Reise Chiyoca 35
The Reise Chiyoca 35 is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1951. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1951
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- I, retrospective designation
- Serial Range
- Not serial numbered
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, fixed optical viewfinder without a rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- B and 1/20 s to 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- None
Chiyoca 35
The Chiyoca 35 is the first camera sold under the Chiyoca name and is also called Chiyoca I in collector literature. Reise Camera manufactured the body for Tokyo distributor Chiyoda Shokai. It is an LTM scale-focus camera modeled closely on the Leica Standard, without an integral rangefinder or flash synchronization [1][2].
The cloth focal-plane shutter provides B and speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 second. Surviving outfits commonly carry a collapsible Konishiroku Hexar 50 mm f/3.5 assembled into an LTM barrel, although Leica-mount lenses can be fitted independently [1].
History
Development and Launch
The model is generally dated to 1951, but surviving period evidence does not establish a precise launch month. It was produced in very small numbers before the synchronized Chiyoca IF followed [1][2].
Production Evolution
Known bodies lack serial numbers, preventing a conventional production range or reliable total. The Chiyoca 35 and IF together are generally estimated at fewer than 500 units, but this is not a factory figure [1].
Special Variants
Chiyoca I is an alternative collector name for this same camera, not a special edition. The later Chiyoca IF, which adds synchronization, is a distinct model.
Collector Notes
Verify the absence of a rangefinder and front synchronization contacts. Original Hexar outfits are particularly collectible, but the enlarger-derived lens mounting and rangefinder cam calibration should be inspected carefully [1][2].
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