Tanaka Optical Industry's Interchangeable Lens Rangefinder Camera. A Leica copy type.
Inspired by the Leica M3, it features a unique three-prong bayonet mount while using an adapter to fit its own Leica screw-mount lenses, showcasing a sophisticated design. Produced for a very short period from December 1958 to 1959, with an estimated total production of around 1,000 units. Unfortunately, Tanaka Optical went bankrupt in 1959.
It inherits features from the rare Tanack SD model, such as the 60mm baseline single-lens reflex viewfinder, lever wind, and crank rewind, offering significantly improved usability over previous models. The rear cover opens and closes on a hinge, which is also user-friendly and gives a good impression. Despite being a small manufacturer, it contains unique innovations that reflect its ambition. Additionally, in addition to the standard 50mm f1.9 lens, a few units of the f1.2 were also produced.
Included are three lenses: the standard Tanar 50mm f1.9, the wide-angle W-Tanar 35mm f3.5, and the Tele-Tanar 100mm f3.5, all with Leica L-mount and coupled rangefinders.
The camera body and lenses are in very clean condition, with no noticeable scratches. The 35mm lens shows some slight scuffs on the barrel.
In 2023, the body and all three lenses were overhauled. The camera body received a shutter curtain replacement, light seal replacement, and general maintenance and adjustments. The lenses were cleaned, had their grease replaced, and were checked for focus, with the 35mm lens also having its focus adjusted.
The 50mm and 35mm lenses show minor cleaning marks, coating wear, and slight fungal traces visible under a loupe, but these do not significantly affect image quality. The 100mm lens has no cleaning marks and is in excellent condition. None of the lenses exhibit deterioration that would substantially impact shooting performance. As a domestic Leica copy, both the body and lenses are in remarkably good condition.
All three lenses come with the original Tanar front caps. The set is quite impressive when displayed together and is somewhat rare.
