Camerapedia
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
in: Japanese 4.5x6 rangefinder folding, Konica, P, Pages using ISBN magic links

Changes: Pearl (I), II and III

Back to page
Edit
 
(22 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Japanese Semi postwar
−
{{Japanese Semi|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mech_for_i/189875584/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/55/189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture by Mech_for_i. {{creative commons}}''}}
 +
|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mech_for_i/189875584/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/55/189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg]<br>''Picture by Mech_for_i. {{creative commons}}''
⚫
The name '''Pearl''' was given by [[Konica|Rokuoh-sha and Konishiroku]] (the later Konica) to many models of rollfilm folders. Other articles deal with the [[Pearl (6×9 and larger)|6×9 and larger models]], and the [[Baby Pearl]] and [[Pearlette]] cameras (both using [[127 film]]); this one deals with the Semi Pearl and Pearl for 4.5×6cm.
  
  ⚫
}}
  ⚫
The name '''Pearl''' was given by [[Konica|Konishiroku]] (the later Konica) to many models of rollfilm folders. This article deals with the Pearl (I), II and III made from 1949 in 4.5×6cm format, successors of the [[Semi Pearl]]. These were replaced in 1958 by the ephemeral [[Pearl IV]], which has a completely different construction.
   
  +
Other articles deal with the [[Pearl (for plates and rollfilm)|early models for plates and rollfilm]], the [[Pearl No.2]], [[Pearl (6×9 self-erecting)|self-erecting 6×9 Pearl]], and the [[Baby Pearl]] and [[Pearlette]] cameras (both using [[127 film]]).
⚫
==Operation==
  
   
  ⚫
== Operation ==
−
The successive models of Semi Pearl and Pearl show considerable variety, as is described below; but all share a design quirk that is likely to confuse somebody who is moderately accustomed to other folders but is new to any in this particular line. What are obviously the shutter-release button at the top of the body and the door-opening button at the top of the door are in fact the reverse of what they seem: the photographer opens the door with the button on the top plate or top housing, and releases the shutter with the button on the opened door.
 +
All these Pearl models share a design quirk that is likely to confuse somebody who is moderately accustomed to other folders but is new to any in this particular line. What would seem to be the shutter-release button at the top of the body and the door-opening button at the top of the door are in fact the reverse of what they seem: the photographer opens the door with the button on the top plate or top housing, and releases the shutter with the button on the opened door.
   
  ⚫
== Pearl and Pearl RS, with uncoupled rangefinder ==
−
== The viewfinder-only Semi Pearl ==
  
  ⚫
The '''Pearl''' (in retrospect '''Pearl I''', first half of 1949<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says March 1949, while Tanimura, "Pāru II", says April 1949. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl was tested in the August 1949 issues of {{AR}} and ''[[Kōga Gekkan]].'' </ref>) has the same basic body as the [[Semi Pearl]], with a top housing (simply inscribed "Pearl") for a viewfinder and an uncoupled rangefinder. The rangefinder is set by a knob above the top housing, and the distance read must be transfered by the user to the distance scale of the lens. Film advance is still by key. The back has only one red window and is similar to the last examples of the [[Semi Pearl]]. The camera retains the combination of a coated [[Hexar lenses|Hexar]] 75mm f/4.5 lens and a [[Durax]] shutter (1–100, B, T) found on the [[Semi Pearl]]. There is still no flash synchronization.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.60. For this and subsequent models: ''Konika-Minoruta-ten,'' p.8.</ref> Presumably "Semi" was dropped from the name in view of the unlikeliness of a revival of any 6×9 folder (the [[Pearl (6×9 self-erecting)|prewar 6×9 Pearl]] had been rather unusual among Japanese cameras even when new, and even a modernized successor would probably have struck most photographers in 1949 as a bulky extravagance); the disappearance of the [[Baby Pearl]] may have been another factor.
−
=== Prewar and wartime period ===
  
−
The '''Semi Pearl''', released at the beginning of 1938,<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;338, says that the Semi Pearl was featured in the new products column of the February 1938 issue of ''[[Asahi Camera]],'' and that it was advertised in the same magazine from January 1938 and in ''[[Kogata Camera]]'' from February. Tanimura, "Pāru II", says April 1938. Lewis, p.&nbsp;54, says 1937. </ref> is a 4.5&times;6 folder copied from the [[Ikonta A]], with curved folding struts, unit focusing, a folding optical finder, a shutter release on the door (parallel and close to the hinge), a key to advance the film (to the bottom right, as seen by a photographer holding the camera horizontally), and a strap along the edge of the camera next to the take-up spool.
  
   
  ⚫
The '''Pearl RS''' (in retrospect '''Pearl I RS''', but also simply inscribed "Pearl"; late 1950<ref> Tanimura, "Pāru II", and Miyazaki, p.128, both say October 1950. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II are mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. </ref>) has a Konirapid-S shutter (B, 1–500) with Kodak-type flash synchronization. An accessory shoe is added at the top right of the camera (as seen by a photographer holding it horizontally), the back latch is modified and the strap has disappeared.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–1; Uchida, "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku.</ref> The price in 1951 was {{yen|14,850|1951}}.<ref> Advertisement for the Pearl RS and Pearl II published in the January 1951 issue of ''[[Camera Fan]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.160. </ref>
−
The back is hinged to the left and has two red windows near the top, protected by a common sliding cover, to control film advance. The front leather is embossed ''SEMI PEARL'' in a rectangular frame and the folding struts are engraved with Konishiroku's logo: a five-petal cherry blossom containing the Japanese character 六 (the ''roku'' within both "Rokuoh-sha" and "Konishiroku"). The metal parts of the body are generally painted black, but some examples exist with chrome finish. A number of advertisements dated 1938 and 1939<ref> In the June 1938 and January 1939 issues of ''Asahi Camera'' and in the August and December 1938 issues of ''Kogata Camera''. All these advertisements are reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;82. </ref> show the chrome finish, and it possibly corresponds to the earliest cameras.
  
