Samoca 35

Samoca 35 - Good Condition | Rare Japanese Rangefinder Heritage with Ezumar Optics

The Samoca 35 (S/N: 591071) is a charming and distinctive 35mm rangefinder camera produced by the Samoca Camera Co. in Tokyo during the 1950s. Known for its compact, "boxy" all-metal construction and unique vertical-wheel focusing system, the Samoca 35 offers a tactile and mechanical shooting experience that stands out from more conventional cameras of the era. This unit is equipped with the Ezumar Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 taking lens, a specialized three-element optic that provides a classic vintage rendering with soft, glowing highlights and a sharp center. Perfectly suited for street photography and collectors of mid-century Japanese design, the Samoca 35 is a testament to the creative engineering of Japan’s golden age of film.

Key Features

• Sharp Ezumar Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 lens for classic vintage character

• Integrated rangefinder for precise manual focusing through the viewfinder

• Unique top-mounted vertical wheel for intuitive focus adjustment

• Robust all-metal body with a compact, pocketable form factor

• Fully mechanical operation requiring no batteries for any function

• Specialized Samoca shutter offering a range of manual speeds up to 1/100s

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Film Format: 35mm (Standard 135 roll)

• Lens: Ezumar Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5

• Shutter Speeds: 1/25s to 1/100s + Bulb

• Category: Cameras ▸ 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Battery Type: No Battery Required (Fully Mechanical)

Specialist Note "The Samoca 35 (S/N: 591071) is one of those 'hidden gems' of Japanese camera history. While Leica and Nikon were focusing on professional systems, Samoca created these wonderfully quirky, high-quality cameras for the everyday enthusiast. What makes this specific unit so enjoyable is the focusing wheel—once you get used to it, it’s remarkably fast for street shooting. The Ezumar lens has a very specific 'anastigmat' look; it’s not clinically perfect like a modern lens, but it has a wonderful micro-contrast that makes black-and-white film look incredible. It’s a sturdy, mechanical jewel that feels more like a precision instrument than a simple camera."

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 591071) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear on the metal edges and leatherette consistent with its vintage age. The Ezumar 50mm lens is clear, free from fungus or significant haze. The rangefinder is aligned and the vertical focus wheel operates smoothly. The shutter has been tested and fires accurately across all speeds.

What's Included

• Samoca 35 Rangefinder Camera (S/N: 591071)