The previous three M42 models (Pentax AP/Tower 26, Pentax S, and Pentax K/Tower 29) achieved a total production from May 1957 through May 1959 of around 47,000 units.
This was the 4th model of the Pentax camera and the first to be mass produced and exported world wide.
Manufactured between May 1959 and April 1961, this is a very early Model I version of the H2. There would be no Asahi H2 designation for the Model II as that would become the Asahi S2.
So, why is this H2 an Asahi and not a Honeywell or Heiland?
At the time of its early development and initial release, Asahi had no distributor for it's U.S. market as the distribution agreement previously held with Sears (Tower 22, 23, 24, 26, and 29) expired and was not successfully renegotiated. The fledgling Asahi had needed Sears in its early years to build its U.S. brand and to help garner interest for the Asahiflex cameras. Now the shoe was on the other foot and Asahi wanted the better end of the deal. Asahi needed a new U.S. distributor, but the agreement with Honeywell and its Heiland division had not yet been fully negotiated. This compelled Asahi to release the H2 bearing the Asahi name.
Once the agreement with Honeywell was reached to distribute the H2 in the U.S. market, Asahi left the H2 model designation in place for both the U.S. and its worldwide export market, and created the model designation S2 for the Japanese market, in order to portray the S2 as the successor to the earlier model S.
In some countries like South Africa or Finland, there were copyright issues with the Pentax name so this same camera was also sold as either the Asahi Pentar H2, or the Asahiflex H2.
In the end, the H2 would be the model of Pentax by which Asahi would cut its teeth with both mass production and mass distribution, thereby introducing the world to its outstanding cameras and Takumar lenses.
Everything appears to work as designed except for the shutter curtain is hanging up so it likely needs a clean and lube.
My intent in selling this item is not for its use, but to be a visual display piece in a collection. I have not used it, nor is my intent for you to do so.
Comes with an f/2 55mm Auto Takumar lens and the lower half of the brown leather case.
The lens is in outstanding condition with no fungus or cloudiness.
No warranty of any nature, be it expressed, or implied, is conveyed pursuant to the sale of this item.
Item sold in As In condition.
Payment due upon purchase.
Feel free to ask all questions PRIOR to purchase.
Thank you.