COLLECTORS RARE ASAHIFLEX PENTAX H2 w/RARE f/2.2 55MM AUTO-TAKUMAR MINTY

Description

Here's the story of this very rare camera, the only Asahi M42 to carry the name Asahiflex rather than Pentax.
In May 1952, the
Asahi Optical Company of Japan introduced the world to its new M37 screw mount rangefinder camera body, the Asahiflex I. Over the next five years, there would be three additional models of this camera, the IA, IIA, and IIB. These later cameras were offered in the U.S. by Sears Roebuck under their Tower brand as the Tower 23, 24, and 22.
In May 1957, Asahi premiered its larger M42 screw mount single lens reflex camera body, the Asahi Pentax or "AP" as it is often referred to.
In April 1958, the Pentax S was introduced followed a month later by the Pentax K.
The AP, S, and K were offered in only two countries, Japan, and the U.S.
In the U.S., the AP was sold by Sears Roebuck under their Tower brand name as the Tower 26. The K became the Tower 29. (The "S" is a highly limited edition camera and was not sold outside of Japan).
The total number of cameras produced between May 1957 and May 1959 was 45,900. This included all AP, S, K, Tower 26, and Tower 29 bodies.
In May 1959 Asahi began exporting its fourth model of the Pentax world wide. This would be Asahi's first mass production model.
In Japan this camera was the Asahi Pentax S2. In the U.S., it would be distributed by the Heiland Division of Honeywell Electronics as the Honeywell Heiland Pentax H2.
In the rest of the world, it was sold as the Asahi Pentax H2 except in South Africa, where it was the Asahi Pentar H2, and a couple of other countries, where it was sold as the Asahiflex H2. This was due to copyright or language issues involving the use of the name "Pentax". The H2 would be the only M42 camera that would carry a name other than Pentax.
The Asahiflex H2 was manufactured in a limited number between May 1959 and April 1961. Along with the mass produced S2 and remaining H2 bodies, they comprised the Model I (early) of this camera. (Model II was produced from April 1961 -December 1963 and did not include any Asahiflex H2 bodies). Over 400,000 S2/H2 bodies would be manufactured.
Serial numbers on the Model I began at 223001. This particular example is serial number 288023 and would be an earlier version of the H2.
It is in cosmetically mint condition except for a slight depression in the top of the prism housing, and some scratches on the bottom of the lower base plate.
Mechanically, it appears to work as designed, however, the shutter curtain needs a clean and lube as it retracts slowly.
My intent in selling this item is not for its use, but to be a visual display piece in a collection. I have not used it, nor is my intent for you to do so.
Comes with the RARE f/2.2 55mm Auto-Takumar lens, considered to be one of Asahi's sharpest lenses.
The lens is mint with no fungus or cloudiness. The case is in very good shape for its age.
Overall, this camera is about as close to mint condition as you are likely to find, if you can even find one of these H2s.
Item sold as is with no warranties of any nature, either expressed or implied.
Buyer pays all shipping costs.
Sale is final.
Payment due upon purchase.
Feel free to ask all questions PRIOR to purchase.
Thank you.