Found: Kowa Kallo 35 rangefinder: what type is it? Any good?

TheToadMen · Jul 18, 2013

I got myself a Kowa Kallo 35 rangefinder. I checked the web, but didn't find any info on this peticular model:
- build-in light meter (not coupled)
- lens: Prominar F.C. f/2.8 48 mm Kowa Opt. Works No. 2520172 (front lens is removable)
- shutter: Seikosha-MXL, 1 sec - 1/500 sec, Bulb
- camera serial number 65409
- film winder at the bottom, not op top.
The camera is in very good condition, lens is clean, rangefinder clear, shutter works good at all speeds.

Can anyone tell me more about this type of Kallo 35 rangefinder?
And are these camera and/or lens any good?

leicarfcam · Jul 19, 2013

The front element may unscrew but it is a fixed lens camera. See link below..

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Kowa_Kallo_35

Peltigera · Jul 19, 2013

More detail: Dead Link Removed

Moopheus · Jul 19, 2013

I've got a Graflex Century 35, which is similar except no light meter. I don't use it much because the shutter is not reliable. So it seems somewhat par for the course for Kowa--very good optics, not so good construction. The lens, if I recall correctly, a 3-element design, but well-made.

TheToadMen · Jul 19, 2013

leicarfcam said:
The front element may unscrew but it is a fixed lens camera. See link below..
http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Kowa_Kallo_35

Hi leicarfcam,
I know this webpage, I wrote a part of it myself this morning ;-)
I don't expect that this system was mend to change focal lengths (like with the Kodak Retina III) this way, but it might be possible to replace the front lens cell (when damaged) with an other, if the body itself is still in good shape. It is possible however that in that case the front and back cell (behind the shutter) must be aligned again?

TheToadMen · Jul 19, 2013

Peltigera said:
More detail: Dead Link Removed

This site is new to me. Thanks.
They also show the other model without light meter and with the film winder on top. Not my model though. My serial number is also very low (# 65409) compared to the other cameras shown (always a serial number of 6 digits). But what that means??

For example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chunichiu/3845139737/in/set-72157619007068581/

E. von Hoegh · Jul 19, 2013

TheToadMen said:
Hi leicarfcam,
I know this webpage, I wrote a part of it myself this morning ;-)
I don't expect that this system was mend to change focal lengths (like with the Kodak Retina III) this way, but it might be possible to replace the front lens cell (when damaged) with an other, if the body itself is still in good shape. It is possible however that in that case the front and back cell (behind the shutter) must be aligned again?

That's just how virtually all lenses are mounted in leaf shutters, nothing unusual or special about it.

TheToadMen · Jul 19, 2013

Moopheus said:
I've got a Graflex Century 35, which is similar except no light meter. I don't use it much because the shutter is not reliable. So it seems somewhat par for the course for Kowa--very good optics, not so good construction. The lens, if I recall correctly, a 3-element design, but well-made.

If I understand it correctly, the Kowa Kallo was sold in the US by Graflex with some adjustments to body and/or knobs, specially build by Kowa.

Paul Howell · Jul 19, 2013

TheToadMen said:
If I understand it correctly, the Kowa Kallo was sold in the US by Graflex with some adjustments to body and/or knobs, specially build by Kowa.

Kowa made all the 35mm rangefinder under the Graflex badge, I only have seen one over the years but Kowa, under the Graflex badge, made a model that used a CO2 gas bottle to advance the film.

TheToadMen · Jul 23, 2013

I'm shooting my first roll right now and it's a fine camera to use. Will post images in due time.

Does anyone have an manual for this type of camera (with non-coupled light meter) for me?

Found: Kowa Kallo 35 rangefinder: what type is it? Any good?

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