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Kodak 35
View on Wikipedia | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Type | 35mm |
| Focusing | |
| Focus | front element |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure | 35mm format (24×36 mm) on 135 film |
The Kodak 35 was introduced in 1938 as the first US manufactured 35 mm camera from Eastman Kodak Company. It was developed in Rochester, New York, when it became likely that imports from the Kodak AG factory in Germany could be disrupted by war.
While Kodak had invented the Kodak 135 daylight-loading film cassette in 1934, prior to 1938 they only offered the German made Kodak Retina to work with this cartridge. US-built 35 mm cameras used the 828 paper backed 35 mm roll-film (Bantam Series).[1][2]
The original viewfinder model
[edit]The first Kodak 35 had no rangefinder.[3] It slightly resembles cameras like the German Wirgin Edinex and Adox Adrette.[4] It takes thirty-six 24×36 mm frames on 135 film. The precision molded black Bakelite body has satin-chromed top and base plates, and a collapsible finder is mounted on top center. The removable Bakelite back with the attached base plate slides easily off for film handling. It is secured by a centrally located wing key in the base plate. Turning the key also slackens the spring tension of the chromed steel film pressure plate, a very unusual feature presumably incorporated to facilitate reassembling the camera rather than preventing scratching the film during rewind, which would have been a novel feature.
Prominently placed at the top are the large wind-on and rewind knobs, the right-hand one is the film advance knob, both to be operated in the clockwise direction. Next to it is a manually reset automatic frame counter dial and the chromed wind-on release button, the latter not to be mistaken for the shutter release. The front element focusing Kodak lens has a rigid lensmount set in a Kodak inter-lens shutter. The shutter is cocked by a gear coupling to the sprocket-wheel drum, which is trailing along with the passing film during the wind-on operation. Hence, there is no shutter cocking without a film in the camera. An automatic mechanism locates the next frame on the film by locking the advance knob. It is released for the next frame by depressing the wind-on release button before turning the wind-on knob. This prevents double exposure, but not blank frames since nothing prevents pressing the button again and advance the film. However, a red indicator is shown to the left in a slot on the top of the shutter cover that indicates the camera has been wound. The shutter release, in the shape of a rearward-pointing pin attached to the shutter release lever, is situated at about 10-o'clock at the shutter housing. It is protected from being accidentally triggered by a small cover extending over it.
Rewinding the film into its cassette is accomplished by first pulling the wind-on knob to its raised position followed by turning the left-hand top mounted rewind-knob clock-wise; this is accompanied by a rattling noise. It is not possible to raise the wind-on knob if it is not free to rotate, it is freed by turning the knob clock-wise while depressing the double exposure prevention button. The frame counter dial rotates during rewind as long as the film passes the sprocket wheel drum. The wind gears, which is visible inside the machined steel film chamber. All internal metal parts are either plated steel or brass. The film pressure-plate is chrome-plated polished steel, while the other parts are nickel-plated.
A variety of lens and shutter combinations appeared during the production period:[3]
- 1938–1945: Kodak Anastigmat f/5.6 50mm in KODEX SHUTTER, or
- 1938–1949: Kodak Anastigmat Special f/3.5 50mm in KODAMATIC SHUTTER, or
- 1946–1947: Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 50mm in FLASH DIOMATIC SHUTTER,
- 1947–1948: Kodak Anastigmat Special f/3.5 51mm in FLASH KODAMATIC SHUTTER, or
- 1947–1948: Kodak Anaston f/4.5 50mm in FLASH DIOMATIC SHUTTER.
The improved model with rangefinder
[edit]After some two years, the Eastman Kodak Company presented an improved Kodak 35 camera, known as the Kodak 35 Rangefinder, with a new superstructure housing a viewfinder and a separate rangefinder, but without any addition to the identifying inscription on the body. It is generally referred to as the "RF model".
Variations in finish and specifications
[edit]Several finishes appeared during the production run. The body is black Bakelite and top and base is chromed metal. When first introduced the collapsible viewfinder on top of the camera was black and the knobs on top of the camera were black Bakelite, while the military viewfinder camera were olive drab with blackened metal parts. There were no civil production between 1942 and 1945. The post-war viewfinder and the rangefinder models were also black with bright-chromed metal features, and an accessory shoe was added to the viewfinder model next to the rewind knob. However, for a while during the period from 1947 to 1949, the knobs were also made of white plastic instead of metal. Both the metal- and the white rewind knobs have a film reminder dial in the hub.[2]
A few minor modifications were also made to internal parts, notably to the film pressure plate spring that changes through a variety of shapes from rod to flat shape. Most, if not all shutters alternatives have a No. 5 Cable Release socket with a tiny removable coin-slotted screw plug, while the later ones also have a Kodak type flash synchroniser contact post. A metal band inscribed "Made in U.S.A." was attached to the top of the shutter housing cover plate, save for the last year or two of production. The milling pattern on the focusing wheel front goes through a variety of styles from flat to a pattern of several concentric circles.[3]
The Kodak 35 came with a hard brown leather ever-ready case.
