Difference between revisions of "Weha Chrome Six"
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<br>''Picture courtesy of eBayer amwcameras.''<br>''Camera owned by Bernard Danenberg. {{with permission}}'' | <br>''Picture courtesy of eBayer amwcameras.''<br>''Camera owned by Bernard Danenberg. {{with permission}}'' | ||
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| − | The Weha Chrome Six has a rigid body and a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly. The most striking feature is the coupled-rangefinder arm, externally looking like the rangefinder of the [[Super Ikonta]]. The lens is front-cell focusing and the rangefinder coupling is optical, with no mechanical linkage: the lens front element is geared to an optical device placed in front of the second image window. The Weha Chrome Six does not have a rotating wedge prism like the [[Super Ikonta]] and other [[Zeiss Ikon]] cameras but a small lens that is moved laterally while focusing.<REF> This is explained in [http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/gatapasya/9202216.html this page of Gatapasya's camera repair blog] and in Awano, pp. | + | The Weha Chrome Six has a rigid body and a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly. The most striking feature is the coupled-rangefinder arm, externally looking like the rangefinder of the [[Super Ikonta]]. The lens is front-cell focusing and the rangefinder coupling is optical, with no mechanical linkage: the lens front element is geared to an optical device placed in front of the second image window. The Weha Chrome Six does not have a rotating wedge prism like the [[Super Ikonta]] and other [[Zeiss Ikon]] cameras but a small lens that is moved laterally while focusing.<REF> This is explained in [http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/gatapasya/9202216.html this page of Gatapasya's camera repair blog] and in Awano, pp.1–2. Both authors appear to have dismantled actual examples of the camera. Many other sources mistakenly say that the Weha Chrome Six has the same "drehkeil" system as the Super Ikonta. </REF> |
All the models have a 75mm f/3.5 lens. The massive aperture ring is placed behind the shutter and it can be easily confused for a focusing ring. There is a small button at the front of the body, to the right: it slides towards the bottom to unlock the telescopic tube from the fully extended position. | All the models have a 75mm f/3.5 lens. The massive aperture ring is placed behind the shutter and it can be easily confused for a focusing ring. There is a small button at the front of the body, to the right: it slides towards the bottom to unlock the telescopic tube from the fully extended position. | ||
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There is an exposure counter at the left end of the top plate, with two concentric scales: the inner scale is graduated from 1 to 12 and is used for 6×6 pictures whereas the outer scale is graduated from 1 to 16 and is used for 4.5×6 pictures. There is a selector next to the exposure counter, with ''O'' and ''S'' positions. The function of this selector is unsure, perhaps it switches the exposure counter from 6×6 to 4.5×6. | There is an exposure counter at the left end of the top plate, with two concentric scales: the inner scale is graduated from 1 to 12 and is used for 6×6 pictures whereas the outer scale is graduated from 1 to 16 and is used for 4.5×6 pictures. There is a selector next to the exposure counter, with ''O'' and ''S'' positions. The function of this selector is unsure, perhaps it switches the exposure counter from 6×6 to 4.5×6. | ||
| − | The back has a single red window at the top left, certainly used to set the position of the first exposure. The sources are conflicting on the film advance control system. An original advertisement mentions a "special film advance device" (フィルム特種捲取装置), an ambiguous formulation.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' October 1937, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. | + | The back has a single red window at the top left, certainly used to set the position of the first exposure. The sources are conflicting on the film advance control system. An original advertisement mentions a "special film advance device" (フィルム特種捲取装置), an ambiguous formulation.<REF> Advertisement published in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' October 1937, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.59, and in Awano, p.8. </REF> Contemporary articles in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' say that the film advance automatically stops and that it is linked to the shutter button for double exposure prevention.<REF> Column of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' November 1937, about the original Weha Chrome Six, and of ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' May 1940, about the Weha Chrome Six III, reproduced in Awano, p.3. </REF> However Awano says that these articles are wrong and that the cameras have no automatic stop nor double exposure prevention and that the film advance is manually controlled via the exposure counter.<REF> Awano, p.2. </REF> |
