RE: [KOML] More History...

[Peter.Kotsinadelis@exchange.octel.com]

  It's accurate up to Konica made cameras in mid-60s.
  Henry Froelich (founder of Konica US distribution 1951) and 
  Paul Klingenstein (founder of King Photo in NYC) worked 
  together with Berkey Marketing (whom Henry sold his Konica 
  distribution to - not to be associated with konica USA today) 
  and had Konica make the Koni-Omega in 1965.  Berkey was the 
  money behind this.
  
  Later, when Konica could not manufacture the smaller quantities 
  that Berkey wanted (price was the issue - In Japan they 
  manufacture to make money, so there are minimum quantities they 
  will make and nothing below that #), they transferred the 
  factory to Mamiya.  Incidentaly, the tooling was paid for and 
  owned by Berkey in the US so this was possible.  The Mamiya 
  name would not be used, since Mamiya already had a Mamiya Press 
  camera.  Mamiya made the same camera with the smae tools that 
  Konica did.  In the US it was called the Rapid Omega 100 & 200 
  (magazine).  In Japan it was the Press 1 and Press 2 (the 
  equivalents of the 100 and 200 respectively.
  
  
  I still have no idea why the Koni-Omegaflex but will ask Henry 
  next time I speak with him.
  
  Peter K


______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: [KOML] More History...
Author:  "John Mostrom" [SMTP:jmostrom@Adobe.COM] at CORP
Date:    4/27/98 3:50 PM


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.