Dan Camera Works ???? Have you seen this cameras?

[albertogallardo]

Hi everyone!
I'm new at this site and first of all I want to say that I'm happy to be part of this community and that I'm glad to found people still interested in this topics.
Now my question:
A few days ago I found at a flea market a small camera named "Dan 35 III" produced by Dan Camera Works. Inside it has the inscription "Made in occupied Japan". The camera uses 35mm film, is not SLR, it just has a finder (not range finder). It is really nice, as it looks like a real SLR camera. The shooter is located in the lens, but isn't working properly, It just needs a minor adjustment (I think). I've been looking on the web for information about this camera, but I couldn´t find nothing; and I really mean nothing, not even about the producer. Do you know something about this brand and the camera? I 'll be glad to have any information you can provide me about my "new" toy. Also, if you have any idea of possible places to search for a repair manual, I will be really happy!
Thanks a lot
Alberto

[Deleted]

Welcome Alberto:

That camera name rings no bell's for me. It sounds like a very early compact 35 with the shutter in the lens. I don't know what year they dropped the "Made in Occupied Japan" --it was right at the end of the 1940s or the very early 1950s. Usually anything with the "MIOJ" inscription is worth more from a collecting standpoint.

Do you have a photo of the camera you could share?

Wayne

[paulatukcamera]

Looks like yours was made in 1949

According to the current McKeowan's Guide (Page 241/2) there were four Dan 35 models, however the Collectors Guide to Japanese Cameras (Pages 261/2) lists the first three, but not the fourth, but adds another model! (Better pictures than McKeowans though)

1. Dan 35 Model 1 1946-47
Compact camera - 15 exposures - 24 X 24 on paper backed 35mm Bolta sized rollfilm - helical focusing - Removable top Dan Anastigmat f4.5 40mm - Silver B shutter (1/25 - 1/100) - cylindrical viewfinder
Value: $250 - $350 (** rarity ** value)

2. Model ll 1948-50
As above, but with body serial number, automatic frame counter, auto stop winding - removable base - cylindrical viewfinder - Silver B shutter (1/25 - 1/100)
Value: $250-$350 (*** rarity ** value)

3. Model 111 1949
As above, but now 24 X 32mm - f3.5 40mm lens - body integral viewfinder - Silver B shutter (1/25 - 1/100)
Value: $250- $350 (*** rarity ** value)


4. 1V Photavit Copy - Rare - no further details - Value: $250-$400

5. Dan 35M (not in McKeowans) 1950 - 24mm X 24mm
f3.5 40mm New Hit shutter (**** rarity ** value)

6. Super Dan 35 - Looks like small Leica - Eria Anastigmat f3.5 45mm - Silver Leaf C shutter $500 - $750

Rarity ratingss are given in the Japanese Camera guide rather than prices.

Paul

[Just Plain Curt]

Hi Alberto,
Here's a poor crop of a shot of my Dan35 model1, does it match yours?



If the top comes off, it's a Dan 35 model 1, if the bottom comes off, either a model II (has 40mm f4.5) or III (has 40 mm f3.5). Not likely to be a model IV and a Super Dan 35 looks totally different like a Pax camera. Dan Camera works became Sankyo Koki Kogyo Co. Ltd. who produced the Pax series of cameras.

[albertogallardo]

Thanks!
I'm happy to hear the information you shared....and the prices, wow! I bought it really cheap ;D Here are some pics of my camera. I tried to find how the shutter works to find a way to fix it, but its hard to get into it as the shutter blades are behind the shutter mechanism.

[Deleted]

I appears to be very well-built.. But where's the LCD?

Seriously, a great find. Wish I would run across one.

[Just Plain Curt]

Very nice little camera and excellent macro shots too. Wish my little Kodak easyshare point and shoot did anywhere near as clear pictures. Hope you're able to fix your camera, I'd love to see some photos. I still need to respool some B+W to try mine too.

[Reiska]

Really cute and interesting camera. I found an article about Dan cameras on the Camerapedia org. Perhaps you did it too.
Not the most reliable source but tell me what is?

CAMERAPEDIA

Reijo