Vintage MINICAM SYNCHRON Flash Equipment with Original Box from 1950s Japan

Description

VINTAGE 1950'S CAMERA FLASH ATTACHMENT In Original Box
MINICAM
SYNCHRON JUNIOR
WITH
"LBC"
EXCELLENT FLASH FROM APPROX. 1950'S
Minicam Synchron units made by Minicam Research Corporation with the address given in the brochure as 81 Nakanecho, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan. It is very likely that the name was influenced by US photographic lighting specialist, Heiland Research Corp.
The "Synchron" series was available in three models; the "Professional" and "Master" using "D" cells and the "Junior" using "C" cells. Some accessories were interchangeable but the Master was more professional than the Junior with, for example, a greater range of reflectors available, and "less plastic" (the only plastic I am aware of is the black band at the top of the cylindrical body of the Junior). The two prong connectors were also different with the Junior using round pins and the larger flash guns using flat pins versions. There was a range of brackets for securing the flashes to the tripod sockets of cameras including generic types, generic TLR types and specialised Rollei fittings (with integral tube clamp, probably only available in the larger size). Slave units were available for both the Junior and larger models as were various
leads and connectors to suit different types of flash sockets in use at the time. Accessories are very rare, although various leads do turn up.
The Synchron flash units are advertised with an "LBC Power Unit", the LBC referring to "laminated battery and capacitor". The battery/ capacitor (condenser) power source (commonly called BC units) for flashguns generally started to appear around 1950. For the Minicam models, this comprises a laminated 22.5 volt "C" cell or "D" cell and 500 uF or 700 uF capacitors respectively. These are not mentioned as part of the kit contents (rarely found and extremely unlikely to still work). There is the question of whether they were usually included or sold as an accessory item. The box is labelled with names where items are stored such as "Bulb" and there is also a spot for "Battery" but none for "Capacitor". One of the instructions downloadable from the net explains that the "new" Synchron Junior flash can be converted to LBC type by removing the two normal 1.5 volt "C" cells and replacing with the LBC components.
This auction is for a vintage 1950's Minicam Synchron Jr Camera Flash attachment. It appears to be complete.
5 1/2" reflector appears to be clean.
Flash Guard Cover
22.5v Photoflash LBC Battery
Capacitor
Test Bulb
Mounting Bracket
e.
If you collect VINTAGE PHOTO GEAR , or just want a good MINICAM SYNCHRON JUNIOR AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE for YOURSELF
See Photos for details.
These items appear to have never been used.
For example inside the LBC box is the original MINICAM Battery (22.5 Volt) still wrapped in cellophane.
This unit and box from the 1950s is probably as close to new as one is likely to find
. For a collector of photographic equipment from Japan in this era, the Synchron Junior Flash in the original box
could be a very nice addition to your collection,