hilltime
Well-known
Here is a lens, Toko 40/3.5 for the Tokyo Kogaku early Minion 35A
It is designed to be a front cell focusing lens on this very early Japanese camera, with no rangefinder capability. The aperture selector works smoothly and the elements are quite good once I removed the haze from the past 60+ years I assume. It doesn't seem to focus as the focusing ring spins very freely. I will assume the very tiny set screws maybe stripped, but I'm wondering if anyone may have one which works correctly and what would move if it did focus? It is a three element optic and the rear two elements are easily removed. This camera has got to be rare as I've been told there were maybe 700 or so produced before the 35B and 35C were introduced.
Any thoughts on a lens like this?
Gary Hill
It is designed to be a front cell focusing lens on this very early Japanese camera, with no rangefinder capability. The aperture selector works smoothly and the elements are quite good once I removed the haze from the past 60+ years I assume. It doesn't seem to focus as the focusing ring spins very freely. I will assume the very tiny set screws maybe stripped, but I'm wondering if anyone may have one which works correctly and what would move if it did focus? It is a three element optic and the rear two elements are easily removed. This camera has got to be rare as I've been told there were maybe 700 or so produced before the 35B and 35C were introduced.
Any thoughts on a lens like this?
Gary Hill
Last edited:
hilltime
Well-known
Actually, I don't know what I was thinking as these Minion models are more accurately named: 35A, 35B, and 35C. Starting production 1948 with exporting to mostly if not all to the US. Ist 35mm camera from Tokyo Kogaku.
wes loder
Photographer/Historian
I own a Minion 35c withToko 4cm lens # 111441. Looks to be the same design and configuration as yours. From rim should rotate with stops at infinity down to 2 1/2 feet. Screws missing or stripped?