Petri Semi First (B.B.)

Introduced in 1940, the Semi First (B.B.) represents an early entrant in the burgeoning Japanese 35mm market from Petri, known then as the Kuribayashi Camera Works. As one of the company's first attempts at a compact 35mm camera, it targeted photographers seeking a portable alternative to larger roll-film cameras. Utilizing the standard 135 film cassette format, it offered a basic rangefinder or viewfinder experience, typical of its era and market position, contributing to the diversification of photographic tools during a period of global conflict. Its introduction placed Petri alongside other emerging Japanese manufacturers like Canon and Minolta, aiming to participate in the shift towards smaller, more portable cameras for amateur and serious photographers alike, though it lacked the innovative impact or widespread acclaim of some contemporaries.