=== Original Weha Chrome Six === | === Original Weha Chrome Six === | ||
| − | The '''original Weha Chrome Six''' (ウエハークロームシックス) — called in retrospect "Weha Chrome Six I" — was released in late 1937: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in October and was featured in the November issue of the same magazine.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p. | + | The '''original Weha Chrome Six''' (ウエハークロームシックス) — called in retrospect "Weha Chrome Six I" — was released in late 1937: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in October and was featured in the November issue of the same magazine.<REF> Advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.59, and in Awano, p.8. Magazine article reproduced in Awano, p.3. </REF> It was also advertised in ''[[Asahi Graph]]'' in June 1938.<REF> [http://syasinsyuu.cool.ne.jp/camera/j.jpg Advertisement] published in the 8 June 1938 issue of ''[[Asahi Graph]]'', reproduced in the [http://kyoto.cool.ne.jp/syasinsyuu/index.htm Gochamaze website]. </REF> The price was {{yen|155|1937}}. |
| − | This model has a flat top plate except for the half-sunken tubular finder. This name plate wears no identification marking. It is said that below the top cover, the inner plate supporting the rangefinder is made of wood, and that it is also true of the inner bottom plate.<REF> Awano, p. | + | This model has a flat top plate except for the half-sunken tubular finder. This name plate wears no identification marking. It is said that below the top cover, the inner plate supporting the rangefinder is made of wood, and that it is also true of the inner bottom plate.<REF> Awano, p.2. </REF> |
The accessory shoe is to the left of the finder. The O and S selector is a simple milled cylinder, turning 90 degrees. The exposure counter has a near conical shape. Strangely there is no index or arrow to indicate the exposure number, so that the user needs to choose its own reference point. | The accessory shoe is to the left of the finder. The O and S selector is a simple milled cylinder, turning 90 degrees. The exposure counter has a near conical shape. Strangely there is no index or arrow to indicate the exposure number, so that the user needs to choose its own reference point. | ||
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The lens is a Weha Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 and the shutter gives T, B, 1–200 speeds, with a self-timer and a distant release connector. The shutter is cocked by a lever, independently from the film advance. The shutter plate is engraved ''Weha Chrome Six'' at the top and ''Auto Genoa'' at the bottom, the latter probably being the shutter name. The mention ''PATENT PENDING'' is inscribed on the rangefinder arm. | The lens is a Weha Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 and the shutter gives T, B, 1–200 speeds, with a self-timer and a distant release connector. The shutter is cocked by a lever, independently from the film advance. The shutter plate is engraved ''Weha Chrome Six'' at the top and ''Auto Genoa'' at the bottom, the latter probably being the shutter name. The mention ''PATENT PENDING'' is inscribed on the rangefinder arm. | ||
| − | Only one surviving example has been observed so far, pictured in Awano and {{Sugiyama}}, with body | + | Only one surviving example has been observed so far, pictured in Awano and {{Sugiyama}}, with body no.503.<REF> Awano, p.4, front and back cover; {{Sugiyama}}, item 3055. </REF> |
=== Weha Chrome Six II === | === Weha Chrome Six II === | ||
| − | The '''Weha Chrome Six II''' (ウエハークロームシックスⅡ型) was released in late 1938: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in December 1938 for {{yen|195|1938}}, in April 1939 for {{yen|235|1939}} and in February 1940 for {{yen|245|1940}}.<REF> December 1938 and February 1940 advertisements reproduced in Awano, p. | + | The '''Weha Chrome Six II''' (ウエハークロームシックスⅡ型) was released in late 1938: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in December 1938 for {{yen|195|1938}}, in April 1939 for {{yen|235|1939}} and in February 1940 for {{yen|245|1940}}.<REF> December 1938 and February 1940 advertisements reproduced in Awano, p.9. April 1939 advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.59. </REF> |
This model has a redesigned top plate, with a stepped part between the two rangefinder windows, containing the viewfinder and a flush accessory shoe. The name ''WEHA CHROME–SIX'' is inscribed above this. | This model has a redesigned top plate, with a stepped part between the two rangefinder windows, containing the viewfinder and a flush accessory shoe. The name ''WEHA CHROME–SIX'' is inscribed above this. | ||
