The Sun 16 is a Japanese subminiature made in the late 1940s or early 1950s, taking 14×14mm pictures on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm.
Description[]
The Sun 16 is a typical Hit-type camera. The body has an oval shape, as viewed from above. The film is advanced by a knob on the left, as seen by the photographer. The back is hinged to the left, has a spring-loaded latch on the right and an uncovered red window inside a diamond-shaped frame at the middle.
The fixed-focus lens has no markings, and the everset shutter gives instant exposures only. The name Sun 16 is engraved above the viewfinder, and repeated as SUN 16 at the top of the shutter plate, whereas the company name M.R.S. Camera Works appears at the bottom, under the lens. The words MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN are engraved on the rear, next to the viewfinder eyepiece.
Origin[]
The company M.R.S. Camera Works is otherwise unknown. The Sun engraving atop the viewfinder and the frame surrounding the red window are the same as on the Sun B, another Hit-type camera, ostensibly made by "S.N.K. Camera Works" (perhaps Shin Nippon Kōgyō). This certainly indicates that the two cameras are related.
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). Pp.701 and 907.
The Sun 16 is not listed in Sugiyama or in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
Links[]
In English:
- Sun 16 at Submin.com