Asahiflex M37 system

Japan's first 35mm SLR system. The first camera in the lineup - Asahiflex I (1952), received a quick-return mirror mechanism: when the shutter-release button was pressed, the mirror was raised and held in the raised position, and after releasing the shutter button, it returned to its original position, reopening the viewfinder. In 1953, the Asahiflex IA was released, which received standardized shutter speeds. The Asahiflex IIB (1954) was one of the first cameras with an instant-return mirror mechanism, which no longer required the release of the shutter button. Asahiflex IIA (1955) received an extended shutter speed range up to 1/2 sec.

All Asahiflex cameras used the original M37 screw mount. A small line of Takumar lenses was produced, consisting of compact standard and moderate telephoto prime lenses, as well as 500mm super telephoto lens. All lenses are equipped with preset diaphragm, with the exception of 50/3.5 (1952) and 500mm, which have manual diaphragm.

• 35mm film SLR cameras with M37 mount (4):
  Asahiflex I (1952) • Asahiflex IA (1953) • Asahiflex IIB (1954) • Asahiflex IIA (1955)