Zenobia 6x4.5 Folder Camera
Photo thanks to Mr. Billy Glass - [email protected]
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The Zenobia folder was made circa 1949 by Daiichi Kogaku (Dai-Ichi
Optical Works) of Japan. The camera takes 6x4.5cm photos on 120 rollfilm,
for a total of 16 exposures. Typically, the camera was outfitted with a
Hesper Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 lens in a DOC Rapid shutter featuring speeds
from 1 second to 1/500th and bulb.
This camera is very popular with those who like the early Zeiss Ikonta
cameras, but which have now become collectibles fetching such high prices
that users will opt for these Japanese copies (typically for $75-100 US
depending on condition).
Besides the Zenobia folder, there was also a zenobiaflex TLR (rollei
style) and various Waltax folders. These Waltax folders were also
typically clones of the Ikonta A and Super Ikonta A series folders.
Again, some of these Daiichi Kogaku cameras offer a modest cost entry for
users who can't justify the cost of collectible Zeiss originals but want
to have the fun and feel of these folder cameras in a modest priced clone.
Super nice folding 6x4.5 format 120 camera. Hesper Anastigmat 7.5cm f3.5 lens is very clean, D.O.C.-Rapid shutter with speeds of 1 to 500 & B works flawlessly.
Date: Wed, 13 May 1998
From: [email protected]
To: Classic Camera Collectors and Users Mailing List
Subject: Re: [CCCU] Re. Zenobia
Thank you for your prompt reply, your info has helped me alot :).
Antone
>I don't think that they are extremely rare. I see them sell for around >$65.00 to $85.00 US. However, I think there is some interest in them as >collectables since they are based off the Zeiss Ikonta and as far as I >know the Dai-Ichi company is either no longer in business or at least no >longer produces cameras.
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Zenobia 6 x 4.5 Folder
In talking to a neighbor about vintage camera equipment, he showed me a
variety of cameras (everything from an Argus C3 to a Kodak 620 Box camera)
and pulled out the Zenobia last. He didn't know much about it other than he
had purchased it on the island of Honshu, Japan in the late 40's.
After shooting a roll of chromogenic Kodak film through it, I feel in
love with the simplicity and if-you-will--LIBERATION I found in shooting onto
120 film. Having shot 35mm for quite a while, the sheer detail in a 120 neg
blew me away.
I would recommend anyone to buy one of these (or similar folder) to play with
and broaden their photographic horizons.
Chris Rawlson
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000
From: [email protected] (Richard Fung)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: question on Zenobia folder
I have a Zenobia and the pole is the synch connector for an electronic
flash -The camera will synch at all speeds. It's a great little folder made
around the 50's and I have some E-6 slides that show very good contrast;
the lens is coated for color work.
Richard
[email protected]
"Albert Ma"
[email protected] wrote:
>There is a little pole near the front of the lens, just below the shutter >cocking arm, with a little red color on it (the tip?). what is that >supposed to do? Firing a flash? (if it is, which kind of flash?)
[Ed.note: thanks to Henry for sharing his experiences ;-)]
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001
From: "Henry M. De'Bardeleben" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Zenobia Folding Camera
I just got one and it works wonderfully. The detail is amazing, especially
considering the camera has got to be over fifty years old.
The 120 film is even cheaper than 35mm film, I think I'm in love.
Henry M. De'Bardeleben