   
−
One version has an Optor 75mm f/4.5 lens (designed by Konishiroku but manufactured by [[Pentax|Asahi K&#333;gaku]]) and an Apus shutter with 10&ndash;100, B, T speeds ({{yen|78|1938}}), another a Hexar 75mm f/4.5 lens and a Durax shutter with 1&ndash;100, B, T speeds ({{yen|105|1938}}).<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;60. Prices are from advertisements dated 1938 and 1939, reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;82.</ref> Both lens and shutter are marked ''Rokuoh-sha''. The company name was changed to Konishiroku in 1943, and the markings were changed accordingly.<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;12&ndash;3, explains this for the [[Baby Pearl]]. It is similarly mentioned in ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'', p.&nbsp;18. </ref> Given the circumstances of the time, the marking change was probably not instantaneous, and cameras engraved ''Rokuoh-sha'' were perhaps still sold after the war. At least one example has been observed with mismatched lens and shutter markings.
  
−  
−
=== After the war ===
  
−
The production of the Semi Pearl was resumed between 1946 and 1948. It largely used stocks of older parts, at least at first. Postwar examples have Optor or Hexar lenses mounted on Apus or Durax shutters. All combinations are known to exist, the Hexar and Durax being the most common. Perhaps because of a shortage of parts or raw materials, some examples only have front-cell focusing. It is reported that the price in 1946 was {{yen|3,050|1946}}.<REF> Lewis, p.&nbsp;60. </REF>
  
−  
−
Slight modifications occurred during the presumably postwar production (the cameras marked ''Konishiroku''). The frame of the ''SEMI PEARL'' embossing in the front leather was switched from a rectangular to a hexagonal shape. The back leather also received a ''KONISHIROKU'' embossing in a hexagon, perhaps at the same time. On the shutter plate, direct engravings of the ''Durax'' name and aperture scale replaced the small screwed metal plates. The ''Hexar Ser.1'' lens name was replaced by the simpler ''Hexar'' a bit later, around lens number 37000 or 38000.
  
−  
−
Some examples of the Semi Pearl (with ''Konishiroku'' markings) have been observed with only one red window in the back, near the bottom, protected by a cover horizontally sliding under a metal plate. The back is exactly the same as on the later Pearl&nbsp;I, and these are probably among the last examples of the Semi Pearl. The existence of this variant indicates that not all the postwar Semi Pearl were assembled from stocks of old parts and that the production had effectively resumed, at least for some important parts.
  
−  
−
At least one example has been observed with a diamond-shaped ''CPO'' logo engraved in black in the standing leg.<REF> Example observed in an eBay auction. </REF> CPO stands for <U>C</U>entral <U>P</U>urchasing <U>O</U>ffice and means that the camera was to be sold at an American military Post Exchange facility.
  
−
{{br}}
  
⚫
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align:center;"
  
⚫
|-
  
−
| rowspan="2" | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/244917300/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/91/244917300_30892eeb5f_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/244920093/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/84/244920093_86596ca8cb_m_d.jpg]
  
⚫
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/244920091/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/93/244920091_2ab62aa7bc_t_d.jpg]
  
−
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/244920098/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/80/244920098_d7a17a3e7a_t_d.jpg]
  
⚫
|-
  
−
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/244920096/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/80/244920096_1c27616557_t_d.jpg]
  
⚫
|-
  
−
| colspan="3" | ''Postwar Semi Pearl, unit focusing Hexar lens, Durax shutter, Konishiroku markings.''<br>''Pictures courtesy of Geoff Cliffe, Melbourne. {{with permission}}''
  
⚫
|}
  
−  
⚫
== Pearl and Pearl RS, with uncoupled rangefinder ==
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center"
  
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center"
 
|-
  
|-
Line 50: Line 29:
 
| colspan="5" | ''Pearl RS. Pictures courtesy of Thomas Harvey. {{with permission}}''
  
| colspan="5" | ''Pearl RS. Pictures courtesy of Thomas Harvey. {{with permission}}''
 
|}
  
|}
⚫
The '''Pearl''' (in retrospect '''Pearl I''', first half of 1949<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;183, says March 1949, while Tanimura, "Pāru II", says April 1949. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;358, says that the Pearl was tested in the August 1949 issues of ''[[Ars Camera]]'' and ''[[Kōga Gekkan]].'' </ref>) has the same basic body as the Semi Pearl, with a top housing (simply inscribed "Pearl") for a viewfinder and an uncoupled rangefinder. The rangefinder is set by a knob above the top housing, and the distance read must be transfered by the user to the distance scale of the lens. Film advance is still by key. The back has only one red window and is similar to the last examples of the Semi Pearl. The camera retains the Hexar&ndash;Durax combination of the Semi Pearl, but now the Hexar lens is coated. There is still no flash synchronization.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;60. For this and subsequent models: ''Konika-Minoruta-ten,'' p.&nbsp;8.</ref> Presumably "Semi" was dropped from the name in view of the unlikeliness of a revival of any 6×9 folder (the [[Pearl (6×9 and larger)|prewar 6×9 Pearl]] had been rather unusual among Japanese cameras even when new, and even a modernized successor would probably have struck most photographers in 1949 as a bulky extravagance); the disappearance of the [[Baby Pearl]] may have been another factor.
  
−  
⚫
The '''Pearl RS''' (in retrospect '''Pearl I RS''', but also simply inscribed "Pearl"; late 1950<ref> Tanimura, "Pāru II", and Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;128, both say October 1950. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II are mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. </ref>) has a Konirapid-S shutter (B, 1&ndash;500) with Kodak-type flash synchronization. An accessory shoe is added at the top right of the camera (as seen by a photographer holding it horizontally), the back latch is modified and the strap has disappeared.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.&nbsp;60&ndash;61; Uchida, "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku.</ref> The price in 1951 was {{yen|14,850|1951}}.<ref> Advertisement for the Pearl RS and Pearl II published in the January 1951 issue of ''[[Camera Fan]],'' reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;160. </ref>
  
   
 
== Pearl II and IIB, with coupled rangefinder ==
  
== Pearl II and IIB, with coupled rangefinder ==
−
<div class="plainlinks floatright" style="text-align: center;">
 +
{| class="plainlinks floatright" width=250px style="text-align: center;"
−
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/byebyebird/543749462/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/543749462_d63cf71c07_m_d.jpg]
 +
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/byebyebird/543749462/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/543749462_d63cf71c07_m_d.jpg]
  ⚫
|-
−
<br>''Pearl II.''
  
