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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Published body weight is approximately 470 g.
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