Zunow SLR
The Zunow is a Japanese 35mm SLR film camera launched by Zunow Optical Industry in 1958, at about the same time most of the established Japanese camera companies introduced their first models of this type. Unfortunately, this maker was unable to persevere for more than another three years, and they produced very few cameras.
The Zunow has a remarkably compact and neat design, most basic features is highly developed, possibly inspired by Contax S and Miranda T, all having the right hand front shutter release. Like Miranda, it also has a removable pentaprism, while the general appearance is similar to the Contax S. However, it also features a lever wind, a rare feature prior to this camera’s launch date, not found on many 35mm SLR cameras, except for the Exakta, the Mecaflex, and the Asahi Pentax of 1957.
The successful solutions to important features, a task occupying many SLR designers at the time, are incorporated in this camera, most importantly an internally coupled automatic lens diaphragm and an instant return mirror. However, perhaps the most remarkable feature is the optional fast standard lens, the Zunow 1:1.2 f=58mm. Already a speciality Zunow had entertained, making fast rangefinder lenses for Nikon and Leica cameras.
Links
In English:
In Japanese:
- Zunow SLR at Hayata Camera Laboratory (the page is translated here at Novacon, with additional pictures)
- Leaflet for the Zunow SLR at Nagoya's Camera Club
