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Classic Camera Repair » Collector's Lounge » Freshened up 1947 TOKO Mighty miniature "SPY" camera

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Ismaelg
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Username: Ismaelg

Post Number: 51
Registered: 11-2009

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Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 08:49 am:

Hi,

I made this post originally in spanish with history and details in our local photo club forum.
Here is my own translation and links to the pictures:

History:
During the second half of the 19th century, Japan sponsored the development of the optical industry with the support of some European countries like Germany and Austria. Several companies emerged at the end of the 19th Century and early 20th Century. In 1932, some of these companies merged and formed Tokyo Kogaku Kikai which lousily translates into Tokyo Optical Company
By 1934 they were producing photographic lenses. During World War II, they supplied the Japanese forces with binoculars, one of their specialties.
World War II left Japan in bad shape. The industrial sector in particular needed to recover badly. After the war, several miniature cameras appeared that were easy to manufacture and to market. These type of camera became popular but from the beginning were more of a novelty or a toy rather than a serious photographic tool. Photographic quality was second grade at best. There were many models from several different companies.
A military treaty signed in 1947 established that any export item from Japan had to be labeled “Made In Occupied Japan” (or MIOJ). Japan was by then under Allied military control led by the USA. This identification was used probably until around 1949. Japan’s military occupation ended in 1952.
Today, these cameras are usually known as Spy cameras. Personally, I doubt they were used seriously as spying devices but who knows.
Among the many models, there is the Mighty, made by TOKO (Tokyo Kogaku) around 1947. Despite the frugal nature of the camera, it had some impressive characteristics for its type.
This cameras used 17.5mm film. This was essentially paperbacked 35mm unperforated film sliced in half.

Characteristics:
17.5mm film
Image format: 14mm x 14mm
25mm fixed focus lens
3 aperture settings: f4.5 / f6.3 / f8
2 viewfinders: A direct sight one and a waist level screen
2 shutter speeds: Instantaneous and bulb
Available 2X Teleconverter and a hood that attached to the front of the lens.
Little red window in the back door to see the frame number in the paperback of the film

My specimen:
I found this poor lost soul in need of help. Initial inspection reveal a missing shutter knob and the label around the lens with the camera name. Both are purely cosmetics and do not affect camera functions.
Since the mechanics are very simple, it still operates properly. All functions work properly like shutter, aperture etc.

How I got it

http://images114.fotki.com/v1605/photos/4/1233394/8753714/IMGP7599b-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v566/photos/4/1233394/8753714/IMGP7606b-vi.jpg

How big it is....
http://images54.fotki.com/v1613/photos/4/1233394/8753714/IMGP7609b-vi.jpg

Beep Beep, COMING THRU! On its way to the restoration shop! Yes, it's a Hot Wheels, no, not my kids' but MINE. You have a problem with that? :-)

Finnegan
Tinkerer
Username: Finnegan

Post Number: 40
Registered: 09-2009

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Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 11:06 am:

Ismael, long time since you've visited here.

Nice Toko. Considered a step above the usual generic classification of "Hit" cameras since it has a reflex finder and minor controls.

My McKeowns book says it is made by Toyo Kogaku in circa 1947 and makes 14x14mm neg.s on Mycro film. The value is listed at $65. to $100. but, (I'm sure you didn't know this) there is a 2x telephoto lens for it the attaches with a thumb screw. Also, it mentions a sunshade came with it. With the 2x lens the value is $150. to $225.

Additionally, in circa 1948, it seems Toko made a presentation outfir in a red box with the camera, telephoto, shade, case and instructions. The collector value on that is $300. to $400. according to the book.

Ok, there was an identical camera built with the name Tone.

And, lastly, this company made another camera before the war circa 1939 they named Peacock. There were 3 models of this. It was a 127 film camera for 3x4 with 50mm lens.

Ok, next, the treaty called for only half of all exported items to have the "Occupied Japan" stamp on it. So, lots of items are out there that were built during the occupation but not stamped as such because of that clause in the treaty.