References
[edit]- ^ James M. and Joan C. McKeown (2004). McKeown's price guide to antique classic Cameras, 12th Ed. Centennial Photo Service, Grantsburg. ISBN 0-931838-40-1.
- ^ a b Ivor Matanle (1992) [1986]. Collecting and using Classic Cameras. Thames & Hudson, London. ISBN 0-500-27656-0.
- ^ a b c Brian Coe (1988). Kodak Cameras, The first hundred years. Hove Foto Books, Hove. ISBN 0-906447-44-5.
- ^ Udo Afalter (1996). Edixa Cameras & Objektive, 5th Ed. Lindemanns Verlag, Stuttgart. ISBN 3-89506-158-1.
External links
[edit]- Kodak Camera Collection – Private collection with free images of most Kodak models
Kodak 35
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and Production
Background and Introduction
The Kodak 35, introduced in 1938, marked Eastman Kodak Company's entry into domestically produced 35mm still cameras in the United States, utilizing the 135 film format with 24×36 mm exposures and a capacity of 36 frames per roll.[8][9] This camera was developed in Rochester, New York, as a response to the growing popularity of 35mm photography following Kodak's invention of the 135 daylight-loading film cassette in 1934.[10] Prior to this, Kodak had relied on its German subsidiary, Kodak AG (formerly the Nagel Camera Company acquired in 1931), for 35mm models like the Retina series, but impending disruptions from World War II threatened imports and supply chains.[11][12] The development of the Kodak 35 emphasized self-sufficiency in production to mitigate risks from international tensions, positioning it as a reliable option for American photographers amid geopolitical uncertainties.[11] Launched with initial pricing of $33.50 for the f/3.5 lens model, $24.50 for the f/4.5, and $14.50 for the f/5.6, it targeted budget-conscious consumers seeking accessible 35mm equipment.[5] Drawing design influences from Kodak's earlier folding cameras, the Kodak 35 featured an "antique" appearance in its lens and shutter unit, evoking a familiar aesthetic while adapting to the compact 35mm format.[13] In the competitive landscape, it served as an affordable and user-friendly alternative to the popular Argus A and C series, which had pioneered low-cost 35mm cameras in the U.S. since 1936, though Kodak aimed to differentiate through superior build quality and optics.[14][15]Production Timeline
The Kodak 35 original model entered production in 1938 and continued until 1948, marking Eastman Kodak's first domestically manufactured 35mm camera.[5] The rangefinder variant followed in 1940 and remained in production through 1951.[5] Civilian production of both models was suspended from 1942 to 1945 amid World War II resource constraints, during which time olive drab military versions—designated PH-324 for the U.S. Army Signal Corps—were manufactured circa 1941 to 1943 with blackened enamel on exposed metal parts to meet armed forces needs.[16] These military adaptations supported photographic activities in field conditions, including submarine service.[17] Production resumed for civilian markets in 1946, incorporating flash synchronization across remaining models to align with post-war photographic trends.[5] The original model's base f/5.6 lens version was discontinued at this time, streamlining the lineup.[5] Exact total production figures for all variants remain unavailable, though the camera's relative scarcity today suggests modest output compared to competitors like the Argus C series.[5] Manufacturing concluded for the original in 1948 and for the rangefinder in 1951, as Kodak shifted focus to more advanced 35mm designs including the Signet series to address competitive pressures from lower-priced alternatives.[5]Original Viewfinder Model
Design Features
The Kodak 35 original viewfinder model was constructed with a black Bakelite body featuring rounded sides, which contributed to its lightweight and durable build suitable for portable use. Satin-chromed top and base plates added robustness while maintaining an overall weight of approximately 1 lb, emphasizing Kodak's focus on accessibility for amateur photographers. This material combination provided resistance to everyday wear without the need for a leather covering, aligning with the camera's economical design ethos.[18] A key operational feature was the collapsible optical viewfinder that rises from the top plate, enabling straightforward framing of subjects through a simple gunsight-style view without complex coupling mechanisms. Film loading was user-friendly, achieved via a removable Bakelite back secured by a wing key, which also incorporated a spring-tensioned pressure plate to keep the film flat against the image plane and prevent buckling during exposure. The design's emphasis on simplicity extended to the top plate, where two prominent knobs facilitated handling: a large film advance knob on the right for quick winding and a corresponding rewind knob on the left for efficient retrieval.