Asahiflex and the Pre-1959 Asahi Pentax Cameras

A Guide to Identification and Collection

ATTENTION: THE GUIDE IS SOLD OUT....SORRY. If you are still interested to read about the collector's guide that I authored and published, then read below. If you are lucky, you might find one available at a web site that deals in used books.


Summary of Guide

cover The guide contains detailed information on the four models of Asahiflex and three models of Asahi Pentax introduced by Asahi Optical Company (AOC) prior to 1959. The guide contains descriptions of the cameras, as well as the lenses and accessories developed in support of the various models. Information is also presented on cosmetic and functional variations within the Asahiflex line. In all, more than 50 pieces of equipment are reviewed. In addition to equipment reviews, the guide presents an evaluation of the promotion and sales of Asahiflex and Asahi Pentax cameras. Production and distribution estimates are provided for each camera model, and for many of the lenses. Finally, the guide reviews the history of sales through the Sears, Roebuck and Company by presenting detailed information on the Asahiflex and Asahi Pentax cameras sold under the Tower brand name. Included in the guide are more than 75 photographs of cameras, lenses, accessories, and AOC promotional events. Eleven tables and figures provide specifications on model variations, cameras, lenses, accessories, and production and distribution estimates.

The guide represents an evaluation effort over a five year period, and is based upon a review of hundreds of pieces of equipment. While the photographs are primarily from the author's collection, additional information was provided by AOC; Pentax Corporation; Pentax Gallery; Sears, Roebuck and Company; private collections, and through contact with more than sixty museums and clubs.

The guide addresses the Asahiflex and Asahi Pentax cameras in five basic sections:

PART ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Collecting Asahiflex and Asahi Pentax Cameras
  • Asahi Optical Company (1919-1958)
  • Published Information for Collectors (books, magazines, guides, catalogs, AOC literature)

    PART TWO: ASAHIFLEX CAMERAS AND ACCESSORIES

  • Detailed information on Asahiflex I, IA, IIB, IIA cameras
  • Review of Asahiflex Copy Camera, Penta-Asahiflex
  • Model Variations (internal & external)
  • Specifications on lenses and accessories

    PART THREE: ASAHI PENTAX CAMERAS AND ACCESSORIES

  • Detailed information on Asahi Pentax, Pentax S, Pentax K
  • Specifications on Takumar /Auto-Takumar lenses
  • Review of accessories

    PART FOUR: SEARS, ROEBUCK AND COMPANY MODELS

  • Detailed review of Asahiflex and Asahi Pentax cameras sold under the Tower brand name
  • History of promotion and sales through Sears
  • Detailed information on Sears lenses and accessories

    PART FIVE: SALES, PRODUCTION, AND DISTRIBUTION

  • Detailed sales history of Asahiflex and Asahi Pentax cameras
  • Evaluation of production/distribution estimates
  • Serial number ranges evaluated



    PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE.

    If You Are A Serious Collector, You Must Have This Guide!!!!

    You can now participate in further research on the Asahiflex and Pre-1959 Asahi Pentax cameras by submitting information on the examples in your collection and ones that you otherwise encounter. Simply contact the address in the brochure for more information.