−
<br>''Picture by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/byebyebird/ Bye Bye Bird]. {{creative commons}}''
 +
|| ''Pearl II. Picture by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/byebyebird/ Bye Bye Bird]. {{creative commons}}''
  ⚫
|}
−
</div>
  
−
The '''Pearl II''' was released together with the Pearl RS and maybe sold a little after<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;128, says that the Pearl II and Pearl RS were released in October 1950, but gives January 1951 for the Pearl II on p.&nbsp;183. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II were mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. It is reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;160, and shows a price for the Pearl RS but not for the Pearl II. Uchida, "Konpakuto na Pāru RS", says that the Pearl II was released in 1951, the year after the Pearl RS. </ref>; it is the same camera with a coupled rangefinder and inscribed ''Pearl II'' on the top housing. The focusing tab is modified and the focusing scale has disappeared from the front assembly. It is replaced by a rotating disc that shows the distance against a simple depth-of-field scale, placed under a window in the top housing, where the uncoupled model has a focusing knob for the rangefinder. In 1952<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;183, says April 1952. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;358, says that the f/3.5 lens is first advertised in the November 1952 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. </ref> an f/3.5 Hexar option ({{yen|30,150|1953}}) was added to the standard f/4.5 Hexar ({{yen|26,650|1953}}). With the f/4.5 lens, the camera's dimensions open are 120&times;100&times;92mm (43mm closed); it weighs 580g.<ref> Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.&nbsp;60&ndash;61; Tanimura, "Pāru II." </ref>
 +
The '''Pearl II''' was released together with the Pearl RS and maybe sold a little after;<ref> Miyazaki, p.128, says that the Pearl II and Pearl RS were released in October 1950, but gives January 1951 for the Pearl II on p.183. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II were mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of {{ACA}}. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. It is reproduced in {{Kokusan}}, p.160, and shows a price for the Pearl RS but not for the Pearl II. Uchida, "Konpakuto na Pāru RS", says that the Pearl II was released in 1951, the year after the Pearl RS. </ref> it is the same camera with a coupled rangefinder and inscribed ''Pearl II'' on the top housing. The focusing tab is modified and the focusing scale has disappeared from the front assembly. It is replaced by a rotating disc that shows the distance against a simple depth-of-field scale, placed under a window in the top housing, where the uncoupled model has a focusing knob for the rangefinder. In 1952<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1952. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the f/3.5 lens is first advertised in the November 1952 issue of ''Asahi Camera''. </ref> an f/3.5 Hexar option ({{yen|30,150|1953}}) was added to the standard f/4.5 Hexar ({{yen|26,650|1953}}). With the f/4.5 lens, the camera's dimensions open are 120×100×92mm (43mm closed); it weighs 580g.<ref> Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61; Tanimura, "Pāru II." </ref>
   
−
In response to increasing competition from 35mm cameras, the '''Pearl IIB''' (still engraved ''Pearl II'') was released in mid-1955<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;183, says April 1955. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;358, says that the Pearl IIB was reviewed in the issues dated July or August 1955 of many Japanese magazines. The first advertisements are dated August 1955. </ref> as a cheaper ({{yen|23,500|1955}}) alternative to the <!-- presumably f/3.5 -->II ({{yen|30,150|1955}}). It retains the f/3.5 Hexar lens but the shutter is a Durax-S (top speed 400) and the focusing scale is back to the front assembly. There is still a depth-of-field scale above the top housing, but it must be turned manually. The Pearl IIB has one innovation: a PC rather than Kodak flash terminal.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.&nbsp;60&ndash;61.</ref> (At least one example of the Pearl II has been observed with this feature.)
 +
In response to increasing competition from 35mm cameras, the '''Pearl IIB''' (still engraved ''Pearl II'') was released in mid-1955<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1955. {{Kokusan}}, p.358, says that the Pearl IIB was reviewed in the issues dated July or August 1955 of many Japanese magazines. The first advertisements are dated August 1955. </ref> as a cheaper ({{yen|23,500|1955}}) alternative to the <!-- presumably f/3.5 -->II ({{yen|30,150|1955}}). It retains the f/3.5 Hexar lens but the shutter is a [[Durax|Durax-S]] (top speed 1/400) and the focusing scale is back to the front assembly. There is still a depth-of-field scale above the top housing, but it must be turned manually. The Pearl IIB has one innovation: a PC rather than Kodak flash terminal.<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61.</ref> (At least one example of the Pearl II has been observed with this feature.)
   
 
== Pearl III, with auto-stop advance ==
  
== Pearl III, with auto-stop advance ==
  ⚫
{| class="floatright plainlinks" width=250px style="text-align: center;"
  ⚫
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mech_for_i/189875584/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/55/189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg]
  ⚫
|-
  ⚫
|| ''Pearl III&nbsp;L. Picture by Mech_for_i. {{creative commons}}''
  +
|}
  ⚫
The '''Pearl III''' (late 1955<ref> Miyazaki, p.183, says December 1955. {{Kokusan}}, p.395, says that the first mention in Japanese magazines was in January 1951 issues. </ref>, inscribed ''Pearl III'' above the top housing) adds "semi-automatic" (auto-stop) film advance: once the "start" line on the backup paper is lined up with a dot on the film rail, the camera calculates how far the photographer may wind the film before each exposure. The red window accordingly disappears from the film back. An advance knob replaces the advance key of the previous models, it contains a manually reset exposure counter. The auto-stop mechanism was designed by Nakagawa Kenzō and supplied to Konishiroku by his company [[Aram|Aram Kōgaku]], at a pace of 2,000 units per month.<REF> {{SUG}}, p.76; Yazawa, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.254. </REF>
   
  ⚫
The Pearl III also substitutes a film-reminder dial (color, panchromatic, etc., as well as speed) for the distance and depth-of-field dial of the II. It retains the Konirapid S shutter of the II but has the PC flash terminal of the IIB. The lens is the Hexar f/3.5, except for a few examples said to be fitted with a three-element Konitor lens, certainly the same 75mm f/3.5 as on the [[Aram Six]]. The focusing ring is fitted with a concave tab and a depth-of-field scale.<ref> Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.129 (the source for examples with Konitor lenses); Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61. All Konitor lenses have three elements, see Yazawa in {{CCN}} no.254. </ref>
−
<div class="floatright plainlinks" style="text-align: center;">
  
−
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mech_for_i/189875584/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://static.flickr.com/55/189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg]
  
−
<br>''Pearl III&nbsp;L.''
  