Finnegan
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Username: Finnegan

Post Number: 41
Registered: 09-2009

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Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 12:20 pm:

Here is the actual quote from wikipedia:

"Occupied Japan" was an era from post war 1945 until April 28th, 1952 when the San Francisco Peace Treaty ended the allied occupation and Japan became an independent state. As Japan needed to rebuild their post-war economy, part of the agreement to allow them to export goods out of their country was that they had to mark 50% of all items with "Occupied Japan" or "Made in Occupied Japan."

Tom_cheshire
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Username: Tom_cheshire

Post Number: 320
Registered: 04-2009

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Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 05:01 am:

Nice little "Hit" camera. Did you re-cover it or restore the covering?

"which may include questionable sources like the Internet."

Everything on the 'net is questionable. :-)

Ismaelg
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Username: Ismaelg

Post Number: 53
Registered: 11-2009

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Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 09:01 pm:

Thanks guys!
Yes, I have been very busy lately, so not much time to tinker around.
The "Hit" was the most popular of this type of camera, hence these are usually referred to as "Hit" type.
I mentioned the 2X converter and the hood in the initial post. I found about it while searching for more on eBay. Something I'm not very clear is that it seems the treaty was in effect in 1947, but apparently items were no longer identified as occupied Japan as early as 1949, despite the fact that the occupation officially ended in 1952.
I have never seen a "Tone" personally, but from the pics I've seen it is a bit different. The lens is different (f3.5 vs f4.5) the door latch is in the other side and the reflex finder seems to be a bit bigger.
Tom, the covering seems to be some sort of paper or cardboard. In order to preserve as much as possible of the original, I touched up the problem areas with acrylic craft paint. I used flat black as a base, then a glossier black on top to match the original sheen. Instead of a brush I used a cotton swab and dabbed the paint, rather than brush it.
I really enjoy working with rather obscure pieces of photographic history :-)

Thanks!
Ismael

Foto_gaga
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Username: Foto_gaga

Post Number: 17
Registered: 02-2010

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Posted on Friday, June 11, 2010 - 12:27 pm:

The last "Hit" camera I bought new was from the Johnson Smith catalog sometime around 1985. It was labeled "C.M.C." and the body was totally plastic. The top was the cheapest stamped metal possible. It was horrible. :-)

Think it was from Hong Kong and not Japan.

Flybye
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Username: Flybye

Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2010

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Posted on Friday, November 26, 2010 - 08:10 am:

Hi Ismael. That is an awesome little camera! I laughed pretty hard when I saw the "Rapid Delivery" sign on the truck LOL.

Are you going to try to take any pictures with it? I would love to see some pics with it.

Also, are you in PR or someplace else? I'm in miami and I know the term boricua far too well. :-)

Finnegan
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Username: Finnegan

Post Number: 65
Registered: 09-2009

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Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 05:38 pm:

Ismael, where are you posting your camera museum now that Photo Boricua quit?

Br1078lum
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Username: Br1078lum

Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2010

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Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 06:49 pm:

"Beep Beep, COMING THRU! On its way to the restoration shop! Yes, it's a Hot Wheels, no, not my kids' but MINE. You have a problem with that?"

This is the Collectors Lounge after all. Who knows what items lurk in the closets of men? Wonderful prop there Ismael!

PF

Hankosaurus
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Username: Hankosaurus

Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2010

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Posted on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 11:31 am:

A fun read here. Thanks, Ismael. Really enjoyed seeing the pix of the restoration.

I remember seeing those wee little cameras when I was a kid. About a buck with a roll of film included, if I recall correctly.

BTW, When I clicked on your blog, it was gone. :-(

Henry in Atlanta

Clay
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Username: Clay

Post Number: 42
Registered: 12-2006

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Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 12:18 pm:

Yes, I saw them back in the 1950's for around
a dollar each here in Canada. Always wanted one
but never had the dollar at same time I was near
the store. 11 years old maybe then. Tempus Fugit!
Thanks for the pics, great restoration.
Best regards,
/Clay

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