders. However a "Semi Victor II" is said to be advertised by Ueno Shōten in the October 1939 issue of Asahi Camera, with an Adler f/4.5 lens and a Rulex B shutter.[10] The lens name could indicate a relationship with some of the Adler models by Riken.
Later models
The official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 has four versions of the Semi Victor and three of the Victor Six: "Semi Victor I" (¥74), "Semi Victor II" (¥85), "Semi Victor III" (¥88), "Semi Victor IV" (¥98), "Victor Six I" (¥79), "Victor Six II" (¥89), "Victor Six III" (¥110), with no further details.[11] The same list also has Condor models. A similar list dated November 1941 still has the "Semi Victor IV", attributed to "Motodori Kōgaku".[12]
One late example of the Victor is pictured in Sugiyama.[13] It has a rigid optical finder, a new type of back latch with no leather handle, and perhaps a bakelite advance knob. The lens is a Delter Anastigmat 7.5cm f/4.5. The unmarked shutter is everset and gives 5–250, B, T speeds; it is in #00 size and looks disproportionately small on the Victor body. The camera is only identified by the name VICTOR embossed in the front leather; it is pretty similar to the Zeitax pictured in this page or this page at Japan Family Camera except for the absence of body release (and maybe for the configuration of the red windows).
Notes
- ↑ Dates: advertisements and articles listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 339.
- ↑ The earliest advertisement listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 339, is dated September 1937, and the camera was mentioned as "available soon".
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 84.
- ↑ This version has been observed in an online auction.
- ↑ Name inferred from the katakana クイック appearing in later advertisements and in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 339. The October 1937 advertisement reads クツク, a probable typo.
- ↑ June 1938: advertisement published in Asahi Graph (8 June 1938), reproduced in the Gochamaze website, and advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 85. September 1938: advertisement published in Asahi Camera (scans observed in an online auction).
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 339, mentions advertisements in Asahi Camera between March to September 1938, but even the latter one only mentions the camera as "available soon".
- ↑ Date: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 339.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 84.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 339.
- ↑ Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 3, sections 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A; type 4, sections 3, 5A, 6A.
- ↑ "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, section 7A.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 1261. The same information is repeated in McKeown, p. 945.
Bibliography
- 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. Items 188–9 and 191. (See also the advertisement for item 190.)
- "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō" (カメラの公定価格官報発表, Official announcement of the set prices of the cameras), November 1941. Extract of a table listing Japanese camera production and setting the retail prices, reproduced in "Bebī Semi Fāsuto 'Kore ha bebī wo nanotta semi-ki da'" (ベビーセミファースト"これはベビーを名乗ったセミ機だ", Baby Semi First, 'this is a Semi camera called Baby'), an article by Furukawa Yasuo (古川保男) in Camera Collectors' News no. 277 (July 2000). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. P. 27. Type 3, section 7A.
- Template:Kakaku1940 Type 3, sections 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A; type 4, sections 3, 5A, 6A.
- 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. 945.
- 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. Item 1261.
Links
In Japanese:
- Advertisement published in the 8 June 1938 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the camera company page of the Gochamaze website