Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/16

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Japanese "Honor" camera
From: Jem Kime <jem.kime@cwcom.net>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 16:05:19 +0100

In the book, '300 Leica Copies', by Pont, Princelle, published by Fotosaga, 
1990, there are 4 pages devoted to the Honor, along with it's stable mate, 
the Ichicon 35.
There were 2 Honors made, the S1 (1956-59) which resembled a IIIf, and the 
SL (1959-60) which resembled an M (of sorts).
The Mejiro Optical Works made the cameras from 1954 onwards, from 1957on, 
they were engraved 'Zuiho' instead of 'Honor Opt.'
they had a high quality finish, and unlike the Leicas of the time had 
removable backs, I guess like Zorkis.
The S1 had 2 PC outlets and came with either a Konishiroku Hexanon (50/1.9) 
or Hexar (50/3.5) lens, in 1958 these were superseded with the Zuiho Honor 
50/2 lens the black frame was removed from the middle of the back and a 
white film reminder was added.
In the same year they also introduced a 1/1000th sec top speed and a black 
finish 50/1.9 Honor lens, total prodn. less than 1000.

The SL had a flattish top and lever wind, combined rangefinder and 
viewfinder window and was supplied with the Zuiho Honor 50/1.9 black lens, 
there was only the one varient and less than 300 were produced.

So, the rarity would auger well for a high value, but much depends on 
condition, I saw a 60mm Macro Elmarit that was sold for 90 GBP recently, 
boy! Was it grotty! McKeowns guide (an old one from '96) suggests 8-1200 
USD.

Hope this helps,

Jem

- -----Original Message-----
From:	JZa1058168@aol.com [SMTP:JZa1058168@aol.com]
Sent:	16 September 1999 12:45
To:	leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject:	[Leica] Japanese "Honor" camera

Can anyone tell me about the Leica copy "Honor"  and its probable value
(ballpark). I saw one in a camera shop  during a recent trip. j zarick, 
cinn,
ohio