Zenobia
Work in progress
The Zenobia is a series of Japanese 4.5×6 folders, successor of the Waltax. They were made by Daiichi Kōgaku. All the Zenobia models have a body copied from the Ikonta A and inherited from the Waltax. The finder is included in a top housing with an accessory shoe. The advance knob is on the left and there is a double exposure prevention mechanism with a small indicator.
Contents
The Zenobia C and P
The Zenobia C and Zenobia P are continuations of the Waltax. According to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, the C has a synchronized D.O.C.-Rapid shutter with B, 1–500 speeds, the P I has a synchronized NKS shutter with B, 1–200 speeds and the P II is the same as the P I with a selftimer. It is not impossible that "C" stands for Compur and "P" for Prontor, but this is only a guess.
The Zenobia C I and C II are advertised together in 1952[1], distributed by Hattori Tokei-ten (服部時計店). The lens is a four element (Tessar type) coated Hesper 75mm f:3.5. The C I is offered for ¥14,000 with a D.O.C.-Rapid B, 1–500 shutter, synchronized with an ASA bayonet connector, advertised as a Compur-Rapid copy. It is the same as the C. The C II is offered for ¥15,000 with a Seikosha-Rapid shutter having similar specifications. Both versions are offered in 1953[2], respectively for ¥14,000 and ¥16,000.
The C I is still advertised in 1954[3] for ¥13,000, together with the R I and R II (see below). The shutter is now called Daiichi-Rapid.
The Zenobia R
The Zenobia R is like the Zenobia C with an uncoupled rangefinder. It is advertised in 1952[4] with the Seikosha-Rapid, distributed by Hattori Tokei-ten, with a lens announced as hard-coated on all the elements.
In 1954, it is advertised[5] as R I with the Daiichi-Rapid shutter for ¥16,500 and R II with the Seikosha-Rapid for ¥18,500.
Other models
The Zenobia HI and HII switch from front-cell to helicoid focusing. The HI has the DOC Rapid and the HII has the Seikosha-Rapid.
The Zenobia Super SRI has a coupled rangefinder with front cell focusing, Neo-Hesper 75/3.5 and Daiichi-Rapid B, 1–500. The later Zenobia SR is similar, with a Copal-MX B, 1–300.
The Zenobia M is a project.
Notes
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobia C I and C II, published in the Apr 1952 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 570.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobia H II, C I, C II and R, published in the Mar 1953 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 573.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobia R I, R II and C I, published in the Apr 1954 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 572.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobia R, published in the June 1952 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 571.
- ↑ Advertisement for the Zenobia R I, R II and C I, published in the Apr 1954 issue of Asahi Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, item 572.
Printed 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 569–75 and 1324.
- 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). Page 239.
Links
In English:
- Zenobia at medfmt
- A post about the Zenobia at photo.net, with sample pictures
- A post about the Zenobia's shutters at the Classic Camera Repair Forum
In French:
In Japanese:
- Zenobia CI and Zenobia SR at Japan Family Camera
- Zenobia CI at Aya's Camera site
- Zenobia R page at La Chambre Claire
- Zenobia R with other folders at Puppy's Island
- Zenobia R repair notes at Takasaki Motohiro's camera site
- Zenobia: the photograph shows four folders with non-coupled rangefinders; clockwise from top left these are: Ofuna Six, Zenobia, Sisley 55 and Balm Six
