Asahi Pentax Cameras and those Russian Leicas

I've had a long-time interest in the cameras produced by the Asahi Optical Company in Japan. Camera production started in 1952 and continues to this day. Along the way, Asahi Optical was responsible for some inovations, inventions, and even an interesting "twist" or two. Probably the best-remembered camera from the past is the "Spotmatic" series. This camera pioneered Through-The-Lens metering (TTL) and at a rather affordable price.

My specific interest is in the K-series cameras, introduced in 1975, with production for several models running through 1980. I also collect the absolutely fascinating Pentax Auto-110 sub-miniature camera which was introduced in 1979. Of the screw-thread cameras prior to 1975, I have a representative collection, and am most certainly interested in them as well.

I've given some consideration to putting up some web pages. I don't know if they would be carried as a sub-set to this web site or be worked up a stand-alone site. I'd be most interested to hear from anyone with similar interest in Asahi Optical, whether just to chat, or make comments and suggestions.

I also have recently become interested in the Leica-copy cameras made in the USSR by FED and later Zorki. These would be the straight copies of the Leica II made in the USSR from about 1933 through 1956 (and not the later Leica "clones"). I realize this is the polar opposite of the Asahi Pentax, but I do find the subject of interest

I'll say this, it's interesting taking photos with a 1951 Russian-made copy of a 1932 German-made Leica. There are no CdS cells, no batteries, no down-loading, no TTL metering, no nothing!! Even the film is loaded through the BOTTOM of the camera using three hands.

So, if you have an interest in Asahi Optical or the Russian Leicas, drop me a line if you get a chance.

-----Dave Braun

DISCLAIMER: This page is not an offical publication of Pentax or Asahi optical, and has no relationship with them. All words such as "Pentax," "Asahi Optical," etc., are the property of their copyright and trademark holders and are used here for reference purposes only.

I suppose I should also disclaim use of "FED" and "Zorki," but the USSR itself got disclaimed pretty good several years back, and I have no idea if FED or Zorki are still around. Anyway, this is not an official publication of the USSR, wherever they ended up ;-)

UPDATE: Uh-Oh, apparently both Zorki (KMZ) and FED are still around. So, disclaimer, disclaimer.