Description
6/30/26 - This is the rare, remarkable, and singularly unique Type 89 Rokuoh-sha Machine Gun Camera with its original transit case and accessories. Manufactured by Rokuoh-sha, the predecessor to the famous Japanese camera company Konica, the "Type 89" designation refers to the Japanese mythological calendar year 2589, or 1929. Designed as a highly effective WWII aviation training tool rather than a lethal weapon, this oversized camera was mounted on aircraft wings or waist-gun emplacements to simulate actual machine gun fire. When the gunner pulled the trigger, a spring motor drove the camera to capture 18x24mm images on 35mm cine film at a rate of 10 frames per second. Crucially, an auxiliary lens and prism system projected the face of a stopwatch, designed to be housed beneath the yellow transparent dome on the barrel, directly onto the film frames. This allowed trainers to meticulously evaluate the gunner's accuracy, lead time, and burst efficiency before they graduated to using live ammunition.
This specific Type 89 Kai 2 model (Serial No. 5244) remains in exceptional wartime condition, retaining a nearly intact black speckled finish and a clear primary data plate stamped with the Japanese Navy anchor. The iconic yellow transparent dome is fully intact and free of cracks. The serialized and matching wooden transit chest, though exhibiting expected exterior wear, preserves its internal felt compartments and original paper inventory placard beautifully. Included accessories form a highly complete set featuring the transit chest, a heavy iron mounting clamp, multiple quick-release remote cables, the trigger mechanism and mounting plates, miscellaneous tools, four Sakura-stamped (cherry blossom) film canisters, and a rare sample frame of exposed 35mm targeting film. However, despite its impressive completeness, this set is notably missing the removable external optical sight that was standard for aiming, as well as the actual stopwatch itself, leaving the interior of the yellow dome empty. Note: This is not an actual firearm and requires no licensing for purchase.
