Beauty Super L rangefinder

[Oldprof]

In several previous posts I have mentioned the fine results I got from a Beauty Super II rangefinder I purchased in 1960 for $35. This camera was made by Taiyodo Koki, a little known Japanese firm that later changed its name to the "Beauty Camera Company." Unfortunately, this small manufacturer folded around 1961 or 1962.

I mention this because today I came across an eBay listing for another Beauty rangefinder in what appears to be remarkable condition - the Beauty Super L of 1958, which featured a selenium cell meter and an unusual additional booster cell for low light conditions (my Beauty Super II is a meterless model). The eBay ad is worth a look as it has some very nice pictures (I am not the seller, nor do I know the seller). The link is HERE

 

[mac_wt]

That is a very attractive camera! If it were in Europe, I would not hesitate.

Wim

 

[picturetaker]

Cosmetically, very much a copy of the Zeis Ikon Contina IIa. Except of the additional meter.

 

[David Murphy]

I own a Beauty LM 35mm Rangefinder. It has an outstanding 45mm f1.9 lens and build quality that is very decent. I think I paid about $10 for it on eBay. They are a little-known treasure. Here is a photo of it -- my digital "camera" makes it look kinda of ratty, but it is prettier than the photo. Digital cameras always seen to overhighlight minor markings and dust for some reason (perhaps it's their horrid direct flash). I'll get some scans of the negatives I shot recently posted later.

It is not actually auto exposure (thank goodness!), but apparently needle matching with some type of coupling to the shutter/aperture. Not suprisingly the meter does not work right (pegs in any light), but who cares !

 

[Oldprof]

Cosmetically, very much a copy of the Zeis Ikon Contina IIa. Except of the additional meter.

With all due respect for the Contina IIa, it has scale focusing and thus is not a true rangefinder. The Beauty Super L and the Contina do have some similarities in the general layout of their components (e.g., the location of their exposure meters, rewind buttons, etc.), but the Beauty Super L has more angular and "muscular" styling, especially with the Beauty's much faster f/1.9 lens.

But I actually prefer the styling of my meterless Beauty Super II over the Beauty Super L - I think it has a cleaner look (see photo below).