Minolta Semi Minolta Late Model with MARBLE Shutter 5,6/75mm 120 / medium format camera






Over 30 years experience in photography and camera building.
€1 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 134742 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Minolta Semi Minolta Late Model with MARBLE shutter, a 6x4.5cm folding camera for 120 film, in good physical condition and tested and working; circa 1937–1940.
Description from the seller
For European collectors who celebrate authentic heritage, high-quality vintage optics, and the fascinating lineage of early industrial design, this Late-1930s Semi Minolta folding camera is an absolute treasure. Emerging from the golden dawn of Japanese camera manufacturing, this elegant medium-format camera showcases the exceptional engineering capability of Chiyoda Kogaku (Minolta). Featuring the beautiful, flowing pre-war "Minolta" script engraved directly onto the leatherette body and its matching case, it radiates an undeniable historical romance.
This remarkable piece represents a historically significant factory variation: it is officially configured with the Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 75mm f/5.6 lens and a fully mechanical Marble leaf shutter produced by Ikko Sha. This collaboration highlights a pivotal period when Minolta carefully selected premium components to craft elite instruments, delivering a painterly optical signature with beautiful background transitions and a rich depth of tone that modern digital equipment can never replicate.
Using this camera inspires a profound sense of tranquility and artistic connection. The tactile feedback of opening the bed, manually selecting your shutter settings on the classic dial, and hearing the crisp, elegant snap of the shutter transforms every exposure into a meaningful creative ritual. Protected by its original, gracefully aged leather case, this rare pre-war Japanese treasure is ready to bring timeless prestige, soul, and historical sophistication to your fine collection.
* Release Date: Circa 1937–1940
* Manufacturer: Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko (Minolta) / Shutter and Lens by Ikko Sha
* Product Name: Semi Minolta (Late Model with MARBLE Shutter)
* Size: Approx. 117 mm (W) x 82 mm (H) x 40 mm (D) [Folded, Body only]
* Weight: Approx. 460 g [Body and lens only]
* Type: 6x4.5cm folding medium format camera (120 roll film)
* Lens Mount: Fixed (Integrated folding system)
* Shutter: MARBLE mechanical leaf shutter (by Ikko Sha)
* Shutterspeed: T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 sec
* Film Advance: Knob wind system
* Operation: All functions tested and operational. Shutter speeds change appropriately at each setting; however, mechanical accuracy has not been certified.
* Viewfinder Condition: Clear
* Body Appearance: Displays authentic pre-war signs of time, including small surface scratches, minor dents, light oxidation, and wear on the original leatherette.There are no light leaks in the bellows.The back cover of the film chamber is a bit stiff and slightly difficult to open.
* Lens: Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 75mm f/5.6
* Lens Condition: Minor dust, faint haze, surface cleaning marks, and light spots consistent with its vintage age.
* Accessories: Original vintage Minolta leather case (displays natural vintage patina and wear)
Disclaimer: Please note that the product description above was generated with AI assistance. As there may be potential inaccuracies, please refer to the provided photos and the official manufacturer's website for the most accurate and definitive information.
Shipping Policy: We will ship your order with a tracking number within 1-3 business days after payment confirmation.
Important Notice: Shipping Suspension to Specific Regions
Due to the worsening situation in the Middle East and its impact on international flight schedules, we have decided to suspend shipping to the following countries until further notice.
Target Countries:
Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Israel, Syria, North Korea, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Libya
If an order is placed for any of these destinations, we will have to cancel it.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Terms and Conditions
1. What is included in this item is only what is shown in the picture. Please note that batteries and other items not shown in the picture are not included.
2. Import duties, taxes, VAT (Value Added Tax), and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
3. When purchasing a lens, please note that any issues arising from the use of third-party mount adapters are not covered under warranty.
4. Condition ratings and descriptions are based on the seller's subjective evaluation. Since the perception of an item's condition can vary between individuals, please carefully review all provided photos and place your bid based on your own judgment and responsibility.
5. In the event that you are not satisfied with the item or find any discrepancies with the description, the item must be returned to the seller first. A refund will be processed immediately upon the safe return of the item. All return policies are governed by Catawiki's terms and conditions.
