Super rare Nitto Seiko Elega 35 film camera, 2nd version, serial number 13510, with 45mm f3,5 Elega lens, serial number 12807, lens cap and spool.
Nitto Seiki was founded in 1938 in Ayabe, a small town North of Kyoto.
By 2011 it was still in business as an industrial parts and tools instruments manufacturer.
They made two 35mm cameras in the first half of 1950: the Look and the Elega 35.
These cameras were beyond innovative. Nitto made its proprietary rotary type shutter, and later several other type of shutters known as N.K.S. (Nikko Kogaku Seiko) - Prontor style, used in Elegaflex and in other Japanese cameras from other makers.
They also made an aperture on the back for critical focusing, and a film cutter just inside at the bottom.
The first version of the Elega 35 was from 1950-51.
It had no rewinding capability but just cartridge to cartridge. It had two tripod screws and a rangefinder.
The second version (the one offered here) has rewinding capability, ASA flash contact, one tripod screw and no rangefinder.
Both share the famous rotary type shutter. 1-200 + B speeds and screw-mount interchangeable lens (not interchangeable with Leica).
The camera looks pristine.
Viewfinder is super clean.
Speeds are spot on along the entire range
Glass is overall clear with a hint of haze, fully usable.
Thank you.