Minolta 35 Model II

Minolta does a Leica III Copy (sort of)

Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Minolta 35 Model II Camera
Super Rokkor 45mm f/2.8
Super Rokkor 45mm f/2.8
Super Rokkor 45mm f/2.8

 

Date: 1953-58
Type: 35mm Rangefinder
Lens Mount: M39
Focus: Manual
Exposure: none built in
Flash: PC Connector on top back.
Shutter: Horizontal rubberized cloth focal plane
Speeds from 1 sec. to 1/500th
X-synch at 1/25th sec.
Frame Rate: Manual lever winding
Battery: none

 

Notes:

The Minolta company began life in Osaka, Japan, 1928 as Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten meaning Japanese German Camera Shop. The company made and marketed medium format cameras throughout the 30’s and 40’s.  The name “Minolta” was registered in 1933 and was soon appearing on their cameras.

In 1940 the company began production of “Rokkor” lenses for the Japanese military and aerial reconnaissance cameras.

After the war, in May of 1947 Minolta began production of its Minolta 35 camera. This camera was based on the Leica III and used the Leica M39 screw type lens mount. Unlike the Leica III, the Minolta 35 had a self timer and a combined rangefinder and viewfinder. Also the back was hinged making the loading of film much easier.

The 35 was constantly upgraded during production allowing the camera to be marketed from 1947 to 1958. Models went from A to D but they are hard to tell apart. With the Model E and subsequent models the name of the model was engraved in the front plate of the camera.

The Model II was introduced in 1953. On the top plate the initials “C.K.S.” stood for the company name, Chiyoda-Kogaku Seiko.

In the Collection I have the following example:

Collection No.:    C-134

Serial No.:           58432

Condition:           Excellent +

Accessories:      Lens Cap and Leather Case

Acquisition:        1 Sep 2016 on E-bay

This camera has the heavy solid well made feel of the Leica III and other Leica III copies. It is a pleasure to hold. The back opens for film loading and it resembles any 35mm camera of the time internally.

My copy has a broken shutter. Apparently these cameras were known for delicate shutter mechanisms and it is very common to see non-functioning cameras.

It came to me with the standard 45mm Super Rokkor lens also in pristine condition. This is a coated lens which is evidenced by the blue “C” inside a blue circle engraved in the front ring of the lens. This symbol can be mistaken for a Copyright symbol but it only denotes coated optics.

Minolta 35 Model II Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual for Minolta 35 Model II

Canon LogoThis page is not a review of this Canon equipment but rather a record of an item in my collection. I have no connection with Canon and receive no remuneration nor benefit for this listing. It is for my own use and possibly your enjoyment!.