⚫
<br>''Picture by Mech_for_i. {{creative commons}}''
  
−
</div>
  
   
  ⚫
There are two later variants, which are also simply inscribed ''Pearl III'' and must be distinguished by looking at the lens. The '''Pearl IIIMX''' (1956<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the May 1956 issue of ''[[Camera Mainichi]]''. </ref>) replaces the Konirapid S with a [[Seikosha-MX]] shutter. This adds X synchronization for electronic flash, becoming popular at around this time. In a time of increased competition in the industry, companies such as Konishiroku that had previously produced shutters for their own cameras found it more economical to buy them in from either [[Hattori|Seikosha]] or [[Copal]].<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.</ref> The Hexar lens on this model has a seven-digit serial number and is said to be an improved model (maybe recomputed).<ref> Miyazaki, p.131. </ref> The '''Pearl IIIL''' (1957<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the June 1957 issue of ''[[Nippon Camera]]''. </ref>) has two further innovations: a [[Seikosha-MX|Seikosha-MXL]] shutter, using the [[light-value system]], and a new amber coating for the lens.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.</ref> When closed, the IIIL has the same dimensions as the II<!-- very surprising given that the advance knob protrudes much more than the key -->, and weighs 600g.<ref>Kawamata, p.98.</ref>
⚫
The '''Pearl III''' (late 1955<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;183, says December 1955. {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;395, says that the first mention in Japanese magazines was in January 1951 issues. </ref>, inscribed ''Pearl III'' above the top housing) adds "semi-automatic" (auto-stop) film advance: once the "start" line on the backup paper is lined up with a dot on the film rail, the camera calculates how far the photographer may wind the film before each exposure. The red window accordingly disappears from the film back. An advance knob replaces the advance key of the previous models, it contains a manually reset exposure counter. The auto-stop mechanism was designed by Nakagawa Kenzō and supplied to Konishiroku by his company [[Aram|Aram Kōgaku]], at a pace of 2,000 units per month.<REF> {{Sugiyama}}, p.&nbsp;76; Yazawa, p.13 of {{CCN}} no.254. </REF>
  
   
  +
The Pearl III was succeeded in December 1958 by the [[Pearl IV]], which is a radical redesign of the original concept.
⚫
The Pearl III also substitutes a film-reminder dial (color, panchromatic, etc., as well as speed) for the distance and depth-of-field dial of the II. It retains the Konirapid S shutter of the II but has the PC flash terminal of the IIB. The lens is the Hexar f/3.5, except for a few examples said to be fitted with a three-element Konitor lens, certainly the same 75mm f/3.5 as on the [[Aram Six]]. The focusing ring is fitted with a concave tab and a depth-of-field scale.<ref> Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.&nbsp;129 (the source for examples with Konitor lenses); Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61. All Konitor lenses have three elements, see Yazawa in {{CCN}} no.254. </ref>
  
   
  ⚫
== Notes ==
⚫
There are two later variants, which are also simply inscribed ''Pearl III'' and must be distinguished by looking at the lens. The '''Pearl IIIMX''' (1956<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the May 1956 issue of ''[[Camera Mainichi]].'' </ref>) replaces the Konirapid S with a [[Seikosha-MX]] shutter. This adds X synchronization for electronic flash, becoming popular at around this time. In a time of increased competition in the industry, companies such as Konishiroku that had previously produced shutters for their own cameras found it more economical to buy them in from either [[Hattori|Seikosha]] or [[Copal]].<ref>Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref> The Hexar lens on this model has a seven-digit serial number and is said to be an improved model (maybe recomputed).<ref> Miyazaki, p.&nbsp;131. </ref> The '''Pearl IIIL''' (1957<ref> {{Kokusan}}, p.&nbsp;395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the June 1957 issue of ''[[Nippon Camera]].'' </ref>) has two further innovations: a [[Seikosha-MX|Seikosha-MXL]] shutter, using the [[light-value system]], and a new amber coating for the lens.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' p.&nbsp;129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref> When closed, the IIIL has the same dimensions as the II<!-- very surprising given that the advance knob protrudes much more than the key -->, and weighs 600g.<ref>Kawamata, p. 98.</ref>
  
−  
−
== Pearl IV, with brightframe finder ==
  
−  
−
The '''Pearl IV''' (December 1958) is a radical redesign, with a completely different diecast aluminium body and a finder of advanced design with a projected frameline. The finder has additional lines for parallax but there is no automatic parallax correction: the frame does not move when focusing.<ref>The finder is sometimes described as having a frameline whose position adjusts to compensate for parallax. This is untrue: hold the camera steady, focus from the closest distance to infinity, and the view is unchanged and the frameline stays where it was. The frameline does have extra lines to indicate the variation caused by parallax: in this it is similar to some of the better accessory viewfinders (for 35mm rangefinder cameras, etc.) that lack an adjustment for distance.</ref>
  
−  
−
The door over the bellows is hinged on the right hand side (as experienced by a photographer holding the camera horizontally), as opposed to all the earlier models; the shutter release is still at the top of the door and near the hinge, it is thus pressed by the right hand whereas the earlier models had a left-handed release button. The diecast body pushes the weight over 700g. The housing for the finders extends almost the whole way across the top, and the accessory shoe is no longer next to it but instead above its centre. The Hexar lens and [[Seikosha-MX|Seikosha-MXL]] shutter are inherited from the IIIL, but the focusing aid is no longer convex but instead a simple tab. There is double exposure prevention as well as auto-stop film advance and an auto-reset exposure counter.
  
−  
−
At {{yen|22,000|1959}}, the IV was slightly cheaper than the IIIL (&yen;24,800). However, interest in folding cameras was waning fast, and production of this camera stopped after about six months and after only about five thousand had been made.<ref>Miyazaki, ''Konika kamera no 50nen,'' pp.&nbsp;129&ndash;30; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.&nbsp;61.</ref>
  
−  
−
The Pearl IV is now regarded as one of the finest cameras of this format. Konishiroku would never again attempt anything like it (or reuse the name "Pearl", which dated from 1909). The closest thing to a successor is probably the [[Fujica GS645]] of 1983.
  
−  
−
The Pearl IV is often referred to as a rarity. This is an exaggeration: five thousand is not so few, and it is not the kind of device that even the ignorant will unhesitatingly throw into the trash. Examples are not particularly hard to find in the Japanese market; however, they are expensive by folder standards, now (2006) costing around three times as much as examples of the Pearl III in similar condition.
  
