Collinar 85mm f2, Leica screw mount. Features a straight-helix rangefinder coupling mechanism. Manufactured around 1954. One of the few Leica mount lenses produced by Arco Photo Industry. The optical design appears to be a 4-group 6-element double Gauss type with lens coating. The minimum aperture is f22. Distance scale is in feet, with a closest focusing distance of 3.5 feet (1 meter). The aluminum barrel weighs approximately 466g, and it accepts 49mm screw-in filters.

This lens was manufactured by Arco Photo Industry, a company known for its ambitious cameras during Japan’s postwar recovery and industrial growth period. The company gained recognition for the Arco 35, a leaf-shutter camera capable of close-up focusing down to 35cm with full rangefinder coupling—an impressive feature at the time. As for Leica screw mount lenses, in addition to this 8.5cm Collinar, Arco also produced a 135mm f3.8 model.

Both lenses are extremely rare on the market today and are believed to have been produced in only very limited numbers. A true rarity.

Signs of oxidation on the aluminum surface due to age, along with minor scuffs and scratches from use, are visible. However, there are no noticeable dings or dents.
The lens underwent a complete overhaul, including focus adjustment, in July 2025. The operation of both the aperture and helicoid has been finished to a very smooth feel. There is a slight front focus tendency around the 20–30m range, but the rangefinder coupling performs well at other distances.
The front element shows some light cleaning marks, but the glass is otherwise clear with no haze. The coating on each surface remains well-preserved.
Sample images are available on our shooting gallery. When shot wide open, the lens renders an old-style character with soft flares, circular highlights, and a gentle bokeh. We hope you enjoy viewing the examples in our gallery.