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Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Postwar models (edit)
folding
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Prewar and wartime models ->
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The Daido Semi (ダイドーセミ) is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera made by Daidō Seikō, the predecessor of Takane.

Description[]

The Daido Semi is a vertical folder with no rangefinder. It is said that the body is based on that for the Semi Mihama, the same way as the Daido Six was developed from the Mihama Six.[1] There is a sleek top cover; it contains the viewfinder in the middle, with the accessory shoe immediately above. The advance knob is at the left end, the folding bed release is on the left of the viewfinder, the body release is on the right and there is a film flange at the right end. The film advance is probably controlled by red window.

The lens is a Daido Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 and the shutter is an NKS (B, 1–200) with a self-timer, synchronized via an ASA bayonet, the same equipment as on the Daido Six.

Original documents and surviving example[]

The Daido Semi was featured in a special issue of Photo Art dated November 1953.[2] No other original document mentioning the camera is reported.

The only surviving example known so far has Daido lens no.2013 and was offered at an online auction.

Notes[]

  1. Based on the Semi Mihama: Hagiya, pp.130–1 of Sengo kokusan kamera jū monogatari.
  2. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.354. For some reason, this source attributes the Daido Semi to Kantō Kōgaku, the maker of the Amiflex. The mistake perhaps originates in the article in Photo Art.

Bibliography[]

The Daido Semi is not listed in Sugiyama.

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