Olympus Rare Early Sanko PEN - CLA´d | Half-frame camera

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Olympus Rare Early Sanko PEN 35mm half-frame camera with a fixed D.Zuiko 28mm lens, manual exposure, leaf shutter and all-metal construction, serial 105798, from the 1950s, exterior in very good condition and tested and working.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Early Japanese half-frame 35mm camera manufactured by Sanko Shoji for the first-generation Olympus PEN. Features a fixed D.Zuiko 28mm lens, manual exposure controls, leaf shutter, and compact all-metal construction. One of the earliest Japanese half-frame cameras, highly valued by collectors.

[Condition]
The camera was serviced and inspected in July 2026.
The optical components (lenses and inside the viewfinder) were cleaned; however, please understand that some dirt may remain.
Viewfinder: Cleaned
Film advance mechanism: Lubricated
Shutter: Disassembled and repaired
Mold: Replaced

That concludes the details.
The camera is in good working order.

[Exterior]
The exterior shows only normal signs of wear from years of use and is in good condition considering its age.
Please refer to the photos for the exterior condition.

[Optics]
The viewfinder has been cleaned and offers a clear view.
When viewed against a strong light source, there is some faint haze remaining.

The lens elements appear clear to the naked eye.
When viewed against a strong light source, there is some faint haze remaining, but it does not affect photography.

[Accessories]
filter
Lens hood (rare)
Copy of Repair Order (in Japanese)

[From the Seller]
Thank you for viewing our store's products.
We plan to list a wide variety of cameras, from vintage models to digital cameras! All cameras listed have been tested for functionality, so please consider them!
[Store Management Number]
July 12, 2026 78-7-8

・[Shipping Information]・
※※Important Notice: Due to the current deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, we are unable to ship via EMS to Portugal, Croatia, and Georgia. Therefore, we ask that bidders from these countries refrain from placing bids.
・We ship via EMS.
・We will ship your order within 3 business days of payment. (If shipping is delayed beyond 3 days due to work commitments, we will contact you.)
・Delivery typically takes about 10 days. (Depending on customs clearance.)
・We will provide you with the EMS tracking number.


**【Customs & Taxes】**
・Import duties, taxes, and other fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
・These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine any additional costs before bidding or buying.
・These fees are usually collected by the shipping company or when you pick up the item. Please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.
・We do not under-declare item values or mark items as “gifts.” The declared value equals the insurance value. Such actions are prohibited by U.S. and international regulations.
・If an item is returned due to the buyer’s failure to pay import duties or taxes,
any resulting costs and losses may be deducted from the refund in accordance with Catawiki’s Seller Terms.


Seller's Story

We primarily sell Japanese-made cameras. We carry a wide selection ranging from film cameras to digital cameras. We also offer vintage cameras. Cameras made in Japan, cameras used in Japan! Please take a look at our cameras!

Early Japanese half-frame 35mm camera manufactured by Sanko Shoji for the first-generation Olympus PEN. Features a fixed D.Zuiko 28mm lens, manual exposure controls, leaf shutter, and compact all-metal construction. One of the earliest Japanese half-frame cameras, highly valued by collectors.

[Condition]
The camera was serviced and inspected in July 2026.
The optical components (lenses and inside the viewfinder) were cleaned; however, please understand that some dirt may remain.
Viewfinder: Cleaned
Film advance mechanism: Lubricated
Shutter: Disassembled and repaired
Mold: Replaced

That concludes the details.
The camera is in good working order.

[Exterior]
The exterior shows only normal signs of wear from years of use and is in good condition considering its age.
Please refer to the photos for the exterior condition.

[Optics]
The viewfinder has been cleaned and offers a clear view.
When viewed against a strong light source, there is some faint haze remaining.

The lens elements appear clear to the naked eye.
When viewed against a strong light source, there is some faint haze remaining, but it does not affect photography.

[Accessories]
filter
Lens hood (rare)
Copy of Repair Order (in Japanese)

[From the Seller]
Thank you for viewing our store's products.
We plan to list a wide variety of cameras, from vintage models to digital cameras! All cameras listed have been tested for functionality, so please consider them!
[Store Management Number]
July 12, 2026 78-7-8

・[Shipping Information]・
※※Important Notice: Due to the current deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, we are unable to ship via EMS to Portugal, Croatia, and Georgia. Therefore, we ask that bidders from these countries refrain from placing bids.
・We ship via EMS.
・We will ship your order within 3 business days of payment. (If shipping is delayed beyond 3 days due to work commitments, we will contact you.)
・Delivery typically takes about 10 days. (Depending on customs clearance.)
・We will provide you with the EMS tracking number.


**【Customs & Taxes】**
・Import duties, taxes, and other fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
・These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine any additional costs before bidding or buying.
・These fees are usually collected by the shipping company or when you pick up the item. Please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.
・We do not under-declare item values or mark items as “gifts.” The declared value equals the insurance value. Such actions are prohibited by U.S. and international regulations.
・If an item is returned due to the buyer’s failure to pay import duties or taxes,
any resulting costs and losses may be deducted from the refund in accordance with Catawiki’s Seller Terms.


Seller's Story

We primarily sell Japanese-made cameras. We carry a wide selection ranging from film cameras to digital cameras. We also offer vintage cameras. Cameras made in Japan, cameras used in Japan! Please take a look at our cameras!

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Olympus
Model/type nr
Rare Early Sanko PEN - CLA´d |
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Serial number
105798
Estimated period
1950-1960
JapanVerified
80
Objects sold
100%
pro

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