Gokoku I Model. Manufactured by Riken Optical Industries (now Ricoh). This 3x4cm format camera uses Best film and features a focal-plane shutter, with an exterior design inspired by Leica. It was manufactured around 1939 (Showa 14), and its name, "Gokoku," means "defend the nation," reflecting the militaristic atmosphere of the time.
The serial number is 1064. It is said that about 1,500 units of the fixed-lens Gokoku I Model were produced, and the serial numbers appear to start from the 1000s, so this unit is likely an early model, being the 64th produced.
The included lens is a Gokoku Anastigmat 50mm f3.5, designed similarly to the Elmar. It has a triplet construction with 3 groups and 3 elements. However, the front diameter is 37mm, making it slightly larger than the Elmar. The distance scale is in meters. It has a sophisticated straight-line double helicoid construction. The minimum focusing distance is 50cm, but as it is a scale-focus camera, a measuring tape is essential for actual shooting.
Unfortunately, it does not come with the original RKK-engraved cap. This is a rare piece in the history of Japanese cameras. A true collector's item.
The body shows minor signs of use on the bottom cover and the collapsible part. Additionally, there are scratches and distortions around the nameplate of the lens. There is some deterioration of the plating, but considering it is a wartime camera, it is in sufficiently good condition.
Regrettably, the leatherette covering has been replaced with a non-original one, though it does not detract from the overall appearance.
It was serviced in 2024, including shutter mechanism repair, curtain replacement, and viewfinder cleaning. This camera is known for its design flaws, and even with proper maintenance, it is prone to issues during shooting. It uses friction rollers without sprockets, which lack the precision needed for accurate film advance, and there is no mechanism to adjust for the extra thickness as the film winds up. As a result, problems such as uneven frame spacing and loose film were common even at the time.
When shooting, we hope you can enjoy it (with a bit of understanding of these issues).
Interestingly, the name of the successor model with these issues addressed was "Ricohl I Model" . Although the spelling is Ricohl, it sounds like "recall." They likely did not foresee this at the time.
