Kiku 16 Model II Analogue camera

05
days
14
hours
31
minutes
57
seconds
Current bid
€ 25
Reserve price not met
Thorsten Pöllath
Expert
Selected by Thorsten Pöllath

Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.

Estimate  € 180 - € 220
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€25

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Kiku 16 Model II subminiature film camera, 16 mm, in very good cosmetic condition and tested and working, with original brown leather Pronto case and a rare yellow filter.

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Description from the seller

Splendid and rare specimen of the Kiku 16 Model II subminiature camera, one of the most fascinating Japanese 'spy cameras' of the 1950s. This model is famous among collectors for its high-grade mechanical design, crafted to miniature-scale imitate the aesthetic lines of the historic Leica rangefinder cameras.
The camera body is all-metal with chrome finishes and black imitation leather covering. This specific lot stands out for its exceptional completeness and for the perfect working condition of the mechanisms, including original period accessories that are extremely difficult to find together.
Esthetic and mechanical conditions:
Camera body: In excellent cosmetic condition, the chrome is bright, with no signs of rust, dents, or significant scratches. The black covering is perfectly intact.
Operating mechanics: The camera has been mechanically tested successfully. The film advance dial turns smoothly and cocks the mechanism; when pressing the top button, the shutter fires regularly and emits a clean, precise click. The internal levers respond perfectly and are not jammed.
Optics: The front lens is clean, free of scratches or internal fungus.
Accessories included in the lot:
Original brown leather 'Pronto' case: Brown in color, with the original 'Kiku 16' inscription on the front, complete with the original leather shoulder strap. The stitching and the clasp button are in excellent condition.
Very rare yellow filter: An antique optical filter specific to this lens, used in the postwar period to increase contrast and drama of the skies in black-and-white photography. The filter is intact and mounts perfectly on the lens.
A superb display piece, of very high collectible value thanks to its total functionality, ready to enrich a vintage camera or espionage collection.

Splendid and rare specimen of the Kiku 16 Model II subminiature camera, one of the most fascinating Japanese 'spy cameras' of the 1950s. This model is famous among collectors for its high-grade mechanical design, crafted to miniature-scale imitate the aesthetic lines of the historic Leica rangefinder cameras.
The camera body is all-metal with chrome finishes and black imitation leather covering. This specific lot stands out for its exceptional completeness and for the perfect working condition of the mechanisms, including original period accessories that are extremely difficult to find together.
Esthetic and mechanical conditions:
Camera body: In excellent cosmetic condition, the chrome is bright, with no signs of rust, dents, or significant scratches. The black covering is perfectly intact.
Operating mechanics: The camera has been mechanically tested successfully. The film advance dial turns smoothly and cocks the mechanism; when pressing the top button, the shutter fires regularly and emits a clean, precise click. The internal levers respond perfectly and are not jammed.
Optics: The front lens is clean, free of scratches or internal fungus.
Accessories included in the lot:
Original brown leather 'Pronto' case: Brown in color, with the original 'Kiku 16' inscription on the front, complete with the original leather shoulder strap. The stitching and the clasp button are in excellent condition.
Very rare yellow filter: An antique optical filter specific to this lens, used in the postwar period to increase contrast and drama of the skies in black-and-white photography. The filter is intact and mounts perfectly on the lens.
A superb display piece, of very high collectible value thanks to its total functionality, ready to enrich a vintage camera or espionage collection.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Kiku
Model/type nr
16 Model II
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
16mm
Estimated period
1950-1960
ItalyVerified
6
Objects sold
Private

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