| − | The exposure counter has a new flatter shape. Many other parts present minor changes, for example the O and S selector or the release button. It is said that the wooden inner plates are replaced by bakelite ones.<REF> Awano, p. | + | The exposure counter has a new flatter shape. Many other parts present minor changes, for example the O and S selector or the release button. It is said that the wooden inner plates are replaced by bakelite ones.<REF> Awano, p.2. </REF> |
| − | The lens is the same Weha Anastigmat and the shutter adds a 1/300 top speed to the previous range. The style of the front markings is different: the camera name is written ''WEHA CHROME–SIX'' in uppercase letters and the shutter name is written ''AUTO ZENOA''.<REF> Sugiyama, item 3056, says "Auto-Zenor" by mistake. </REF> This is perhaps not true of all the examples: the December 1938 advertising picture seems to show the name ''Weha Chrome Six'' in lowercase letters. Incidentally, it also shows the lens cap engraved ''Weha''. | + | The lens is the same Weha Anastigmat and the shutter adds a 1/300 top speed to the previous range. The style of the front markings is different: the camera name is written ''WEHA CHROME–SIX'' in uppercase letters and the shutter name is written ''AUTO ZENOA''.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, item 3056, says "Auto-Zenor" by mistake. </REF> This is perhaps not true of all the examples: the December 1938 advertising picture seems to show the name ''Weha Chrome Six'' in lowercase letters. Incidentally, it also shows the lens cap engraved ''Weha''. |
| − | Only one surviving example of the Weha Chrome Six II has been observed so far, pictured in Awano and {{Sugiyama}}, with body n°568.<REF> Awano, | + | Only one surviving example of the Weha Chrome Six II has been observed so far, pictured in Awano and {{Sugiyama}}, with body n°568.<REF> Awano, p.5; Sugiyama, item 3056. </REF> |
=== Weha Chrome Six III === | === Weha Chrome Six III === | ||
There is some degree of confusion about the Weha Chrome Six III, because the company sometimes used the same name for the second generation model presented below (also called Weha Chrome Six New). | There is some degree of confusion about the Weha Chrome Six III, because the company sometimes used the same name for the second generation model presented below (also called Weha Chrome Six New). | ||
| − | The first '''Weha Chrome Six III''' (ウエハークロームシックスⅢ型) was released in 1940: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in February for {{yen|275|1940}} along with the model II and in November alone (price not mentioned).<REF> February advertisement reproduced in Awano, p. | + | The first '''Weha Chrome Six III''' (ウエハークロームシックスⅢ型) was released in 1940: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' in February for {{yen|275|1940}} along with the model II and in November alone (price not mentioned).<REF> February advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.9. November advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.60. </REF> The advertisements mention a new Weha S 75/3.5 lens and a new Rapid shutter to 1/400. In both cases, the advertising picture does not depict the model III: it is exactly the same as in the April 1939 advertisement for the model II. The camera was also featured in the May 1940 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' where it is described as similar to the model II except for the lens and shutter. <REF> Magazine article reproduced in Awano, p.3. </REF> The official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 has a "Weha Chrome Six" for ¥248, with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 3, section 9. </REF> |
| − | The model III certainly corresponds to the surviving examples pictured in Lewis, in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371062&APage=7 this page of the AJCC] and in [http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/gatapasya/9202216.html this page of Gatapasya's blog]. It has a new shutter with a red-dotted cocking lever, the 400 setting painted in red and a | + | The model III certainly corresponds to the surviving examples pictured in Lewis, in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371062&APage=7 this page of the AJCC] and in [http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/gatapasya/9202216.html this page of Gatapasya's blog]. It has a new shutter with a red-dotted cocking lever, the 400 setting painted in red, and a self-timer control an the top shaped as a mushroom. The shutter face is marked ''AUTO RAPID EHIRA'' at the top and ''PATENT PENDING'' at the bottom. This Auto Rapid Ehira shutter was made by [[Ehira]] itself, as its nzme indicates.<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 24-R-3. </REF> The rangefinder arm is marked ''PATENT'' instead of ''PATENT PENDING,'' certainly because the patent was accepted and published. The lens is engraved ''Weha S. Anastigmat 1:3.5 F=75mm N°xxxx''. |
== Second generation: combined range and view-finder == | == Second generation: combined range and view-finder == | ||
