Tanaka Kogaku Tanack SD
The Tanaka Kogaku Tanack SD is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1957. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1957
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- SD
- Serial Range
- Observed non-contiguous ranges 85732 to 85875, 85924 to 85987, and 86003 to 86221
Dimensions
- Weight
- 470g
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Magnification
- 1x
- Framelines
- Fixed 50 mm Albada brightline with automatic parallax correction
- Shutter Speeds
- T, B and 1 s to 1/1000 s in a geometric progression
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- Yes
- Flash Sync
- 1/30 s X-sync
Tanack SD
The Tanack SD is a low-production premium LTM rangefinder introduced by Tanaka Kogaku in 1957. Its Nikon S2-influenced body added a combined 1.0x finder, automatic parallax correction, lever advance, crank rewind and a removable back and base assembly [1][2].
The fixed Albada frame is intended for a 50 mm lens. A cloth focal-plane shutter reaches 1/1000 second, while X synchronization is approximately 1/30 second. The body also includes a self timer [1][2].
History
Development and Launch
The SD was advertised from June 1957 as Tanaka Kogaku's top model, commonly with a Tanar 50 mm f/1.5. It was sold alongside the less expensive IV-S, but failed to gain comparable market acceptance [1][3].
Production Evolution
Observed serial groups run from 85732 to 85875, 85924 to 85987, and 86003 to 86221. Collector research estimates about 500 bodies, although this is not a factory ledger. Both chrome and black bodies have been observed [1].
Special Variants
Chrome and black finishes are production variants within the Standard model. The available evidence does not support treating the black version as a commemorative or separately named special edition [1].
Collector Notes
Verify the combined 1.0x finder, automatic parallax movement, 1/1000 setting, self timer, lever advance and removable back. The SD may resemble a Nikon S2, but its native lens interface is LTM, not Nikon rangefinder bayonet [3][4]. Published body weight is approximately 470 g [5].
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