WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy – TYPE 89 AERIAL MG TRANING CAMERA – VERY RARE!

You are bidding on a VERY NICE example of a WW2 Japanese Navy Type 89 35mm “Rokuoh-Sha” Aerial Machine Gun Camera! Used as a training tool for gunners and pilots, it would be mounted in place of the Type 89 7.7x58mm MG.

WWll Japanese Type 89 “Rokuoh-Sha” 35mm Machinegun Camera made by K.K. Konishoruko Manufacturing Co. Rokuoh-Sha became K.K. Konishiroku in 1936 and was later to become Konica. The camera takes 18×24mm pictures on 35mm cine film loaded in 2.5m strips. It is driven by a hand cranked spring motor and can take sequences at 10 frames per second. The taking lens is a Hexar Ser.1 7.5cm f/4.5, and the firing time is recorded via a Hexar Ser.1 4cm f/4.5 auxiliary lens aimed at a stopwatch dial via a prism. The optical sight, handgrip and attachment lugs are removable and minor variations may exist between these cameras.

 It could be wing mounted and controlled from the cockpit with remote control cables (see photos).  Records show this camera was used by numerous models of Japanese Navy aircraft which were armed with the Type 89 Machine Gun including the Nakajima B5N “Kate”, Nakajima B6N “Jill”, Mitsubishi Ki-9, “Ann”, D3A “Val” & others!

Made of wood, aluminum, and steel, this camera is in EXCELLENT used condition. It still retains 95% of it’s original paint, and also the original data plates!  It comes complete in the original box, with numerous film roll holders, some original film, and fixed sights. Also has both mounting brackets. The winding mechanism also still functions correctly! Missing the tools inside the box, but that is pretty common. Not sure if it is functional, but appears to be mechanically sound. The BONUS is that it retains and original manual and instructions! All numbers match (Box; Camera; Instructions). No cracks in the clear plastic (usually, these are damaged) . Brought back by a US Serviceman, it would be a PERFECT item for any collection or display!