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The second generation models have a different body shape and a combined range and viewfinder. The common eyepiece is offset to the left and the second image window is to the right. The rangefinder arm is thus on the opposite side, but the focusing wheel is still on the left-hand side. The focusing scale goes from infinity to four feet, indicated by an arrow placed next to the focusing wheel. | The second generation models have a different body shape and a combined range and viewfinder. The common eyepiece is offset to the left and the second image window is to the right. The rangefinder arm is thus on the opposite side, but the focusing wheel is still on the left-hand side. The focusing scale goes from infinity to four feet, indicated by an arrow placed next to the focusing wheel. | ||
| − | The film advance is manually controlled by a single uncovered red window in the middle of the back and both the exposure counter and the ability to take 4.5×6 pictures have disappeared. The O and S selector that was certainly related to the exposure counter is absent | + | The film advance is manually controlled by a single uncovered red window in the middle of the back and both the exposure counter and the ability to take 4.5×6 pictures have disappeared. The O and S selector that was certainly related to the exposure counter is absent, and the left end of the top plate is plain flat. The strap lugs have disappeared too. |
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| − | === | + | === Advertisements and other documents === |
| − | The | + | The second generation model was advertised from April 1941.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.334. </REF> It was called '''Weha Chrome Six III''' (ウエハークロームシックスⅢ型) in some advertisements and '''Weha Chrome Six New''' (ウエハークロームシックス新型) in others; the price was {{yen|248|1941}} in the April and August advertisements in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'', and ¥290 at a later date.<REF> Advertisement dated April 1941 reproduced in Awano, p.10, with "Weha Chrome Six III".<br>Advertisement dated August 1941 reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.60, with "Weha Chrome Six New".<br>[http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/b_camera/ueha_l.jpg Other advertisement] dated 1942 or later, reproduced in [http://www.remus.dti.ne.jp/~inasan99/camera/nostalgic_camera.html Nostalgic Camera] by Toshio Inamura, with "Weha Chrome Six III" again. </REF> The official price list dated November 1941 again has a "Weha Chrome Six" with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1141_short}}, type 3, section 9. </REF> |
The advertised lens and shutter were the same as on the previous model III: Weha S 75mm f/3.5 lens and Rapid shutter to 1/400. Two accessories were offered: a dedicated lens hood for ¥3.80 and a dedicated flash unit (専用発光器) for ¥20. This certainly means that the shutter is synchronized, however no synch post is visible on the camera itself (the post on one side of the shutter casing is a distant release attachment). | The advertised lens and shutter were the same as on the previous model III: Weha S 75mm f/3.5 lens and Rapid shutter to 1/400. Two accessories were offered: a dedicated lens hood for ¥3.80 and a dedicated flash unit (専用発光器) for ¥20. This certainly means that the shutter is synchronized, however no synch post is visible on the camera itself (the post on one side of the shutter casing is a distant release attachment). | ||
| − | The top housing is inscribed ''CHROME–SIX'' above and ''Weha'' at the front, between the finder windows. The shutter casing is marked ''AUTO RAPID EHIRA'' at the top and ''PATENTS'' at the bottom, and the rangefinder arm has the ''EHIRA K.S.K'' logo. The serial number is still engraved on a pod under the lens barrel. | + | The government inquiry listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943 has three models: a "Weha Six (Chrome)" (ウエハーシックス[クローム]), an "Ehira Six" (エヒラシックス) and an "Ehira Six (double barrel)" (エヒラシックス[ダブル鏡胴]).<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, items 101–3. </REF> The first two have identical features, with the Auto Rapid Ehira shutter and a three-element Enol Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens, made by [[Fujita Kōgaku Kikai]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 24-R-3, lens item Lb17. </REF> The third model, otherwise unknown, has a Kōki TTSH shutter (T, B, 1–400) made by [[Ehira]] and a four-element Lausar 85/3.5 lens made by [[Tomioka]].<REF> {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 24-R-2, lens item M4. </REF> The 85mm lens is probably mounted on a longer barrel made of two collapsible elements, hence the "double barrel". |
| + | |||
| + | === Weha Chrome Six III New === | ||
