[KOML] More History...

[John Mostrom <jmostrom@adobe.com>]

I joined this group just prior to the flurry of activity around the history
of the various models. I found the information very helpful and it helped
me decide between a few alternatives at a swap meet this weekend. I was
able to purchase a Koni-Omega Rapid w/90mm and an extra back for $150. It
also came with a photocopy of the manual that had some information that
might add to the history so far compiled. I apologize if this has already
been included in the archives but here's what the manual says:

============below is probably copyrighted by KO or derivatives================

KONI-OMEGA(R) "RAPID"

This camera...
...conceived and designed by the engineering department of Simmon Brothers
in Long Island City, New York.
...perfected, production engineered, and manufactured by Konishiroku Photo
Industry Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan,
...made for professional photographers all over the world.
......is dedicated to international friendship.

We wish to express our appreciation to the thousands of satisfied owners of
the original Omega 120 camera (discontinued in 1958) who urged us to bring
out their new, improved model, and who were generous to us with their
suggestions and advice. We hope that the KONI-OMEGA(R) "Rapid" fulfills
their every expectation.

Our particular appreciation goes to Dr. L. Weisglass, Vice President of
Engineering in charge of Simmon Brothers Research & Development, who has
been associated with this camera project for over 15 years, and to Mr. O.
Miki, Chief Engineer in charge of the Special Products Department, and Mr.
Z. Kurita, Design Manager, both of the Konishiroku Photo Industry Co.,
without whose splendid cooperation and many strenuous trips to the U. S. A.
this camera could not have been completed.

THE STORY BEHIND THE KONI-OMEGA(R) "RAPID"

The original Omega 120 was developed at the suggestion of the U. S. Navy in
the 40's. There was a need for an all-around, lightweight rugged and
reliable professional camera which was as convenient to use as a 35mm
camera, but which would offer the advantages of large 120 size negatives.

The original Omega 120 was a technical success but a commercial
disappointment. Strangely enough, when it was discontinued in 1958, the
increasing popularity of Kodacolor and other color films created a
continuous demand for this very camera because 35mm color negative just was
not satisfactory for many types of professional work. True, there were and
are many good single and twin lens reflex cameras using 120 film, but
reflex cameras are not the best answer for many types of photography.

Ever-increasing labor costs and ever-higher lens and shutter prices made it
impossible to manufacture the camera again competitively in the U. S. A. In
looking for a manufacturer abroad, we were fortunate to get together with
Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. (a company which started making
cameras in 1882), one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious photographic
manufacturers. With over 4000 employees, Konishiroku not only manufacturers
the famous Konica cameras, but also the equally famous Hexanon lenses, as
well as sensitized products.

Thus, Konishiroku could supply our mechanical and optical needs, and in
addition, could contribute much experience as a camera manufacturer.

===============================================================

Any typos are my own.