The Sun B is a Japanese Hit-type subminiature made in the late 1940s or early 1950s, taking 14×14mm pictures on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm.
Description[]
The Sun B is little different from the average Hit-type camera. The body has a trapezoidal 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 B is engraved above the viewfinder, and repeated at the top of the shutter plate, whereas the company name S.N.K. Camera Works appears at the bottom, under the lens.
Origin[]
The inscription "S.N.K. Camera Works" might correspond to the company Shin Nippon Kōgyō, which used the "SNK" initials on the Gotex and Poppy Six 6×6cm folders. The body's trapezoidal shape is somewhat reminiscent of the similarly named Sun subminiature pseudo-TLR, but this is perhaps a coincidence.
The Sun engraving atop the viewfinder and the frame surrounding the red window are the same as on the Sun 16, another Hit-type camera, ostensibly made by M.R.S. Camera Works. 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). P.897.
- 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. P.74.
The Sun B is not listed in Sugiyama or in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
Links[]
In English:
- Sun B at Submin.com
- Brief mention of the Sun B among 17.5mm film cameras at Subclub.org