Here is another machine like that modern. It would likely be the same inside and it would be used the same. It just has different bling.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]552215[/ATTACH]

Notice the bobbins are on the ends. Both will take class 15 bobbins and bobbin cases. Tension is in the front. Stitch length is on the right. Feed dog drop is on the bed. Reverse is a little different but not a big deal. I don't know what they are clones of but they are nice machines.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]552216[/ATTACH]

Hi, any suggestions on where to check for more obscure parts for Japanese clones? I am looking for a replacement part for a Morse 4300 Fotomatic. I believe the part is called a feed lifter fork. Mine is broken off. It is on the underside of the machine of course, and connects to one of the shafts and functions to lift the feed dogs. (Right now the feed dogs are down and move back and forth. No up movement at all.)

(I think the machine is a III but feed dog mechanism looks more like a 4400/IV like this one (look at photo that shows the bottom of machine): http://www.ebay.com/itm/MORSE-FOTOMA...MAAOSwdzVXiGQn

I have checked Helen Howes but looks like most of her stuff is Singer. I have written to GUy Baker and to Sew Classic. I have also posted on the VintageJapanSewingMachine Yahoo group (and scoured their photos and conversations) but no replies yet. I thank you for your time!

First, your machine is not a clone. Your best bet to find that part is from someone who is parting out one of those machines. Ebay is where I would watch.

Cari

Cari, how do you know it is not a clone? So curious!!

Because a 4300 is a dashboard machine. You know, all bright and full of knobs and levers..........
A clone is a straight stitch machine with the basic body shape of a Singer 15. Like this one-
[ATTACH=CONFIG]557260[/ATTACH]

Cari

Cari, the machine in your photo is a Japanese 15 clone. But those dash board machines with the tension on front and end load class 15 bobbin and straight stitch only really are clones, just NOT 15 clones. There was a machine made in Germany maybe by Singer that they were patterned after and they are a clone of it and you are right they are NOT a 15 clone. I just can't find the post on VSS. When I do I'll link to it. BTW good machines. The famous pink ATLAS is also the same kind of dashboard clone. Mostly clones were straight stitch.

There are clones of the Singer 128 and Singer 66 as well. That is why the one with the tension on the end should be called a Japanese 15 or 15 clone or Japanese 15 clone. There may be other machines that were cloned. The 128 and 66 aren't as common. I have one of each so they are out there found in the wild.

The German Lotus Singer would be the machine they were patterned after internally.
http://www.victoriansweatshop.com/po...pid=1292680178

Yes Miriam, but it all depends on how far you want to take the term "clone". I think it's over used. And going back to Annettes' question to me, how do I know a Morse 4300 isn't a clone? It isn't a clone because it's a zig zag fancy dancy dashboard machine.

Cari

A clone is a replicate of a previously existing entity. There have been plenty of zigzag machines made all over the world that have been replicated by the Japanese. Smart folks, those Japanese. Not all clones are straight stitch mock Singer 15. Engineering is one amazing field. Clones, as far as sewing machines are concerned, cannot be limited to Singer 15 types.

Thoughts, anyone?