−  
−
Konishiroku's next medium-format rangefinder would be the [[Koni-Omega|Koni-Omega Rapid]] of 1964; Konishiroku also made an abortive attempt at another 4.5&times;6 camera with the [[Konica SF]] SLR.
  
−  
⚫
==Notes==
  
 
<references />
  
<references />
   
 
== Sources and further reading ==
  
== Sources and further reading ==
−
* {{Showa10}} Items 169, 675&ndash;9, 1440&ndash;43. (See also the advertisement for item 168 and the picture on p.&nbsp;20.)
 +
* {{Showa10}} Items 676–9 and 1440–42. (See also the picture on p.20.)
 
* Iwama Tomohisa (岩間倶久). ''Atarashii Pāru no tsukaikata'' (新しいパールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico, 1956.<!-- Not seen -->
  
* Iwama Tomohisa (岩間倶久). ''Atarashii Pāru no tsukaikata'' (新しいパールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico, 1956.<!-- Not seen -->
−
* Kawamata Masataku (川又正卓). "Konishiroku Pāru III" (小西六パールIII, Konishiroku Pearl III). ''Supuringu kamera de ikō: Zen 69 kishu no tsukaikata to jissha sakurei'' (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の使い方と実写作例, Let's try spring cameras: The use of and actual examples from 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha<!--yes, this is how it writes its name in roomaji-->, 2004. ISBN 4879560723 Pp.&nbsp;98&ndash;9. About the Pearl IIIL.
 +
* Kawamata Masataku (川又正卓). "Konishiroku Pāru III" (小西六パールIII, Konishiroku Pearl III). ''Supuringu kamera de ikō: Zen 69 kishu no tsukaikata to jissha sakurei'' (スプリングカメラでいこう: 全69機種の使い方と実写作例, Let's try spring cameras: The use of and actual examples from 69 machines). Tokyo: Shashinkogyo Syuppan-sha<!--yes, this is how it writes its name in roomaji-->, 2004. ISBN 4879560723 Pp.98–9. About the Pearl IIIL.
 
* ''Konika-Minoruta-ten'' (コニカミノルタ展, Konica Minolta exhibition). Exhibition catalogue. Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 2005.
  
* ''Konika-Minoruta-ten'' (コニカミノルタ展, Konica Minolta exhibition). Exhibition catalogue. Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 2005.
  +
* {{KKS010}}<!-- Not used yet -->
−
* ''Konishiroku Kamera no Rekishi'' (小西六カメラの歴史, History of Konishiroku cameras), vol. 10 (Autumn 1985 issue) of ''Kamera Rebyū Bessatsu: Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' / ''All about Historical Cameras.''<!-- Not seen. Source of info: http://www.kanroshobo.com/KANROKANRO/CLACAMESENKA/clacame6-10.html -->
  
−
* {{Lewis}}
 +
* {{Lewis}} Pp.67–8, 74 and 92.
−
* {{McKeown12}} Pp.&nbsp;544&ndash;5.
 +
* {{McKeown12}} P.544.
 
* Miki Akira (三木旺). ''Pāru no tsukaikata'' (パールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico.<!-- Not seen -->
  
* Miki Akira (三木旺). ''Pāru no tsukaikata'' (パールの使い方). Tokyo: Amico.<!-- Not seen -->
 
* Miyazaki Shigemoto (宮崎繁幹). ''Konika kamera no 50nen: Konika I-gata kara Hekisā RF e'' (コニカカメラの50年：コニカI型からヘキサーRFへ, Fifty years of Konica cameras: From the Konica I to the Hexar RF). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 2003. ISBN 4-257-12038-X.
  
* Miyazaki Shigemoto (宮崎繁幹). ''Konika kamera no 50nen: Konika I-gata kara Hekisā RF e'' (コニカカメラの50年：コニカI型からヘキサーRFへ, Fifty years of Konica cameras: From the Konica I to the Hexar RF). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 2003. ISBN 4-257-12038-X.
−
* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.&nbsp;18.
 +
* ''Omoide no supuringu-kamera-ten'' (思い出のスプリングカメラ展, Exhibition of beloved self-erecting cameras). Tokyo: JCII Camera Museum, 1992. (Exhibition catalogue, no ISBN number.) P.18.
−
* {{Zukan}} P.&nbsp;76.
 +
* {{Zukan}} P.76.
−
* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku" (日本のスプリングカメラ Konishiroku,<!-- Yes, the name is written in roomazi --> The spring cameras of Japan: Konishiroku). ''Kamera Rebyū Bessatsu: Kurashikku Kamera Senka'' / ''All about Historical Cameras,'' no.&nbsp;8, Autumn 1986 (special issue on ''Supuringu Kamera'' [スプリングカメラ, spring cameras]), 58&ndash;61.
 +
* Tanaka Masao (田中政雄). "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku" (日本のスプリングカメラ Konishiroku,<!-- Yes, the name is written in roomazi --> The spring cameras of Japan: Konishiroku). {{KKS008}} Pp.58–61.
−
* Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Dentō aru kyorikei-rendō semi-han supuringu kamera Pāru II" (伝統ある距離計連動セミ判スプリングカメラ：パールII, A coupled-rangefinder 4.5&times;6 spring camera with tradition: The Pearl II). {{KKS035}} p.&nbsp;63.
 +
* Tanimura Yoshihiko (谷村吉彦). "Dentō aru kyorikei-rendō semi-han supuringu kamera Pāru II" (伝統ある距離計連動セミ判スプリングカメラ：パールII, A coupled-rangefinder 4.5×6 spring camera with tradition: The Pearl II). {{KKS035}} P.63.
−
* Uchida Yasuo (内田康男). "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku ni osamatta sangaku-shashin: Konpakuto na Pāru RS" (ヘキサー75mmの視角に収まった山岳写真: コンパクトなパールRS, Mountain photography from the perspective of a 75mm Hexar: The compact Pearl RS). {{KKS076}} Pp.&nbsp;32&ndash;5.
 +
* Uchida Yasuo (内田康男). "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku ni osamatta sangaku-shashin: Konpakuto na Pāru RS" (ヘキサー75mmの視角に収まった山岳写真: コンパクトなパールRS, Mountain photography from the perspective of a 75mm Hexar: The compact Pearl RS). {{KKS076}} Pp.32–5.
−
* Yazawa Seiichirō (矢沢征一郎). "Renzu no hanashi (164) Konitā" (レンズの話[164]コニター, Lens story [164] Konitor). In {{CCN}} no.254 (August 1998). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.13&ndash;6.
 +
* Yazawa Seiichirō (矢沢征一郎). "Renzu no hanashi (164) Konitā" (レンズの話[164]コニター, Lens story [164] Konitor). In {{CCN}} no.254 (August 1998). Nishinomiya: Camera Collectors News-sha. Pp.13–6. (On the outsourcing of the auto-stop mechanism of the Pearl III to Aram.)
   
