Classic Cameras in Japan.

LabelKing · Aug 1, 2007

http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentr...kyo/index.html To the majority of used camera enthusiasts in Japan, a “classic,” or an ideal used camera, must be one that was made in Germany, or at least somewhere in Europe or the US. Mass-produced Japanese cameras, sometimes called “Nicanolympaxes,” are too ubiquitous, too commonplace, and hence lack that important halo of exclusivity. I think the exception might be the Nikon rangefinders.

Artisan Fan · Aug 1, 2007

I went to a 2001 Leica show at an art museum in Tokyo and it was breathtaking. I believe it was considered the premiere private collection of Leicas. It was a visual history of the photography world.

Sadly no sexual assault on the train from Ueno.

LabelKing · Aug 1, 2007

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I went to a 2001 Leica show at an art museum in Tokyo and it was breathtaking. I believe it was considered the premiere private collection of Leicas. It was a visual history of the photography world.

Sadly no sexual assault on the train from Ueno.

There's also a rather considerable Leica collection in the Bay Area. Palo Alto's Keeble Shuchat camera store has a large collection of Leica items on the second floor.

Artisan Fan · Aug 1, 2007

Originally Posted by LabelKing

There's also a rather considerable Leica collection in the Bay Area. Palo Alto's Keeble Shuchat camera store has a large collection of Leica items on the second floor.

Interesting...may be in the Bay Area again soon and have to check it out. The collection in Tokyo was over a hundred cameras, many priceless.

LabelKing · Aug 1, 2007

The rangefinder is such a perfect camera, especially when paired with a fine accessory viewfinder.

ratboycom · Aug 1, 2007

it may　seem a bit high but it is said that about 50% of all antique leicas exist in Japan. Also LK if you are ever in Tokyo you would probably die if you checked out some of the camera shops in Ginza. Quite a few beautiful old ones. camera shops in Ginza. Quite a few beautiful old ones. Most all are German or Euro models and almost all in very good shape for being old.

Nantucket Red · Aug 2, 2007

Nikon House is also in Ginza and has everything imaginable.

imageWIS · Aug 2, 2007

Originally Posted by LabelKing

The rangefinder is such a perfect camera, especially when paired with a fine accessory viewfinder.

LK, what do you think about the new Ikon?

Jon.

LabelKing · Aug 2, 2007

Originally Posted by imageWIS

LK, what do you think about the new Ikon? Jon.
I handled one a while ago and it had a really nice viewfinder. However, like many of the great camera names, this isn't a true Zeiss as it's manufactured by Cosina and seems to use Leica lenses--a suitable irony as Zeiss and Leitz were huge competitors during their heyday. It would seem not dissimilar to the Bessa line of cameras which also uses a past great name of Voigtlander as its "brand". In fact, Zeiss used to boast of its 1/1250 speed on the Contax and that the Contax didn't have any external moving parts as opposed to the Leica screw-mount cameras. However, the M rather put the Contax out of business; and besides, Zeiss was concentrating on its exceptionally complex and expensive Contarex SLR which was something of a failure. After that, the camera division closed.

imageWIS · Aug 2, 2007

Originally Posted by LabelKing

In fact, Zeiss used to boast of its 1/1250 speed on the Contax and that the Contax didn't have any external moving parts as opposed to the Leica screw-mount cameras. However, the M rather put the Contax out of business; and besides, Zeiss was concentrating on its exceptionally complex and expensive Contarex SLR which was something of a failure. After that, the camera division closed.

Very nice:

Not as nice:

Jon.

matadorpoeta · Aug 2, 2007

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Very nice:

i was close to buying one of these a couple of years ago, but the salesgirl told me it did not function, and they were unable to repair it. the shop actually had 2 or 3 of them, but they were only being sold as collectibles.

LabelKing · Aug 3, 2007

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Very nice:

Not as nice:

Jon.

Both of those are really complex pieces of machinery. Zeiss always managed to over-engineer things.

Classic Cameras in Japan.

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