The Baby-Max is a Japanese subminiature taking ten 14x14mm images on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm. It was also produced under the names Barlux and Hit, and it was a slightly larger and more modern version of the original Hit camera. It was certainly made in the 1950s by Tougodo, as indicated by the use of the "Hit" brand.
Description[]
The camera has an elongated body with polygonal ends. The viewfinder is integrated in the symmetrical top housing. The film is advanced by a knob on the photographer's right, and there is a small fake knob on the left. The back is hinged to the right and locked by a sliding bar on the left. It contains a single uncovered window in the middle.
The lens has a fixed focus and aperture, and has no marking. The everset shutter is tripped by a lever. It gives Bulb and Instant exposures, selected by a switch at the bottom of the barrel.
Variations[]
The name variants only differ by the markings on the shutter plate and on the top housing, above the viewfinder:
| Type name | Top housing | Shutter plate |
| Baby-Max[1] | nothing | BABY–MAX |
| Barlux[2] | Barlux | Barlux |
| Hit[3] | Hit | Hit |
The words MADE IN JAPAN appear under the lens on some examples of the Baby-Max and Hit, but not all.[4]
The Baby-Max was sometimes sold in a blister, together with its ever-ready case and a box containing five rolls of film.[5]
Notes[]
- ↑ Examples pictured in Pritchard, p.79, in Sugiyama, item 5012, and in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Examples pictured in Pritchard, p.79, and in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Examples pictured in Pritchard, p.79, and in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Compare the Baby-Max pictured in this page at Fotomuseet i Osby, and in this page at Submin.com, and the various Hit pictured in this page at Submin.com.
- ↑ Blister pictured in McKeown, p.928, and in this page at Submin.com.
Bibliography[]
- 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.928.
- Pritchard, Michael and St. Denny, Douglas. Spy Cameras — A century of detective and subminiature cameras. London: Classic Collection Publications, 1993. ISBN 1-874485-00-3. Pp.77–9.
- 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. Item 5012.
Links[]
In English:
- Baby-Max, Barlux and Hit at Submin.com; also has English instructions for the Baby-Max
- Baby-Max and Barlux among 17.5mm film cameras at Subclub.org
- Baby-Max in Nigel Richards' website
- Baby-Max among other Japanese subminiature cameras, lot no.505 of auction no.17 (May 29, 2010) by Westlicht
In Swedish:
- Baby-Max among Hit-type cameras at Fotomuseet i Osby