−
==Links==
 +
== Links ==
 
In English:
  
In English:
−
* [http://www.geocities.com/antjam65/Pearl.html Pearl RS & II] by Anthony, aka antjam65, at [http://www.geocities.com/antjam65/index.html his photo website]
 +
* [http://arukucamera.net/Pearl.html Pearl RS & II] by Anthony, at [http://arukucamera.net/ his photo website]
−
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl_e.htm Pearl IIB and IV] at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera]
 +
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl_e.htm Pearl IIB] at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera]
−
* Sales by [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/ Westlicht Photographica Auction]:
 +
* [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=25200&acat=25200&offset=1&_ssl=off Pearl II and IIB], lots no.655–6 of [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=25111&_ssl=off&lang=3 auction no.6 (6 November 2004)] by [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/ Westlicht Photographica Auction]
−
** [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=25200&acat=25200&offset=1&_ssl=off Pearl II, Pearl IIB and Semi Pearl], lots no.655&ndash;7 of [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=25111&_ssl=off&lang=3 auction no.6 (6 November 2004)]
  
−
** [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=54425&acat=54425&_ssl=off Pearl IV], lot no.791 of [http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=54384&_ssl=off&lang=3 auction no.9 (20 May 2006)]
  
−  
 
In Japanese:
  
In Japanese:
  ⚫
* [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/history/konica/1940/1949.html Pearl I] and [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/history/konica/1950/1951.html Pearl II] in the official [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/history/index.html Konica Minolta camera history site] (copied in [http://navi.kitamura.jp/camera/0000001305.html this page] and [http://navi.kitamura.jp/camera/0000001304.html this page] of the Kitamura Camera Museum)
−
* [http://ha1.seikyou.ne.jp/home/sarusuberi/konica.htm Semi Pearl] within a Konica page at [http://ha1.seikyou.ne.jp/home/sarusuberi/ Sarusuberi]
  
  ⚫
* [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/col4/col4.cgi?mode=main&no=121 Pearl I] in the [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/ Zeppan Tōsan photo site] (incorporating [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/col4/coldata/121.jpg this photograph]). If the link does not work, go to the [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/ main site], follow the link marked "武器庫" in the page menu, and search for "パールI" in the left menu
−
* [http://mutohide.ddo.jp/etccam/semipeal.html Semi Pearl overhaul] at [http://mutohide.ddo.jp/index.html Handmade and Classic Camera]
  
−
* [http://dorus.blog21.fc2.com/blog-category-18.html Semi Pearl] with sample pictures at [http://dorus.blog21.fc2.com/ Doru's blog]
 +
* [http://tomshome.sakura.ne.jp/others/konica/pearl1.html Restoration of a Pearl I] at [http://tomshome.sakura.ne.jp/ ME Fukkatsu Ōjō]
  ⚫
<!-- dead link: * [http://hunmut.c-get.ne.jp/camera/pearlI/photos1.htm Pearl RS] at [http://hunmut.c-get.ne.jp/camera/index.htm Yukara's site] -->
⚫
* [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/konica/1940/1949.html Pearl I] and [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/konica/1950/1951.html Pearl II] at [http://ca.konicaminolta.jp/oldnew/index.html Konica Minolta "old and new"] (copied in [http://navi.kitamura.jp/maker/maker.do?cmd=maker&makerId=6&startYear=1971 this page of the Kitamura Camera Museum])
  
  ⚫
* [http://asahide.zdap.jp/hcla02/htakaz02.htm Pearl RS] at [http://asahide.zdap.jp/ Nagoya's Camera Club]
⚫
* [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/col4/col4.cgi?mode=main&no=121 Pearl I] in the [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/ Zeppan Tōsan photo site] (incorporating [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/col4/coldata/121.jpg this photograph]). If the link does not work, go to the [http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~zeppan_tousan/ Zeppan Tōsan photo site], follow the link marked "武器庫" in the page menu, and then the link marked "小西六　パールI" in the "next" menu
  
⚫
* [http://hunmut.c-get.ne.jp/camera/pearlI/photos1.htm Pearl RS] at [http://hunmut.c-get.ne.jp/camera/index.htm Yukara's site]
  
⚫
* [http://asahide.zdap.jp/hcla02/htakaz02.htm Pearl RS] at [http://www.infocam.co.kr/ infocam.co.kr]
  
 
* [http://kans1948.zero-yen.com/html/p155.html Restoration of a Pearl RS] at [http://kans1948.zero-yen.com/ Kan's Room]
  
* [http://kans1948.zero-yen.com/html/p155.html Restoration of a Pearl RS] at [http://kans1948.zero-yen.com/ Kan's Room]
 
* [http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/2005/06/post_c046.html Pearl II] in the [http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/ Damono Suki blog]
  
* [http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/2005/06/post_c046.html Pearl II] in the [http://doojigger.way-nifty.com/doojigger/ Damono Suki blog]
 
* [http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/m-bon/camera/camera_135.html Pearl II] at [http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/m-bon/index.html Bon's Homepage]
  
* [http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/m-bon/camera/camera_135.html Pearl II] at [http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/m-bon/index.html Bon's Homepage]
−
* [http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/konica.html Pearl II, III and IV within a Konishiroku page] at [http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/fotoaprt1.html Yume o hakobu shashinki]
 +
* [http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/konica.html Pearl II and III] within a Konishiroku page at [http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~kosaka/fotoaprt1.html Yume o hakobu shashinki]
−
* [http://www3.kiy.jp/%7Edaddy/pearl3/pearl.html Pearl II] (with sample photos) at [http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~puppy/ Puppy's Island]
 +
<!-- dead link: * [http://www3.kiy.jp/%7Edaddy/pearl3/pearl.html Pearl II] (with sample photos) at [http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~puppy/ Puppy's Island] -->
 
