Pax Ruby (Yamato Koki) – A Rare Japanese "Subminiature-Style" 35mm Rangefinder The Pax Ruby, manufactured by Yamato Koki in the late 1950s, is a fascinating example of the "Leica-style" 35mm rangefinder craze that swept through Japan post-WWII. Despite its diminutive size—often mistaken for a subminiature camera at first glance—the Pax Ruby is a full-featured 35mm film camera. It is celebrated by collectors for its surprisingly high build quality, bright coupled rangefinder, and sharp optics. This "Ruby" edition is particularly prized for its refined aesthetic and the distinctive red logo on the front plate, representing a high point for the boutique manufacturer Yamato. Key Benefits Compact Excellence: One of the smallest 35mm rangefinders ever produced, offering full manual control in a pocketable format. Coupled Rangefinder: Features a bright, integrated rangefinder for precise focusing, a rare luxury in cameras of this size. Premium Kit: Accompanied by a period-accurate Agfa Lucimeter, providing a complete vintage analog experience. Features Brand: Yamato Koki (Japan) Model: Pax Ruby Format: 35mm Roll Film Lens: Colour-Luna 45mm f/3.5 (Serial No. 89701) Shutter: Leaf shutter with speeds from B to 1/300s. Focusing: Coupled Rangefinder. Build: Metal body with satin chrome top plate and black leatherette wrap featuring an embossed "PaX" logo on the rear. Condition Rated: 4/5 Cosmetic: The camera is in beautiful vintage condition. The chrome top plate is clean, and the red "Ruby" and "PaX" branding remains vibrant. The leatherette is fully intact with a deep, crisp embossed logo. Optics: The 45mm Colour-Luna lens appears clear. The viewfinder and rangefinder patch are bright and well-aligned. Mechanical: The shutter fires across speeds, and the film advance lever operates with a satisfying mechanical click. Accessories: The included Agfa Lucimeter S light meter shows a clean ivory-colored housing. The needle reacts to light, though its calibration for modern use is untested. Note: This set is sold as a premium collectible. While mechanically functional, it has not been film-tested for light-tightness. What's Included 1x Pax Ruby 35mm Rangefinder Camera 1x Original Brown Leather "Ever-Ready" Case with Strap 1x Agfa Lucimeter S Exposure Meter (Made in Germany) 1x Agfa Leather Meter Case Why This Product? The Pax Ruby is the "jewel" of early Japanese rangefinders. Its combination of miniature charm and full-frame 35mm capability makes it a unique addition to any shelf. Included with the Agfa Lucimeter, this lot provides a wonderful cross-continental pairing of Japanese mechanical ingenuity and German optical measurement, making it a standout for collectors of rare 1950s gear. Keywords Pax Ruby, Yamato Koki, Japanese Rangefinder, 35mm Film Camera, Vintage Photography, Colour-Luna Lens, Agfa Lucimeter S, Rare Analog Camera, 1950s Tech, Subminiature Style.