TANACK
1953
1954
1955
1957
1958
1959
It
is difficult to find any information about Tanaka Optical Company Ltd.
of Tokyo, manufacturer of Tanack cameras.
The first
Tanack, the llC, is introduced. This is a copy of the Leica ll, with a hinged
back and a fabric covered plate in place of the slow speed dial found on later
models.
Production
of the Tanack lllF, which is a llC with the addition of slow speeds, commences.
This is followed in the same year by the Type-lllS. Again, this is a redesign
of the lllF. A variation of the lllS is known, with only one flash socket
and lllSa engraving.
The most
numerous Tanack, the Type IV-S, comes to the market.
A new
design, the Tanack Type-SD, is introduced. Although retaining the Leica screw
lens mount of the previous models, this camera is quite different in appearance
(more Contax ll than Leica ll). It resembles the Melcon ll, which is also
in production at this time. The number produced is very low (around 300 -
400).
Following
the Type-SD, design of the next camera, the Type-V3, reverts to Leica type
with echoes of the Leica M3. Lens mount is changed to a bayonet fitting, although
an adapter for 39mm screw fit lenses is available.
The final
Tanack is introduced. The VP is similar in appearance to the Type-V3 but has
a large window to illuminate the finder frame lines. Lens mount reverts to
39mm screw.