6. By placing a bid, you are deemed to have read and agreed to all the terms and conditions stated above.
Seller's Story
For European collectors who celebrate authentic heritage, high-quality vintage optics, and the fascinating lineage of early industrial design, this Late-1930s Semi Minolta folding camera is an absolute treasure. Emerging from the golden dawn of Japanese camera manufacturing, this elegant medium-format camera showcases the exceptional engineering capability of Chiyoda Kogaku (Minolta). Featuring the beautiful, flowing pre-war "Minolta" script engraved directly onto the leatherette body and its matching case, it radiates an undeniable historical romance.
This remarkable piece represents a historically significant factory variation: it is officially configured with the Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 75mm f/5.6 lens and a fully mechanical Marble leaf shutter produced by Ikko Sha. This collaboration highlights a pivotal period when Minolta carefully selected premium components to craft elite instruments, delivering a painterly optical signature with beautiful background transitions and a rich depth of tone that modern digital equipment can never replicate.
Using this camera inspires a profound sense of tranquility and artistic connection. The tactile feedback of opening the bed, manually selecting your shutter settings on the classic dial, and hearing the crisp, elegant snap of the shutter transforms every exposure into a meaningful creative ritual. Protected by its original, gracefully aged leather case, this rare pre-war Japanese treasure is ready to bring timeless prestige, soul, and historical sophistication to your fine collection.
* Release Date: Circa 1937–1940
* Manufacturer: Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko (Minolta) / Shutter and Lens by Ikko Sha
* Product Name: Semi Minolta (Late Model with MARBLE Shutter)
* Size: Approx. 117 mm (W) x 82 mm (H) x 40 mm (D) [Folded, Body only]
* Weight: Approx. 460 g [Body and lens only]
* Type: 6x4.5cm folding medium format camera (120 roll film)
* Lens Mount: Fixed (Integrated folding system)
* Shutter: MARBLE mechanical leaf shutter (by Ikko Sha)
* Shutterspeed: T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 sec
* Film Advance: Knob wind system
* Operation: All functions tested and operational. Shutter speeds change appropriately at each setting; however, mechanical accuracy has not been certified.
* Viewfinder Condition: Clear
* Body Appearance: Displays authentic pre-war signs of time, including small surface scratches, minor dents, light oxidation, and wear on the original leatherette.There are no light leaks in the bellows.The back cover of the film chamber is a bit stiff and slightly difficult to open.
* Lens: Coronar Anastigmat Nippon 75mm f/5.6
* Lens Condition: Minor dust, faint haze, surface cleaning marks, and light spots consistent with its vintage age.
* Accessories: Original vintage Minolta leather case (displays natural vintage patina and wear)
Disclaimer: Please note that the product description above was generated with AI assistance. As there may be potential inaccuracies, please refer to the provided photos and the official manufacturer's website for the most accurate and definitive information.
Shipping Policy: We will ship your order with a tracking number within 1-3 business days after payment confirmation.
Important Notice: Shipping Suspension to Specific Regions
Due to the worsening situation in the Middle East and its impact on international flight schedules, we have decided to suspend shipping to the following countries until further notice.
Target Countries:
Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Israel, Syria, North Korea, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Libya
If an order is placed for any of these destinations, we will have to cancel it.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Terms and Conditions
1. What is included in this item is only what is shown in the picture. Please note that batteries and other items not shown in the picture are not included.
2. Import duties, taxes, VAT (Value Added Tax), and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
3. When purchasing a lens, please note that any issues arising from the use of third-party mount adapters are not covered under warranty.
4. Condition ratings and descriptions are based on the seller's subjective evaluation. Since the perception of an item's condition can vary between individuals, please carefully review all provided photos and place your bid based on your own judgment and responsibility.
5. In the event that you are not satisfied with the item or find any discrepancies with the description, the item must be returned to the seller first. A refund will be processed immediately upon the safe return of the item. All return policies are governed by Catawiki's terms and conditions.
6. By placing a bid, you are deemed to have read and agreed to all the terms and conditions stated above.
