Difference between revisions of "Weha Chrome Six"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
(rework of the models I and II: moved the description of ads down and amended the model descriptions)
(exposure counter better understood, move the ads for the old model III below the description, added details)
Line 22: Line 22:
 
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 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. The back has a single red window at the top left, used to set the position of the first exposure and protected by a vertically sliding cover. There is a selector next to the exposure counter, with ''O'' and ''S'' positions. In the ''O'' position, the exposure counter is disengaged and can be manually reset to zero. The film is loaded and wound until number "1" appears in the red window. Then the selector is turned to the ''S'' position and the exposure counter mechanism is engaged.
+
There is an exposure counter at the left end of the top plate. The back has a single red window at the top left, used to set the position of the first exposure and protected by a vertically sliding cover. There is a selector next to the exposure counter, with ''O'' and ''S'' positions. In the ''O'' position, the exposure counter is disengaged and can be manually reset to one. The film is loaded and wound until number "1" appears in the red window, then the selector is turned to the ''S'' position to engage the exposure counter mechanism.
  
 
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 recent articles showing some surviving examples say 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; Tanimura, p.34. </REF> The articles in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' might be plainly wrong or might reproduce information given by the [[Ehira]] company, describing features which were not retained in the production model.<REF> The May 1940 article contains another mistake, saying that the camera has a lens barrel mounted on a helicoid (ヘリコイド鏡胴), whereas it has front-cell focusing. </REF>
 
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 recent articles showing some surviving examples say 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; Tanimura, p.34. </REF> The articles in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' might be plainly wrong or might reproduce information given by the [[Ehira]] company, describing features which were not retained in the production model.<REF> The May 1940 article contains another mistake, saying that the camera has a lens barrel mounted on a helicoid (ヘリコイド鏡胴), whereas it has front-cell focusing. </REF>
Line 29: Line 29:
 
The '''original Weha Chrome Six''' (ウエハークロームシックス) &mdash; called in retrospect "Weha Chrome Six I" &mdash; is dual format, taking 6&times;6cm or 4.5&times;6cm pictures. It has a flat top plate except for the half-sunken tubular finder, and has no name engraving on the main body. The accessory shoe is attached to the top plate, to the left of the finder. It is said that below the top cover, the inner top plate supporting the rangefinder and the inner bottom plate are made of wood.<REF> Awano, p.2. </REF>
 
The '''original Weha Chrome Six''' (ウエハークロームシックス) &mdash; called in retrospect "Weha Chrome Six I" &mdash; is dual format, taking 6&times;6cm or 4.5&times;6cm pictures. It has a flat top plate except for the half-sunken tubular finder, and has no name engraving on the main body. The accessory shoe is attached to the top plate, to the left of the finder. It is said that below the top cover, the inner top plate supporting the rangefinder and the inner bottom plate are made of wood.<REF> Awano, p.2. </REF>
  
The exposure counter has a conical shape and two concentric scales: the inner scale is graduated from 1 to 12 and is used for 6&times;6 pictures whereas the outer scale is graduated from 1 to 16 and is used for 4.5&times;6 pictures. Strangely there is no index or arrow to indicate the exposure number. It is not fully understood if the user needs to choose his/her own reference point, or if the number 1 of a scale is used as a reference point for the other.<REF> Tanimura, p.34, says the latter but this is not fully explained. </REF> The O and S selector is a simple milled cylinder, turning 90 degrees.
+
The exposure counter has a conical shape and two concentric scales: the rotating inner scale is graduated from 1 to 12 and is used for 6&times;6 pictures whereas the fixed outer scale is graduated from 1 to 16 and is used for 4.5&times;6 pictures. There is no external index or arrow to indicate the exposure number; instead, the number 1 of a scale is used as a reference point for the other.<REF> Tanimura, p.34. </REF> The O and S selector is a simple milled cylinder, turning 90 degrees.
  
 
The lens is a Weha Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The shutter is an Auto Genoa, said to be made by [[Ehira]] itself.<REF> Shutter made by Ehira: Tanimura, p.34. </REF> It gives T, B, 1&ndash;200 speeds, with a self-timer and a cable release thread, and it 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 mention ''PATENT PENDING'' is inscribed on the rangefinder arm.
 
The lens is a Weha Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The shutter is an Auto Genoa, said to be made by [[Ehira]] itself.<REF> Shutter made by Ehira: Tanimura, p.34. </REF> It gives T, B, 1&ndash;200 speeds, with a self-timer and a cable release thread, and it 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 mention ''PATENT PENDING'' is inscribed on the rangefinder arm.
  
The original Weha Chrome Six 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}}.
+
The original Weha Chrome Six was released in late 1937: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' from October 1937 to August 1938 and was featured in the November issue of the same magazine.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.334. The October 1937 advertisement is reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.59, and in Awano, p.8. The November 1937 article is 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}}.
  
