The Hope is a Japanese 4.5×6 folding camera, probably dating from the late 1930s. The sources attribute this camera to a company called G.H. Works or to Ōhashi.[1]
Description[]
The Hope is a vertical folder. There is a tubular finder in the middle of the top plate and an advance knob at the bottom right (as seen by a photographer holding the camera horizontally). The back is hinged to the left and contains two uncovered red windows. The back latch is covered by a handle. The name HOPE is embossed in the back leather and G.H. WORKS, perhaps the name of the maker, is engraved on the standing leg.
The lens is a 75/6.3, engraved G.H. ANASTIGMAT HOPE F=75 MM 1:6.3. The shutter seems to have four speed settings: B, 25, 50, 100. The shutter plate has an octagonal drawing and is marked HOPE at the top. The aperture scale is at the bottom and goes from 6.3 to 22.
Surviving examples[]
Two examples of the camera have been observed so far.[2] An example of the case has been observed too, with a large HOPE embossing on the front.[3]
Case for the Hope. Picture courtesy of Pacific Rim Camera. (Image rights) |
Notes[]
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.344.
- 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 1072.
The Hope is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.