| + | The top housing of the Weha Chrome Six III New is inscribed ''CHROME–SIX'' above and ''Weha'' at the front, between the finder windows. There is a ''WEHA <small>SIX</small>'' logo embossed in the leather of the back. The shutter casing is marked ''AUTO RAPID EHIRA'' at the top and ''PATENTS'' at the bottom, and the rangefinder arm has the ''EHIRA K.S.K'' logo. The serial number is still engraved on a pod under the lens barrel. | ||
| − | The actual examples present some variations. The design of the top housing was slightly altered at some time. The '''early type''' has a circular cut-off at the left of the viewfinder | + | The actual examples present some variations. The design of the top housing was slightly altered at some time. The '''early type''' has a circular cut-off at the left of the viewfinder; it was perhaps there to leave space for an exposure counter disc which was never installed. All the advertising pictures observed so far show this early type. Surviving examples are known with the Weha S or the Enol, and at least one is reported to have a K.O.L. Gojo Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens, certainly made by the company [[Kajiro Kōgaku|Gojō Kōki]] in 1941.<REF> Weha S: example owned by [[User:Rebollo_fr|Rebollo_fr]], no.1769, lens no.7253.<br>Enol: example pictured in Awano, p.6.<br>Gojo: {{Sugiyama}}, item 3058. </REF> |
| − | + | The '''late type''' has a straight edge at the left of the viewfinder, instead of the circular cut-off. It is also known both with the Enol and with the Weha S.<REF> Enol lens: examples observed in online auctions. Weha S lens: example pictured in this page and example reported in [http://www.leski.com.au/catalogues/a191/2.htm Charles Leski Auction no.191] (lot 84). </REF> | |
=== Ehira Chrome Six === | === Ehira Chrome Six === | ||
| − | Some examples of the second generation | + | Some examples of the second generation model have no ''Weha'' marking between the finder windows and have the ''EHIRA K.S.K'' logo instead. They are usually called '''Ehira Chrome Six''', and might correspond to the "Ehira Six" mentioned in the 1943 inquiry cited above. |
| + | |||
| + | The presumably early ones are identical to the late Weha Chrome Six III New but for the marking.<REF> Example pictured in {{McKeown}}, p.255. </REF> The presumably late ones have a slightly larger viewfinder window and no serial number pod under the lens barrel, two of them have been observed with the Enol lens.<REF> Examples pictured in {{Sugiyama}}, item 3016, and in Awano, p.7. </REF> Some of these cameras were perhaps assembled after the war. | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
| Line 91: | Line 96: | ||
=== Original documents === | === Original documents === | ||
* {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, section 9. | * {{Kakaku1141}} Type 3, section 9. | ||
| + | * {{Inquiry1943}} Items 101–3. | ||
* {{Kakaku1940}} Type 3, section 9. | * {{Kakaku1940}} Type 3, section 9. | ||
=== Recent sources === | === Recent sources === | ||
* {{Showa10}} Items 21–4. (See also the picture on p.424.) | * {{Showa10}} Items 21–4. (See also the picture on p.424.) | ||
| − | * Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Weha Chrome Six" (ウエハークロームシックス). In {{CCN}} no. | + | * Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Weha Chrome Six" (ウエハークロームシックス). In {{CCN}} no.42 (December 1980, the cover wrongly has "no.41"). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. |
* {{Lewis}} P.54. | * {{Lewis}} P.54. | ||
* {{McKeown12}} P.255. | * {{McKeown12}} P.255. | ||
Revision as of 22:43, 26 October 2007
The Weha Chrome Six are Japanese 6×6 coupled-rangefinder cameras. They were distributed by Yamamoto Shashinki-ten from 1937 to 1942.[1] The late examples were certainly made by Ehira but the first ones were perhaps made by Yamamoto's own workshop.[2]
Contents
General description
Picture courtesy of eBayer amwcameras.
Camera owned by Bernard Danenberg. (Image rights)
The Weha Chrome Six has a rigid body and a telescopic tube supporting the lens and shutter assembly. The most striking feature is the coupled-rangefinder arm, externally looking like the rangefinder of the Super Ikonta. The lens is front-cell focusing and the rangefinder coupling is optical, with no mechanical linkage: the lens front element is geared to an optical device placed in front of the second image window. The Weha Chrome Six does not have a rotating wedge prism like the Super Ikonta and other Zeiss Ikon cameras but a small lens that is moved laterally while focusing.[3]
All the models have a 75mm f/3.5 lens. The massive aperture ring is placed behind the shutter and it can be easily confused for a focusing ring. There is a small button at the front of the body, to the right: it slides towards the bottom to unlock the telescopic tube from the fully extended position.
On all the models, the advance knob is mounted on a stepped base at the right end of the top plate. The body release is placed next to it. The back is hinged to the left and the back latch consists of a sliding bar.
