The Vista name was also used on the Vista Colour Bakelite box camera, and the Al Vista panoramic camera.
The Vista is a Japanese Hit-type subminiature made in the late 1940s or early 1950s, taking 14×14mm pictures on 17.5mm paper backed rollfilm. It is only known from a single example, pictured in Sugiyama.[1]
Description[]
The Vista is functionally similar to most other Hit-type cameras. The main body has a slightly trapezoidal shape, in the same style as the Sun B, another Hit-like subminiature. The viewfinder is contained in a top housing extending to the right (as seen by the photographer). The film is advanced by a knob on the left, and the back is hinged to the right. The lens has a fixed focus and aperture, and has no marking. The shutter is everset and only gives Bulb and Instant exposures. The shutter plate is inscribed Vista at the top and H.N.S at the bottom. It seems that the same markings are also engraved above the viewfinder.
Origin[]
The manufacturer of the Vista has not been identified, and the meaning of the initials H.N.S are unknown.
Notes[]
Bibliography[]
- 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 5156.
The Vista is not listed in Kokusan kamera no rekishi.
Links[]
In English:
- Brief mention of the Vista at Submin.com
- Brief mention among 17.5mm film cameras at Subclub.org