Meguro Kogaku Melcon
The Meguro Kogaku Melcon is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1955. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1955
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Unknown
- Serial Range
- Observed five-digit 55xxx and 56xxx numbers, factory sequence unknown
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate optical viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, B and 1 s to 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- Unknown, X synchronization and FP-bulb synchronization provided
Melcon
The original Melcon is a Japanese LTM rangefinder made by Meguro Kogaku Kogyo and introduced in July 1955. Its operating layout closely follows the Leica III, but the hinged opening back and fixed take-up spool distinguish it from a conventional bottom-loading copy [1][2].
The camera uses separate viewing and coupled rangefinder eyepieces, a cloth focal-plane shutter to 1/500 second, and flash synchronization for electronic flash and FP bulbs. It was commonly sold with LTM Nikkor lenses supplied by Nippon Kogaku [1][3].
History
Development and Launch
Meguro Kogaku was established in the early 1950s by people connected with Japan's earlier Leica-copy industry. The Melcon appeared in July 1955 and was distributed domestically by Hinomaruya [2][3].
Production Evolution
Production continued into 1956. Surviving bodies use five-digit serials beginning with 55 or 56, possibly indicating year, but the sequence and total are not factory-confirmed. An early observed body differs in some construction details [1].
Special Variants
No factory special edition requires a separate profile. Nikkor and Hexar lens outfits, and minor early-body differences, belong within this Standard model entry.
Collector Notes
Confirm the hinged back, widely spaced finder eyepieces, lack of strap lugs, LTM coupling and 55xxx or 56xxx serial family. Inspect shutter cloth, flash operation, back seals and the fixed take-up spool before purchase [1][3].
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