 
Only one surviving example has been observed so far, with body no.503.<REF> Awano, p.4, front and back cover; {{Sugiyama}}, item 3055; Tanimura, p.32. </REF>
 
Only one surviving example has been observed so far, with body no.503.<REF> Awano, p.4, front and back cover; {{Sugiyama}}, item 3055; Tanimura, p.32. </REF>
Line 42: Line 42:
 
The exposure counter has a new flatter shape and still has two concentric scales with no external reference point. Many other parts present minor changes, such as 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 exposure counter has a new flatter shape and still has two concentric scales with no external reference point. Many other parts present minor changes, such as 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&ndash;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 1/300 top speed to the previous range. The style of the front markings is different: the camera name is written ''WEHA CHROME&ndash;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 shows the name ''Weha Chrome Six'' in lowercase letters. Incidentally, it also shows the lens cap engraved ''Weha''.
  
The model II 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>
+
The model II was released in late 1938: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' from December 1938 to July 1940.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.334. </REF> The price was {{yen|195|1938}} in December 1938, {{yen|235|1939}} in April 1939 and {{yen|245|1940}} in February 1940.<REF> December 1938 and February 1940 advertisements reproduced in Awano, p.9. April 1939 advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.59. </REF>
  
 
Only one surviving example of the Weha Chrome Six II has been observed so far, with body no.568.<REF> Awano, p.5; {{Sugiyama}}, item 3056. Tanimura, p.33, has a top picture of a Weha Chrome Six II, perhaps no.568. The front picture captioned as a model II actually shows a model III. </REF>
 
Only one surviving example of the Weha Chrome Six II has been observed so far, with body no.568.<REF> Awano, p.5; {{Sugiyama}}, item 3056. Tanimura, p.33, has a top picture of a Weha Chrome Six II, perhaps no.568. The front picture captioned as a model II actually shows a model III. </REF>
Line 51: Line 51:
 
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.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 &yen;248, with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 3, section 9. </REF>
+
The first '''Weha Chrome Six III''' (ウエハークロームシックスⅢ型) has a new Weha S lens and a new Auto Ehira Rapid shutter to 1/400, made by [[Ehira]] itself.<REF> Shutter made by Ehira: {{Inquiry1943_short}}, shutter item 24-R-3. </REF> It has a red-dotted cocking lever, the 400 setting painted in red, and a self-timer control at the top shaped as a mushroom. The shutter face is marked ''AUTO RAPID EHIRA'' at the top and ''PATENT PENDING'' at the bottom. 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''.
  
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''.
+
The model III lost the ability to take 4.5&times;6cm pictures. The exposure counter has a single scale from ''1'' to ''12'', engraved in the fixed outer rim, and an arrow engraved on the inner rotating part, poniting to the frame number. This new exposure counter was perhaps also mounted on the late model II, when the production of the two models overlapped.
 +
 
 +
The model was released in 1940: it was advertised in ''[[Asahi Camera]]'' from February 1940 to March 1941.<REF> {{Kokusan}}, p.334. </REF> It was featured in the May 1940 issue of the same magazine, where it is described as similar to the model II except for the lens and shutter, and where no mention is made of 4.5&times;6cm exposures.<REF> Article reproduced in Awano, p.3. </REF> The February 1940 advertisement lists the camera for {{yen|275|1940}}, along with the model II for &yen;245; the November 1940 advertisement has the model III alone and does not give a price.<REF> February advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.9. November advertisement reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.60. </REF> In both cases, the advertising picture does not depict the model III, and is exactly the same as in the April 1939 advertisement for the model II. The official list of set prices compiled in October 1940 and published in January 1941 has a "Weha Chrome Six" for &yen;248, with no further detail.<REF> {{Kakaku1940_short}}, type 3, section 9. </REF>
 +
 
 +
Various surviving examples of the old model III are known, with three or four-digit body numbers.<REF> Examples pictured in Tanimura, pp.33&ndash;4, in Lewis, p.54, in [http://sts.kahaku.go.jp/sts/detail.php?id=1033&key=103310371062&APage=7 this page of the AJCC], in [http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/gatapasya/9202216.html this page of Gatapasya's blog] and observed in an online auction. </REF>
  