First generation: separate range and view-finder
Common features
The first generation consisted of three models, produced from 1937 to 1941. They have a separate range and view-finder. The viewfinder is slightly offset to the right and the rangefinder eyepiece is further to the right. The rangefinder arm is to the left and the focusing is controlled by a small wheel protruding to the left. This wheel both moves the rangefinder optical coupling lens and turns the lens frontmost element. The distance scale is engraved on the rotating lens rim and goes from infintiy to 3 feet.
There are strap lugs at both ends of the body and a small foot under the shutter housing, on which the serial number is engraved.
There is an exposure counter at the left end of the top plate, with two concentric scales: the inner scale is graduated from 1 to 12 and is used for 6×6 pictures whereas the outer scale is graduated from 1 to 16 and is used for 4.5×6 pictures. There is a selector next to the exposure counter, with O and S positions. The function of this selector is unsure, perhaps it switches the exposure counter from 6×6 to 4.5×6.
The back has a single red window at the top left, certainly used to set the position of the first exposure. The sources are conflicting on the film advance control system. An original advertisement mentions a "special film advance device" (フィルム特種捲取装置), an ambiguous formulation.[4] Contemporary articles in Asahi Camera say that the film advance automatically stops and that it is linked to the shutter button for double exposure prevention.[5] However Awano says that these articles are wrong and that the cameras have no automatic stop nor double exposure prevention and that the film advance is manually controlled via the exposure counter.[6]
Original Weha Chrome Six
The original Weha Chrome Six (ウエハークロームシックス) — called in retrospect "Weha Chrome Six I" — was released in late 1937: it was advertised in Asahi Camera in October and was featured in the November issue of the same magazine.[7] It was also advertised in Asahi Graph in June 1938.[8] The price was ¥155.
This model has a flat top plate except for the half-sunken tubular finder. This name plate wears no identification marking. It is said that below the top cover, the inner plate supporting the rangefinder is made of wood, and that it is also true of the inner bottom plate.[9]
The accessory shoe is to the left of the finder. The O and S selector is a simple milled cylinder, turning 90 degrees. The exposure counter has a near conical shape. Strangely there is no index or arrow to indicate the exposure number, so that the user needs to choose its own reference point.
The lens is a Weha Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 and the shutter gives T, B, 1–200 speeds, with a self-timer and a distant release connector. The shutter is cocked by a lever, independently from the film advance. The shutter plate is engraved Weha Chrome Six at the top and Auto Genoa at the bottom, the latter probably being the shutter name. The mention PATENT PENDING is inscribed on the rangefinder arm.
Only one surviving example has been observed so far, pictured in Awano and Sugiyama, with body no.503.[10]
Weha Chrome Six II
The Weha Chrome Six II (ウエハークロームシックスⅡ型) was released in late 1938: it was advertised in Asahi Camera in December 1938 for ¥195, in April 1939 for ¥235 and in February 1940 for ¥245.[11]
This model has a redesigned top plate, with a stepped part between the two rangefinder windows, containing the viewfinder and a flush accessory shoe. The name WEHA CHROME–SIX is inscribed above this.
The exposure counter has a new flatter shape. Many other parts present minor changes, for example the O and S selector or the release button. It is said that the wooden inner plates are replaced by bakelite ones.[12]
The lens is the same Weha Anastigmat and the shutter adds a 1/300 top speed to the previous range. The style of the front markings is different: the camera name is written WEHA CHROME–SIX in uppercase letters and the shutter name is written AUTO ZENOA.[13] This is perhaps not true of all the examples: the December 1938 advertising picture seems to show the name Weha Chrome Six in lowercase letters. Incidentally, it also shows the lens cap engraved Weha.
Only one surviving example of the Weha Chrome Six II has been observed so far, pictured in Awano and Sugiyama, with body n°568.[14]
Weha Chrome Six III
There is some degree of confusion about the Weha Chrome Six III, because the company sometimes used the same name for the second generation model presented below (also called Weha Chrome Six New).
The first Weha Chrome Six III (ウエハークロームシックスⅢ型) was released in 1940: it was advertised in Asahi Camera in February for ¥275 along with the model II and in November alone (price not mentioned).[15] The advertisements mention a new Weha S 75/3.5 lens and a new Rapid shutter to 1/400. In both cases, the advertising picture does not depict the model III: it is exactly the same as in the April 1939 advertisement for the model II. The camera was also featured in the May 1940 issue of Asahi Camera, where it is described as similar to the model II except for the lens and shutter. [16] The official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 has a "Weha Chrome Six" for ¥248, with no further detail.[17]
The model III certainly corresponds to the surviving examples pictured in Lewis, in this page of the AJCC and in this page of Gatapasya's blog. It has a new shutter with a red-dotted cocking lever, the 400 setting painted in red, and a self-timer control an the top shaped as a mushroom. The shutter face is marked AUTO RAPID EHIRA at the top and PATENT PENDING at the bottom. This Auto Rapid Ehira shutter was made by Ehira itself, as its nzme indicates.[18] The rangefinder arm is marked PATENT instead of PATENT PENDING, certainly because the patent was accepted and published. The lens is engraved Weha S. Anastigmat 1:3.5 F=75mm N°xxxx.
Second generation: combined range and view-finder
Common features
The second generation models have a different body shape and a combined range and viewfinder. The common eyepiece is offset to the left and the second image window is to the right. The rangefinder arm is thus on the opposite side, but the focusing wheel is still on the left-hand side. The focusing scale goes from infinity to four feet, indicated by an arrow placed next to the focusing wheel.
The film advance is manually controlled by a single uncovered red window in the middle of the back and both the exposure counter and the ability to take 4.5×6 pictures have disappeared. The O and S selector that was certainly related to the exposure counter is absent, and the left end of the top plate is plain flat. The strap lugs have disappeared too.
 
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| Weha Chrome Six III New no.2387, straight-edged top, Weha S. Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens no.7911. The unlock button for the telescopic tube is missing. Pictures courtesy of eBayer amwcameras. Camera owned by Bernard Danenberg. (Image rights) | |
Advertisements and other documents
The second generation model was advertised from April 1941.[19] It was called Weha Chrome Six III (ウエハークロームシックスⅢ型) in some advertisements and Weha Chrome Six New (ウエハークロームシックス新型) in others; the price was ¥248 in the April and August advertisements in Asahi Camera, and ¥290 at a later date.[20] The official price list dated November 1941 again has a "Weha Chrome Six" with no further detail.[21]
The advertised lens and shutter were the same as on the previous model III: Weha S 75mm f/3.5 lens and Rapid shutter to 1/400. Two accessories were offered: a dedicated lens hood for ¥3.80 and a dedicated flash unit (専用発光器) for ¥20. This certainly means that the shutter is synchronized, however no synch post is visible on the camera itself (the post on one side of the shutter casing is a distant release attachment).
The government inquiry listing Japanese camera production as of April 1943 has three models: a "Weha Six (Chrome)" (ウエハーシックス[クローム]), an "Ehira Six" (エヒラシックス) and an "Ehira Six (double barrel)" (エヒラシックス[ダブル鏡胴]).[22] The first two have identical features, with the Auto Rapid Ehira shutter and a three-element Enol Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens, made by Fujita Kōgaku Kikai.[23] The third model, otherwise unknown, has a Kōki TTSH shutter (T, B, 1–400) made by Ehira and a four-element Lausar 85/3.5 lens made by Tomioka.[24] The 85mm lens is probably mounted on a longer barrel made of two collapsible elements, hence the "double barrel".
Weha Chrome Six III New
The top housing of the Weha Chrome Six III New is inscribed CHROME–SIX above and Weha at the front, between the finder windows. There is a WEHA SIX logo embossed in the leather of the back. The shutter casing is marked AUTO RAPID EHIRA at the top and PATENTS at the bottom, and the rangefinder arm has the EHIRA K.S.K logo. The serial number is still engraved on a pod under the lens barrel.
The actual examples present some variations. The design of the top housing was slightly altered at some time. The early type has a circular cut-off at the left of the viewfinder; it was perhaps there to leave space for an exposure counter disc which was never installed. All the advertising pictures observed so far show this early type. Surviving examples are known with the Weha S or the Enol, and at least one is reported to have a K.O.L. Gojo Anastigmat 75/3.5 lens, certainly made by the company Gojō Kōki in 1941.[25]
The late type has a straight edge at the left of the viewfinder, instead of the circular cut-off. It is also known both with the Enol and with the Weha S.[26]
Ehira Chrome Six
Some examples of the second generation model have no Weha marking between the finder windows and have the EHIRA K.S.K logo instead. They are usually called Ehira Chrome Six, and might correspond to the "Ehira Six" mentioned in the 1943 inquiry cited above.
The presumably early ones are identical to the late Weha Chrome Six III New but for the marking.[27] The presumably late ones have a slightly larger viewfinder window and no serial number pod under the lens barrel, two of them have been observed with the Enol lens.[28] Some of these cameras were perhaps assembled after the war.
Notes
- ↑ Dates: advertisements listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 334.
- ↑ An advertisement dated October 1937 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 59, mentions Yamamoto as the maker and distributor (製造発売元) of the Weha Chrome Six.
- ↑ This is explained in this page of Gatapasya's camera repair blog and in Awano, pp.1–2. Both authors appear to have dismantled actual examples of the camera. Many other sources mistakenly say that the Weha Chrome Six has the same "drehkeil" system as the Super Ikonta.
- ↑ Advertisement published in Asahi Camera October 1937, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.59, and in Awano, p.8.
- ↑ Column of Asahi Camera November 1937, about the original Weha Chrome Six, and of Asahi Camera May 1940, about the Weha Chrome Six III, reproduced in Awano, p.3.
- ↑ Awano, p.2.
- ↑ Advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.59, and in Awano, p.8. Magazine article reproduced in Awano, p.3.
- ↑ Advertisement published in the 8 June 1938 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
- ↑ Awano, p.2.
- ↑ Awano, p.4, front and back cover; Sugiyama, item 3055.
- ↑ December 1938 and February 1940 advertisements reproduced in Awano, p.9. April 1939 advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.59.
- ↑ Awano, p.2.
- ↑ Sugiyama, item 3056, says "Auto-Zenor" by mistake.
- ↑ Awano, p.5; Sugiyama, item 3056.
- ↑ February advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.9. November advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.60.
- ↑ Magazine article reproduced in Awano, p.3.
- ↑ Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 3, section 9.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 24-R-3.
- ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.334.
- ↑ Advertisement dated April 1941 reproduced in Awano, p.10, with "Weha Chrome Six III".
Advertisement dated August 1941 reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.60, with "Weha Chrome Six New".
Other advertisement dated 1942 or later, reproduced in Nostalgic Camera by Toshio Inamura, with "Weha Chrome Six III" again. - ↑ "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, section 9.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 101–3.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 24-R-3, lens item Lb17.
- ↑ "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 24-R-2, lens item M4.
- ↑ Weha S: example owned by Rebollo_fr, no.1769, lens no.7253.
Enol: example pictured in Awano, p.6.
Gojo: Sugiyama, item 3058. - ↑ Enol lens: examples observed in online auctions. Weha S lens: example pictured in this page and example reported in Charles Leski Auction no.191 (lot 84).
- ↑ Example pictured in McKeown, p.255.
- ↑ Examples pictured in Sugiyama, item 3016, and in Awano, p.7.
Bibliography
Original documents
- "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 9.
- "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. Items 101–3.
- Template:Kakaku1940 Type 3, section 9.
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. Items 21–4. (See also the picture on p.424.)
- Awano Mikio (粟野幹男). "Weha Chrome Six" (ウエハークロームシックス). In Camera Collectors' News no.42 (December 1980, the cover wrongly has "no.41"). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P.54.
- 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.255.
- Schneider, Jason. Jason Schneider on Camera Collecting, Book One. Des Moines, Iowa: Wallace-Homestead, 1978. ISBN 0-87069-142-2. Pp.42 and 47.
- 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 3016 and 3055–8.
Links
In English:
- Auction no.191 at Charles Leski Auctions (lot 84 is a Weha Chrome Six III New, with picture)
In Japanese:
- Weha Chrome Six III (old) in the Camera database of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology
- Weha Chrome Six III (old) at Gatapasya's camera repair blog
- Weha Chrome Six III New at Syuukou
- Weha Chrome Six III New in a page of the AJCC website
- Advertisement for the Weha Chrome Six and other cameras published in the 8 June 1938 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the camera company page of the Gochamaze website
- Advertisement for the Weha Chrome Six dated 1942 or later, reproduced in Nostalgic Camera, a page of old Japanese advertisements by Toshio Inamura
