Original Japanese WWII Type 89 Rokuohsha Machine Gun Camera with Matching Transit Chest and Accessories - Zero Fighter Plane
-
Original Item: Only One Available. The official U.S. government designation for this is: Camera, Flexible Gun, Motion Picture, Rokuohsha (Konishiroku) Type 89, Japan. There is one of these cameras in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
This is an extremely rare and highly sought after military collectible, a Japanese Machine Gun Camera manufactured during World War II. This Type 89 Rokuoh-Sha was made by Konishoruko Manufacturer Company, which later became Konica.
A multi-purpose training device, this "gun" is effectively a camera mounted in an oversized housing, suitable for installation in a wing mount or waist-gun emplacement. When the trigger is pulled, the camera runs, with footage being taken of what the gun is aimed at, as well as an optional stopwatch; after landing, the film can be analyzed by the trainers for proper lead and burst timing. Measuring 29 inches overall with a matte black finish, a transparent housing and reflector array on the "barrel" for the stopwatch, mounting positions for a set of anti-aircraft sights (included), and nomenclature plates on top and on the right side behind the crank.
The camera is a Model 2, with a 75 mm Hexar lens, that was used for fighters and land-based bombers. This camera has a fascinating history in that it was used to train Japanese machine gunners during WWII. The camera would be mounted inside or outside the plane. When inside it is manned by the gunner, and outside it would be controlled remotely by cables. The camera takes 18x24mm pictures on 35mm cine film loaded in 2.5m strips.
The Type 89 camera was used to train gunners on the famed Zero fighter plane, the pilots would do in-air target practice with the camera recording accuracy. The film would then be processed and reviewed before true in-air combat (once pilots mastered the Type 89 camera with improved kills through target practice, the real thing was then mounted on the aircraft and said pilot was sent into battle).
The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" was a long-range fighter aircraft, manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945.
This example of the Japanese WWII Type 89 Rokuohsha Machine Gun Camera is serial numbered 5740 which is marked on the gun and on the top of the transit chest, the FIRST matching set we’ve had! It has original multiple parts and accessories, including the incredibly rare spider sight. There are several rolls of film which may possibly have film left on them, but we are unable to check this. There are six rolls in their original tin carriers, some of which are marked in red paint which may indicate they were used. There are also several wires, additional sight pieces and attachments that would allow it to be mounted to the plane, along with what looks like an instruction sheet.
This is truly one of the most complete examples we have ever encountered. The chest itself measures 33 ¼” x 11 ¼” x 8”.
This camera is an amazing piece of history perfect for a collector of unique cameras or WWII memorabilia as they are very rare and difficult to find. Comes ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
