Arta 35, manufactured by Misuzu Kogaku. Production period was around 1957 to 1958, making it the last Leica copy camera to appear among Japanese manufacturers. It is said that only about 500 units of the Arta 35 were produced, and this particular camera bears the round number serial 700500. Having seen later serial numbers as well, this unit carries one of the very last numbers produced.
The attached lens is the later black barrel version of the Artanon 50mm f2, Leica L mount. It couples to the rangefinder down to 3.5 feet (about 1 meter), and while uncoupled beyond that, it can still focus down to 1.5 feet (about 45 cm), a close-focus function reminiscent of some Nikkor lenses.
Released about three years after the sensational debut of the Leica M3 in 1954, the Arta 35 retained the basic structure and features of the Leica DIII, with identical dimensions. The top shutter speed remained at 1/500. The price of this Artanon f2 set was 35,000 yen. By comparison, the newly introduced Nikon SP with an f1.4 lens cost 98,000 yen, making the Arta a much more affordable option.
In terms of functionality, it did not reach the level of the Leica IIIa or IIIf, and was far from the IIIg of the same year. The situation was one where newcomer Misuzu Kogaku launched a model that was outdated from the outset. As one might expect, it hardly sold at all, resulting in very limited production and securing its place as a rare Leica copy.
According to one theory, the appearance of this outdated model under the new Arta brand stemmed from the suspension of Chiyotax sales around 1956. Leotax Kogaku, the manufacturer, is said to have changed the sales channel and brand name, bringing it to market as the Misuzu Kogaku Arta 35. Furthermore, since the Artanon 5cm f2 is strikingly similar in appearance and specifications to the Tanar 5cm f2, the belief that it was OEM manufactured by Tanaka Kogaku also makes sense.
This camera embodies the chaotic postwar history of Japanese camera manufacturing. A rare piece.
Only minor scuffing can be seen on the bottom cover, and otherwise the camera shows little sign of use, remaining in clean overall condition. Both lens and body have been overhauled. All functions operate properly and the handling is smooth. The finder view is also clear.
On the lens, slight cleaning marks are visible on the front and rear elements, along with some minor coating deterioration on several surfaces, but these are at a level unlikely to affect photography.
Overall, this is a camera in very fine condition. A worthy piece for any collection.
Reference: Asahi Sonorama Camera Review Special Edition, Classic Camera Selection No.5 Leica-type Cameras.
