David Murphy
Veteran
I thought I might share some experiences with an interesting Leica copy I recently purchased from a seller in Japan, the Chiyotax IIIf. This camera came with the "proper" lens, and likely the one it was sold with, a Hexar 50mm F3.5 collapsible, which has been discussed here before.
The camera is all working and the lens is in very good condition. The Chiyotax was a very close Leica Barnack copy made in small numbers and rare. Not much certain is known amount the maker, Reise Optical. The Hexar is a more common item, having been sold with other cameras and probably by itself. The Chiyotax IIIf was also sold with a premium grade lens, the Hexanon 50mm F1.9, a fairly uncommon optic these days (but also sold originally with other cameras and possibly by itself).
The most common Japanese cameras which were faithful Leica screw mount copies were those from the Showa Optics known of course as the Leotax (many models). The other close Leica thread mount copies from Japan are rare to the point that their actual existence as manufactured products is even in questionable. The Chiyotax is rare, but it certainly existed as a manufactured product, but was much less common than all except the very earliest Leotax models.
In use, this camera has a very nice feel, and a finder at least as good as a similar Leica, but nothing special by modern standards. As with Leicas when used with a collapsible lens, it is inspiringly precise in operation, and compact to the point of being pocket-able. I have attached one quick shot I just took with it on my first film test (Arista 200 Ultra EDU, self processed). No art intended here, just a family snap late in the afternoon. Even with a brief test I'm sure this camera is capable of first class 35 mm photography, as well as being a particularly interesting collectible. I'll run some color film through it soon in a more serious test.
The camera is all working and the lens is in very good condition. The Chiyotax was a very close Leica Barnack copy made in small numbers and rare. Not much certain is known amount the maker, Reise Optical. The Hexar is a more common item, having been sold with other cameras and probably by itself. The Chiyotax IIIf was also sold with a premium grade lens, the Hexanon 50mm F1.9, a fairly uncommon optic these days (but also sold originally with other cameras and possibly by itself).
The most common Japanese cameras which were faithful Leica screw mount copies were those from the Showa Optics known of course as the Leotax (many models). The other close Leica thread mount copies from Japan are rare to the point that their actual existence as manufactured products is even in questionable. The Chiyotax is rare, but it certainly existed as a manufactured product, but was much less common than all except the very earliest Leotax models.
In use, this camera has a very nice feel, and a finder at least as good as a similar Leica, but nothing special by modern standards. As with Leicas when used with a collapsible lens, it is inspiringly precise in operation, and compact to the point of being pocket-able. I have attached one quick shot I just took with it on my first film test (Arista 200 Ultra EDU, self processed). No art intended here, just a family snap late in the afternoon. Even with a brief test I'm sure this camera is capable of first class 35 mm photography, as well as being a particularly interesting collectible. I'll run some color film through it soon in a more serious test.
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
Very nice Leica copy, David..that model is from the mid 1950s and the designer is probably the same guy that worked on the Nicca III series of cameras, I remember reading he had worked for both firms.
The Chiyoca 35 and the Chiyoca I labeled models both predate this model and would be very rare cameras to come across now. One of the rarest early Leica copies from Japan was called or labeled as "Muley"...they made a Leica standard copy in the late 1940s and later a super rare one with a rangefinder like the Leica II.
The Chiyoca 35 and the Chiyoca I labeled models both predate this model and would be very rare cameras to come across now. One of the rarest early Leica copies from Japan was called or labeled as "Muley"...they made a Leica standard copy in the late 1940s and later a super rare one with a rangefinder like the Leica II.
David Murphy
Veteran
I've read the little there is to say about the Muley in HPR's Leica Copies. One was apparently sold at an auction 13 years ago for $4000.
https://www.skinnerinc.com//auctions/2383/lots/409
https://www.skinnerinc.com//auctions/2383/lots/409
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
Amazing selling price 13 years ago for an early Leica I copy.
I have to admit the Japanese sure had a knack for making a very good looking copy.