 
== Second generation: combined range and view-finder ==
 
== Second generation: combined range and view-finder ==

Revision as of 15:07, 27 October 2007

Japanese Six (6×6)
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
folding
Adler Six | Bonny Six | Clover-Six | Condor Six | First Six | Gelto Six | Gotex | Green | Lyra Six | Super Makinet Six | Mamiya Six | Miyako Six | Mulber Six | Mulix | National Six | Neure Six | Oko Six | Olympus Six | Pilot Six | Romax | Ugein | Vester-Six | Victor Six | Weha Six
collapsible
Ehira Chrome Six | Minolta Six | Shinko Super | Weha Chrome Six
unknown
Freude Six | Heart Camera | Konter Six | Tsubasa Six
Postwar models (edit)
folding
Aires Viceroy | Angel Six | Aram Six | Astoria Super Six | Atom Six | Balm Six | Baron | Beauty Six (1950) | Beauty Six (1953) | Calm Six | Carl Six | Centre Six | Crown | Crystar Six | Daido Six | Dorima Six | Doris Six | Ehira Six | Elbow Six | First Six | Flora Six | Fodor Six | Frank Six | Fujica Six | Super Fujica Six | Futami Six | Gotex | Grace Six | Kohken Chrome Six | Kyowa Six | Liner Six | Lyra Six | Mamiya Six | Middl Six | Mihama Six | Mine Six | Minon Six | Mizuho Six | Motoka Six | Mount Six | Muse Six | Super Naiku | Ofuna Six | Olympus Six | Olympus Chrome Six | Orion Six | Oscar Six | Pigeon Six | Planet | Please Six | Pluto Six | Poppy Six | Press Van | Press Van-120 | Proud Chrome Six | Proud Super Six | Renown Six | Ricoh Six | Ruvikon | Ruvinal | Sanon Six | Silver Six | Sisley 1 | Sisley 2 & 3 | Sister Six | Tenar Six | Toho Six | Tomic | Toyoca Six | Ugein Six | Wagen Six | Walcon 6 | Welmy Six | Wester | Windsor Six
rigid or collapsible
Dia Six | Ehira Chrome Six | Enon Six | Flora | Flashline | Fujipet | Harmony | Mikono-6 | Orion | Ponix | Rich-Ray-6 | Shumy | Weha Chrome Six
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6 and older 6×9 ->

The Weha Chrome Six are Japanese 6×6 coupled-rangefinder cameras. They were made by Ehira and distributed by Yamamoto Shashinki-ten from 1937 to 1942.[1]

General description

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.[2]

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. The back has a single red window at the top left, used to set the position of the first exposure and protected by a vertically sliding cover. There is a selector next to the exposure counter, with O and S positions. In the O position, the exposure counter is disengaged and can be manually reset to one. The film is loaded and wound until number "1" appears in the red window, then the selector is turned to the S position to engage the exposure counter mechanism.

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.[3] 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.[4] However recent articles showing some surviving examples say that the cameras have no automatic stop nor double exposure prevention and that the film advance is manually controlled via the exposure counter.[5] The articles in Asahi Camera might be plainly wrong or might reproduce information given by the Ehira company, describing features which were not retained in the production model.[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" — is dual format, taking 6×6cm or 4.5×6cm pictures. It has a flat top plate except for the half-sunken tubular finder, and has no name engraving on the main body. The accessory shoe is attached to the top plate, to the left of the finder. It is said that below the top cover, the inner top plate supporting the rangefinder and the inner bottom plate are made of wood.[7]

The exposure counter has a conical shape and two concentric scales: the rotating inner scale is graduated from 1 to 12 and is used for 6×6 pictures whereas the fixed outer scale is graduated from 1 to 16 and is used for 4.5×6 pictures. There is no external index or arrow to indicate the exposure number; instead, the number 1 of a scale is used as a reference point for the other.[8] The O and S selector is a simple milled cylinder, turning 90 degrees.

The lens is a Weha Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5. The shutter is an Auto Genoa, said to be made by Ehira itself.[9] It gives T, B, 1–200 speeds, with a self-timer and a cable release thread, and it 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 mention PATENT PENDING is inscribed on the rangefinder arm.

The original Weha Chrome Six was released in late 1937: it was advertised in Asahi Camera from October 1937 to August 1938 and was featured in the November issue of the same magazine.[10] It was also advertised in Asahi Graph in June 1938.[11] The price was ¥155.

Only one surviving example has been observed so far, with body no.503.[12]

Weha Chrome Six II

The Weha Chrome Six II (ウエハークロームシックスⅡ型) 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 and still has two concentric scales with no external reference point. Many other parts present minor changes, such as the O and S selector or the release button. It is said that the wooden inner plates are replaced by bakelite ones.[13]

The lens is the same Weha Anastigmat and the shutter adds 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.[14] This is perhaps not true of all the examples: the December 1938 advertising picture shows the name Weha Chrome Six in lowercase letters. Incidentally, it also shows the lens cap engraved Weha.

The model II was released in late 1938: it was advertised in Asahi Camera from December 1938 to July 1940.[15] The price was ¥195 in December 1938, ¥235 in April 1939 and ¥245 in February 1940.[16]

Only one surviving example of the Weha Chrome Six II has been observed so far, with body no.568.[17]

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) has a new Weha S lens and a new Auto Ehira Rapid shutter to 1/400, made by Ehira itself.[18] It has a red-dotted cocking lever, the 400 setting painted in red, and a self-timer control at the top shaped as a mushroom. The shutter face is marked AUTO RAPID EHIRA at the top and PATENT PENDING at the bottom. 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.