* [http://bin2001.hp.infoseek.co.jp/pearl2/pearl2.htm Pearl II] at [http://bin2001.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ Doraku Oyaji no Kamera Koheya]
  
* [http://bin2001.hp.infoseek.co.jp/pearl2/pearl2.htm Pearl II] at [http://bin2001.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ Doraku Oyaji no Kamera Koheya]
 
* Pearl II in a [http://www013.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kima-ps/6hobby5.html page of classic cameras] at [http://www013.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kima-ps/ Kimata Photo Studio]
  
* Pearl II in a [http://www013.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kima-ps/6hobby5.html page of classic cameras] at [http://www013.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kima-ps/ Kimata Photo Studio]
−
* [http://kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl2/index.htm Restoration of a Pearl II] at [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/ Shiroto shashinki shūri kōbō]
 +
* [http://kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl2/index.htm Restoration of a Pearl II], [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl3/ restoration] and [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl3/photo/index.htm sample photos] from a Pearl III at [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/ Shiroto shashinki shūri kōbō]
−
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl.htm Pearl family], with pictures of the Pearl IIB, III and IV, at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/ The Classic Camera]
 +
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/pearl.htm Pearl family], with pictures of the Pearl IIB and III, at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/ The Classic Camera]
 
* [http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/336.html Pearl III] at [http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/ Gacha's Box]
  
* [http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/336.html Pearl III] at [http://wave.ap.teacup.com/gacha/ Gacha's Box]
−
* [http://mtakigawa.exblog.jp/i7 Pearl III] (photo and short comment only) at [http://mtakigawa.exblog.jp/ Kurakame to dejikame monokuro]
 +
<!-- dead link: * [http://mtakigawa.exblog.jp/i7 Pearl III] (photo and short comment only) at [http://mtakigawa.exblog.jp/ Kurakame to dejikame monokuro] -->
 
* Pearl III in the [http://www.jmcy.co.jp/goto/yamada/Y061021/P001_099.html first page] of the [http://www.jmcy.co.jp/goto/yamada/ Yamada Camera Museum]
  
* Pearl III in the [http://www.jmcy.co.jp/goto/yamada/Y061021/P001_099.html first page] of the [http://www.jmcy.co.jp/goto/yamada/ Yamada Camera Museum]
−
* [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl3/ Restoration] and [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/konishiroku_pearl3/photo/index.htm sample photos] from a Pearl III at [http://ns.kochi-med.net/moto/camera/ Shiroto shashinki shūri kōbō]
  
−
* [http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/article/photo200705.html Pearl IV] and [http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/article/photo200705-cam.html more pictures] at [http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/index.html Hayata Camera Laboratory]
  
   
−
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 viewfinder folding]]
  
 
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 rangefinder folding]]
  
[[Category: Japanese 4.5x6 rangefinder folding]]
 
[[Category: Konica]]
  
[[Category: Konica]]
 
[[Category: P]]
  
[[Category: P]]
−
[[Category: 1938]]
  

Latest revision as of 10:14, 18 November 2019

189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg
Picture by Mech_for_i. (Image rights)
Japanese Semi (4.5×6)
Postwar models (edit)
folding
Apollo | Semi Blond | Semi Crystar | Daido Semi | Doris | Semi Frank | Semi Gelto | Semi Golder | Karoron | Karoron RF | Kely | Kiko Semi | Korin | Kuri | BB Kuri | Lark | Semi Leotax | Semi Leotax DL / R | Lo Ruby | Semi Lord | Luck | Semi Lyra | Semi Masmy | Middl 120 | Semi Mihama | Mikado | Million Proud | Semi Minolta III | Semi Minolta P | Semi Oscon | Semi Pearl | Pearl I–III | Pearl IV | Petri | Petri RF | Petri Super | Pioneer | Semi Proud | Semi Rocket | Rocky Semi | Rosen | Ruby | Shinkoh Rabbit | Semi Sport | Tsubasa Semi | Union Semi | Union Model U | Walcon Semi | Waltax | Semi Wester | Zenobia
rigid or collapsible
Semi Dak | Semi Hobix | Super Semi Plum | Rocket Camera | Tomy
Prewar and wartime models ->
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 name Pearl was given by Konishiroku (the later Konica) to many models of rollfilm folders. This article deals with the Pearl (I), II and III made from 1949 in 4.5×6cm format, successors of the Semi Pearl. These were replaced in 1958 by the ephemeral Pearl IV, which has a completely different construction.

Other articles deal with the early models for plates and rollfilm, the Pearl No.2, self-erecting 6×9 Pearl, and the Baby Pearl and Pearlette cameras (both using 127 film).

Operation[]

All these Pearl models share a design quirk that is likely to confuse somebody who is moderately accustomed to other folders but is new to any in this particular line. What would seem to be the shutter-release button at the top of the body and the door-opening button at the top of the door are in fact the reverse of what they seem: the photographer opens the door with the button on the top plate or top housing, and releases the shutter with the button on the opened door.

Pearl and Pearl RS, with uncoupled rangefinder[]

The Pearl (in retrospect Pearl I, first half of 1949[1]) has the same basic body as the Semi Pearl, with a top housing (simply inscribed "Pearl") for a viewfinder and an uncoupled rangefinder. The rangefinder is set by a knob above the top housing, and the distance read must be transfered by the user to the distance scale of the lens. Film advance is still by key. The back has only one red window and is similar to the last examples of the Semi Pearl. The camera retains the combination of a coated Hexar 75mm f/4.5 lens and a Durax shutter (1–100, B, T) found on the Semi Pearl. There is still no flash synchronization.[2] Presumably "Semi" was dropped from the name in view of the unlikeliness of a revival of any 6×9 folder (the prewar 6×9 Pearl had been rather unusual among Japanese cameras even when new, and even a modernized successor would probably have struck most photographers in 1949 as a bulky extravagance); the disappearance of the Baby Pearl may have been another factor.

The Pearl RS (in retrospect Pearl I RS, but also simply inscribed "Pearl"; late 1950[3]) has a Konirapid-S shutter (B, 1–500) with Kodak-type flash synchronization. An accessory shoe is added at the top right of the camera (as seen by a photographer holding it horizontally), the back latch is modified and the strap has disappeared.[4] The price in 1951 was ¥14,850.[5]

343124127_2a5ce751e5_m_d.jpg 342981441_bbbddc08fa_t_d.jpg 342981444_aed39b9b54_t_d.jpg 342981451_43ac07b8e1_t_d.jpg 342983725_070771d4a4_t_d.jpg
342981439_3c2f846ca3_t_d.jpg 342981455_8ffea163b7_t_d.jpg 342983721_c14335dfe9_t_d.jpg 342983729_05fe567c42_t_d.jpg
Pearl RS. Pictures courtesy of Thomas Harvey. (Image rights)

Pearl II and IIB, with coupled rangefinder[]

543749462_d63cf71c07_m_d.jpg
Pearl II. Picture by Bye Bye Bird. (Image rights)

The Pearl II was released together with the Pearl RS and maybe sold a little after;[6] it is the same camera with a coupled rangefinder and inscribed Pearl II on the top housing. The focusing tab is modified and the focusing scale has disappeared from the front assembly. It is replaced by a rotating disc that shows the distance against a simple depth-of-field scale, placed under a window in the top housing, where the uncoupled model has a focusing knob for the rangefinder. In 1952[7] an f/3.5 Hexar option (¥30,150) was added to the standard f/4.5 Hexar (¥26,650). With the f/4.5 lens, the camera's dimensions open are 120×100×92mm (43mm closed); it weighs 580g.[8]

In response to increasing competition from 35mm cameras, the Pearl IIB (still engraved Pearl II) was released in mid-1955[9] as a cheaper (¥23,500) alternative to the II (¥30,150). It retains the f/3.5 Hexar lens but the shutter is a Durax-S (top speed 1/400) and the focusing scale is back to the front assembly. There is still a depth-of-field scale above the top housing, but it must be turned manually. The Pearl IIB has one innovation: a PC rather than Kodak flash terminal.[10] (At least one example of the Pearl II has been observed with this feature.)

Pearl III, with auto-stop advance[]

189875584_cd630d8772_m_d.jpg
Pearl III L. Picture by Mech_for_i. (Image rights)

The Pearl III (late 1955[11], inscribed Pearl III above the top housing) adds "semi-automatic" (auto-stop) film advance: once the "start" line on the backup paper is lined up with a dot on the film rail, the camera calculates how far the photographer may wind the film before each exposure. The red window accordingly disappears from the film back. An advance knob replaces the advance key of the previous models, it contains a manually reset exposure counter. The auto-stop mechanism was designed by Nakagawa Kenzō and supplied to Konishiroku by his company Aram Kōgaku, at a pace of 2,000 units per month.[12]

The Pearl III also substitutes a film-reminder dial (color, panchromatic, etc., as well as speed) for the distance and depth-of-field dial of the II. It retains the Konirapid S shutter of the II but has the PC flash terminal of the IIB. The lens is the Hexar f/3.5, except for a few examples said to be fitted with a three-element Konitor lens, certainly the same 75mm f/3.5 as on the Aram Six. The focusing ring is fitted with a concave tab and a depth-of-field scale.[13]

There are two later variants, which are also simply inscribed Pearl III and must be distinguished by looking at the lens. The Pearl IIIMX (1956[14]) replaces the Konirapid S with a Seikosha-MX shutter. This adds X synchronization for electronic flash, becoming popular at around this time. In a time of increased competition in the industry, companies such as Konishiroku that had previously produced shutters for their own cameras found it more economical to buy them in from either Seikosha or Copal.[15] The Hexar lens on this model has a seven-digit serial number and is said to be an improved model (maybe recomputed).[16] The Pearl IIIL (1957[17]) has two further innovations: a Seikosha-MXL shutter, using the light-value system, and a new amber coating for the lens.[18] When closed, the IIIL has the same dimensions as the II, and weighs 600g.[19]

The Pearl III was succeeded in December 1958 by the Pearl IV, which is a radical redesign of the original concept.

Notes[]

  1. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says March 1949, while Tanimura, "Pāru II", says April 1949. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl was tested in the August 1949 issues of Ars Camera and Kōga Gekkan.
  2. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.60. For this and subsequent models: Konika-Minoruta-ten, p.8.
  3. ↑ Tanimura, "Pāru II", and Miyazaki, p.128, both say October 1950. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II are mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of Asahi Camera. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951.
  4. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–1; Uchida, "Hekisā 75mm no shikaku.
  5. ↑ Advertisement for the Pearl RS and Pearl II published in the January 1951 issue of Camera Fan, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.160.
  6. ↑ Miyazaki, p.128, says that the Pearl II and Pearl RS were released in October 1950, but gives January 1951 for the Pearl II on p.183. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl RS and Pearl II were mentioned together in the November 1950 issue of Asahi Camera. The earliest advertisement is dated January 1951. It is reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.160, and shows a price for the Pearl RS but not for the Pearl II. Uchida, "Konpakuto na Pāru RS", says that the Pearl II was released in 1951, the year after the Pearl RS.
  7. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1952. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the f/3.5 lens is first advertised in the November 1952 issue of Asahi Camera.
  8. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61; Tanimura, "Pāru II."
  9. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says April 1955. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.358, says that the Pearl IIB was reviewed in the issues dated July or August 1955 of many Japanese magazines. The first advertisements are dated August 1955.
  10. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", pp.60–61.
  11. ↑ Miyazaki, p.183, says December 1955. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.395, says that the first mention in Japanese magazines was in January 1951 issues.
  12. ↑ Sugiyama, p.76; Yazawa, p.13 of Camera Collectors' News no.254.
  13. ↑ Miyazaki, Konika kamera no 50nen, p.129 (the source for examples with Konitor lenses); Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61. All Konitor lenses have three elements, see Yazawa in Camera Collectors' News no.254.
  14. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the May 1956 issue of Camera Mainichi.
  15. ↑ Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.
  16. ↑ Miyazaki, p.131.
  17. ↑ Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p.395, says that it was featured in the new products column of the June 1957 issue of Nippon Camera.
  18. ↑ Miyazaki, Konika kamera no 50nen, p.129; Tanaka, "Nihon no supuringu-kamera: Konishiroku", p.61.
  19. ↑ Kawamata, p.98.

Sources and further reading[]

Links[]

In English:

In Japanese:

Community content is available under GFDL unless otherwise noted.