Tanaka Kogaku Tanack IIIS
The Tanaka Kogaku Tanack IIIS is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1954. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1954
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- IIIS, including the scarce IIISa pre-series form
- Serial Range
- Observed 67947 to 68919 including IIISa bodies; IIIS proper observed from 67999 to 68919
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate optical viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, B, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, 1/25 s, 1/50 s, 1/75 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- Unknown, separate FP and X synchronization contacts
Tanack IIIS
The Tanack IIIS is a short-lived 1954 LTM rangefinder positioned between the early Tanack 35 bodies and the better-selling IV-S. It introduced a one-piece top housing, model engraving and both FP and X synchronization contacts [1][2].
The camera retains separate viewfinder and coupled rangefinder eyepieces, a hinged rear door and a cloth focal-plane shutter. Its revised speed sequence uses 1/25, 1/50 and 1/75 second settings before continuing to 1/500 second [1].
History
Development and Launch
Tanaka Kogaku released the IIIS in August 1954. It was an incremental modernization of the IIF and IIIF body and remained in production only briefly before the IV-S followed in 1955 [1][2][3].
Production Evolution
Two observed bodies marked IIISa, serials 67947 and 68010, retain the earlier shutter sequence and FP-only synchronization. Commercial IIIS examples are observed from 67999 to 68919. Collector research estimates roughly 1,000 bodies, but no factory total survives [1].
Special Variants
The very scarce IIISa is best treated as a pre-series production variant within the Standard model profile, not a special edition. Export-marked back locks are also documented on some IIIS bodies [1].
Collector Notes
Verify the engraved IIIS designation, revised speed sequence, two synchronization contacts and hinged back. A claimed IIISa should retain the older FP-only configuration and requires careful serial and control-layout inspection [1][3].
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