The model III lost the ability to take 4.5×6cm pictures. The exposure counter has a single scale from 1 to 12, engraved in the fixed outer rim, and an arrow engraved on the inner rotating part, poniting to the frame number. This new exposure counter was perhaps also mounted on the late model II, when the production of the two models overlapped.

The model was released in 1940: it was advertised in Asahi Camera from February 1940 to March 1941.[19] It was featured in the May 1940 issue of the same magazine, where it is described as similar to the model II except for the lens and shutter, and where no mention is made of 4.5×6cm exposures.[20] The February 1940 advertisement lists the camera for ¥275, along with the model II for ¥245; the November 1940 advertisement has the model III alone and does not give a price.[21] In both cases, the advertising picture does not depict the model III, and is exactly the same as in the April 1939 advertisement for the model II. 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.[22]

Various surviving examples of the old model III are known, with three or four-digit body numbers.[23]

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.

Advertisements and other documents

The second generation model was advertised from April 1941.[24] 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.[25] The official price list dated November 1941 again has a "Weha Chrome Six" with no further detail.[26]

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]).[27] 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.[28] 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.[29] The 85mm lens is probably mounted on a longer barrel made of two collapsible elements, hence the "double barrel". The name Ehira Six was used again after the war on a bellows camera.

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.[30]

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.[31]

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.[32] 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.[33] Some of these cameras were perhaps assembled after the war.

Notes

  1. 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 might indicate that the early production was carried out by Yamamoto's own workshop. Tanimura, p.33, however says that the Ehira plant was set up in 1936 and that the Ehira company produced the Weha Chrome Six from the start.
  2. 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.
  3. Advertisement published in Asahi Camera October 1937, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.59, and in Awano, p.8.
  4. 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.
  5. Awano, p.2; Tanimura, p.34.
  6. The May 1940 article contains another mistake, saying that the camera has a lens barrel mounted on a helicoid (ヘリコイド鏡胴), whereas it has front-cell focusing.
  7. Awano, p.2.
  8. Tanimura, p.34.
  9. Shutter made by Ehira: Tanimura, p.34.
  10. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.334. The October 1937 advertisement is reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.59, and in Awano, p.8. The November 1937 article is reproduced in Awano, p.3.
  11. Advertisement published in the 8 June 1938 issue of Asahi Graph, reproduced in the Gochamaze website.
  12. Awano, p.4, front and back cover; Sugiyama, item 3055; Tanimura, p.32.
  13. Awano, p.2.
  14. Sugiyama, item 3056, says "Auto-Zenor" by mistake.
  15. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.334.
  16. December 1938 and February 1940 advertisements reproduced in Awano, p.9. April 1939 advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.59.
  17. Awano, p.5; Sugiyama, item 3056. Tanimura, p.33, has a top picture of a Weha Chrome Six II, perhaps no.568. The front picture captioned as a model II actually shows a model III.
  18. Shutter made by Ehira: "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 24-R-3.
  19. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.334.
  20. Article reproduced in Awano, p.3.
  21. February advertisement reproduced in Awano, p.9. November advertisement reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.60.
  22. Template:Kakaku1940 short, type 3, section 9.
  23. Examples pictured in Tanimura, pp.33–4, in Lewis, p.54, in this page of the AJCC, in this page of Gatapasya's blog and observed in an online auction.
  24. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.334.
  25. 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.
  26. "Kamera no kōtei kakaku kanpō happyō", November 1941, type 3, section 9.
  27. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), items 101–3.
  28. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 24-R-3, lens item Lb17.
  29. "Kokusan shashinki no genjōchōsa" ("Inquiry into Japanese cameras"), shutter item 24-R-2, lens item M4.
  30. Weha S: example owned by Rebollo_fr, no.1769, lens no.7253.
    Enol: example pictured in Awano, p.6.
    Gojo: Sugiyama, item 3058.
  31. 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).
  32. Example pictured in McKeown, p.255.
  33. 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.
  • Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Ehira Shinjirō no kamera: Ehira Kōki, Uehā kara Eruchina made" (江平信次郎のカメラ・江平光機、ウエハーからエルチナまで, The cameras of Ehira Shinjirō, from the Weha to the Eltina). Kamera Rebyū: Kurashikku Kamera Senka (カメラレビュー クラシックカメラ専科) / Camera Review: All about Historical Cameras no.51, June 1999. ISBN 4-257-13024-5. Kurashikku kamera supesharu (クラシックカメラスペシャル, issue about miscellaneous classic cameras). Pp.32–9.
  • 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:

In Japanese: