Arco35 (Arco 35): A Japanese-made 35mm folding film camera

This is a very rare, Japanese-made 35mm folding camera called the "Arco35."
It's an early model released around 1952, featuring a coupled rangefinder, a folding bellows design, and a lens that retracts into the body – a truly historical piece.

Remarkably, it has been preserved in its original condition, and all functions, including the lens, shutter, and aperture, work correctly. The leatherette appears to be in relatively good condition, with no damage or looseness.

◆ Manufacturer: Arco Shashin Kogyo
◆ Product Name: Arco35
◆ Release Date: Around 1952
◆ Film: 35mm
◆ Lens: Collner 1:2.8 F=5cm Arco Tokyo
◆ Shutter: SEIKOSHA RAPOD, B, 1-1/500, Aperture 2.8-16
◆ Finder: Distance adjustment (in feet, suggesting it was made for export)
◆ Body Size: 76mm (H) x 138mm (W) x 48mm (D, when lens is retracted). Solid, weighty metal construction.
◆ Back Cover: The round opening lever is a rare feature of the early models. Rotating and pulling down the lever removes the entire back cover.
Although film has not been loaded, there are no visible dents or bends. However, the back cover feels somewhat loose, and maintenance is required if you intend to use it for photography.
◆ Body Condition: Some scuffing on the leatherette. Overall, in my subjective opinion, the internal parts (around the lens) and the body are in good condition for their age.
There are some minor dents on the bottom (see image 19) and the top (see image 20), so please be sure to check the images.
◆ Functionality: Shutter, zoom, lens cap opening/closing/retraction, and distance adjustment all function correctly. However, the accuracy of each function is unknown.

As this is an old item, we cannot guarantee its ability to take photos. It may also stop working suddenly, or parts may break.
This camera is recommended for those who appreciate its design and historical value rather than its practicality. I am not knowledgeable about cameras, so I cannot answer detailed questions. Please refer to the photos for your assessment.