Another camera! Toyoca 35-S

[John Farrell]

This camera came up on our local auction site, Trademe, on Saturday. It had a reasonable "buy now" price, so I leapt at the temptation and bought it. The courier delivered it a short while ago.

This camera was made in 1957 by Tougodo, according to McKeown. It's a scale focus 35mm camera (there was a version for Bolta film). Knob wind, shutter cocked by a lever on top of the lens. The body is bakelite, with metal top and bottom plate.

This one needs a little cleaning, but the shutter works fine on all speeds (25-300, B).

[Stephen]

Toyoca are not common at all these days, they seem to turn up in the States or Japan mainly. After years of unconventional designs and cheap novelty cameras the 35mm from the late 50's were quite a change. I have a couple of variants of this model, they work fine, modest lenses, but well finished. Made to sell at low cost, but also good value for holidays etc.
Stephen.

[John Farrell]

When I checked the camera, I found that the wind shaft could be pulled out.



I took off the bottom plate, and these parts dropped out - they are supposed to secure the winder.



I cleaned up the wind shaft, and lubricated it. The ring under the knob, with the 2 slots, is part of the clutch which allows rotation in only one direction. A slot engages with a plunger on the camera top.



The plate securing the wind shaft.



I checked the infinity focus of the lens; the viewing screen is a piece cut from a CD case, roughened on one side with an abrasive cleaner. A locking cable release holds the shutter open on "B".

[philbirch]

nice clear directions on how you did it. I use a piece of laminate pouch as ground glass when I need it. Heavy duty material is best as it is stiffer.

[John Farrell]

Last week, I put a roll of outdated Fuji film in the camera. The first shot shows the lens is not of the greatest - severe corner vignetting.



Stopped down, it performs better.