Minolta-35 Mod II (CKS) Value?

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Devin Bro
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I am expecting a Minolta-35 in the mail, it has a lens mounted I really want.

According to the seller, the camera and lens received service in 96'

So not such a recent CLA, but trusting it works (maybe!) what would be a good price to ask here on the classifieds?

This is a camera I am far from familiar with. Any help is appreciated!

---

Also what does "C.K.S" stand for? Others im seeing on google have "Chiyoda Kogaku" instead.
 
I am expecting a Minolta-35 in the mail, it has a lens mounted I really want.

Would that be the "Super Rokkor" 45mm/f2.8, the one with the heavily scalloped focusing ring?

I've always been curious about those cameras. Similar, but different, from the more common Leicas and their clones. Good luck with it, and be sure to show us some pics!
 
Better yet, 50mm/2.0 "Super Rokkor"

More or less the same exterior look as a Nikkor 50/2.0 no crazy scallops like the 45 lol

Ive owned the 45 but was not that impressed by it likely due to the haze it suffered from. At the time I traded it and a Oly XA for a Leica MD.

Ill post photos for sure, in the classifieds! 😉
 
Regarding CKS, here's the scoop from Camerapedia:
In September 1937, the company became Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō K.K. (千代田光学精工㈱, meaning Chiyoda Optics and Precision Industry Co., Ltd.), abbreviated "Chiyoko" (千代光) on some logos and publications.[14] (The word Chiyoda was created with the characters 千代, meaning "one thousand generations" and 田, the first character of Tashima's name; it conveys the meaning that Tashima's company will last a thousand generations.)
 
More information from Karen Nakamura:
There are two subtypes of the Model II. The easiest way to tell them apart is the top plate. My own, a Type I, has the initials "C.K.S." for Chiyoda Kogaku Seisakusho. The Type II models, released in 1955 are engraded "Chiyoda Kogaku" and have a reduced viewfinder window.

The big difference for the user is that the Type 1 has a smaller frame size of 24 x 32mm. Think of the small frame size of the early Nikon rangefinders.

The Type 2 has a 24 x 36mm frame size.
 
Thanks a ton Robert!

Good to know this camera is actually 24x32

Would that reduce its value to a shooter? or are these shelf cameras.
 
Probably not what you want to hear, but Don Goldberg told me to avoid one of these when I told him I was thinking of getting one. They are notorious somehow for something related to the shutter (curtains?), and that nobody will repair them anymore (he wouldn't). Made it sound like they're ticking time bombs if they haven't broken yet.

Still, for someone like me, I could be interested in one that I use until it breaks, then it enters "the collection". -- Please don't ask my wife about "the collection".

What's more, if you've ever looked through the Camera Repair Book by Thomas Thomasy, you'll notice he has a chapter on curtain replacement in the Minolta Model 35. So.... maybe for those with the skill and tools? I know there's a few of us here.

I also had that 45/1.8 super rokkor. I also could be swayed to part with it, but not due to image quality. Its really quite good! (my lens is crystal clear). What I don't like about the lens is all ergonomic. I've been spoiled by other lenses with better handling characteristics. ...I'd definitely trade my super rokkor and one of my XA's for an MD. I've been *very* curious about getting one of those (MD, MDa, MD-2) for a superwide combo.

Now, the 50/2 super rokkor.....wonder what's that guy like?
 
Got the set today, camera is in good shape and works nicely!

The lens needs a fair amount of attention! It seems to have an excessive amount of haze and possible separation. Bummer! Ill try to break it down and clean it soon.

Anyhow, the Minolta is in the classifieds at a very reasonable price (i hope)
 
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