In 1935, Genji Kumagai, the inspiration behind the Nippon/Nicca camera, started work at camera maker Seiki Kōgaku Kenkyūjo which was later to become Canon. One model we do disagree about is the 5-L, that is explained at the relevant point. Our main difference is that he sees the early model changes as hard cut-offs for features whereas my having access to many examples via the Internet clearly indicates that some features were introduced mid-model and even significant changes often involved a short transition period. He has used period advertising to support his claims and his information pretty closely matches the cameras in my database. In regard to model details and specs, I have relied most heavily on Mikio Awano.
LEICA III SERIAL NUMBERS UPDATE
Note, “Contax Connection” is well researched but he is not immune from idle speculation and some “fuzziness” with detail and some of it misses the mark, e.g., because of the “Nicca” name on front of the YF, he is convinced that the YF was a ready to go Nicca update of the III-L and Yashica simply assembled it from already produced parts - I think all the evidence says otherwise. Peter was the author of “Canon Rangefinder Cameras 1933-68” among other books, Shutterbug columnist, professional photographer and recognised authority on photographic equipment. Peter Dechert's “Contax Connection” published August 1, 1990, available as a web archive, traces the Japanese 35 mm camera from Canon through Nicca to Yashica to Contax. Sources for this story and the subsequent model histories include Peter Dechert, Koichi Sugiyama, Mikio Awano (both in collaboration with Sugiyama and in referenced Camera Collectors' News articles), McKeown's Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras, Massimo Bertacchi (Innovative Cameras) and my own research and observations using the tools I have described elsewhere on the site ( here and here). Nippon Kogaku Varifocal and Sports Finder AlternativesĬontact Details The Nicca Story - 1935 to 1958 Not Every Nippon is Real - Checking for FakesĬhangeover from Stamped to Die Cast Bodiesįrom Nippon to Nicca - Models, Features & Specs