[18] An automatic resetting frame counter, mechanically linked to the sprocket wheels, automatically tallied exposures to aid in tracking without manual intervention. Double-exposure prevention operated through a primitive but effective system that detected film movement across the sprockets, locking the shutter until proper advancement occurred. A standard No. 5 cable release socket on the shutter housing supported long timed exposures, enhancing versatility for low-light scenarios. Internally, the camera employed plated steel and brass mechanisms finished with chrome or nickel plating, ensuring smooth operation and resistance to corrosion over time. These elements collectively prioritized ergonomic reliability in a compact 135 film format camera.[18]Technical Specifications
The original Kodak 35 viewfinder model was offered with two main lens and shutter combinations. The basic version featured a Kodak Anastigmat 50 mm f/5.6 lens (3-element design) in a Kodex shutter providing speeds of 1/25 to 1/100 second, plus T and B settings. The higher-end version included a Kodak Anastigmat Special 50 mm f/3.5 lens (4-element Tessar-type design) in a Kodamatic shutter offering speeds from 1/10 to 1/200 second, plus T and B settings.[4][14] Aperture control ranged from f/3.5 (or f/5.6, depending on the lens) to f/22, adjusted via a ring on the lens-shutter barrel. Focusing was manual scale focusing via front-element lens movement, with a minimum distance of 3.5 feet (1.1 m) to infinity and a depth-of-field scale on the lens barrel for zone focusing.[4] The camera used standard 35 mm film in 135 cassettes, providing 36 exposures in the 24 × 36 mm format, with manual film transport via the advance knob linked to sprockets; rewinding was manual using a folding crank. Film flatness was maintained by a spring-loaded pressure plate. The original model did not include flash synchronization. The optical system featured a simple pop-up viewfinder for composition.[4][14]Rangefinder Model
Key Improvements
The Kodak 35 Rangefinder model was introduced in 1940 by Eastman Kodak as a direct response to competitive pressures from cameras like the Argus C3, which offered rangefinder focusing at a similar price point; this upgrade added a coupled rangefinder to the original scale-focus design, significantly enhancing precise focusing for amateur photographers.[5][19] The rangefinder employed a split-image system using two front-surface mirrors, providing clear alignment of subject images for accurate distance estimation.[19] A key usability enhancement came from the redesigned top plate, which featured separate projected viewfinder window and rangefinder eyepiece, allowing simultaneous composition and focusing without the need to switch views as in the original model's single collapsible viewfinder.[5][19] The rangefinder enabled reliable distance estimation from 4 feet (1.2 m) to infinity, and it was coupled directly to the lens focusing mount via an external linkage or gearwheel mechanism that moved the lens without obstructing the optical path.[2][19][20] While retaining core features like the removable back for easy film loading and the knob-winding advance from the original model, the rangefinder version introduced an improved sprocket interlock tied to the film's advance, which cocked the shutter and prevented double exposures more reliably through a self-cocking mechanism linked to the sprockets.[5][19][20] Post-war models from 1946 onward added an accessory shoe on the top plate, supporting flash units or external viewfinders to expand low-light and framing capabilities.[2][19] Overall body dimensions remained similar to the original at 5.5 x 3.25 x 2.75 inches, preserving portability, though the addition of rangefinder optics and related components resulted in a slight weight increase to around 23-24 ounces.[2][19][21]Technical Specifications
The Kodak 35 rangefinder model featured a primary lens of Kodak Anastigmat Special 50 mm f/3.5, a 4-element design mounted in a Kodamatic shutter offering speeds from 1/10 to 1/200 second plus T and B settings.[21][22] Later production from 1947 introduced the coated Kodak Anastar Special 50 mm f/3.5 variant for reduced flare, paired with the updated Flash Kodamatic shutter that included M/X synchronization for electronic flash compatibility.[22][5] Focusing was achieved via a coupled split-image rangefinder mechanism linked to front-element lens movement, with a minimum focus distance of 4 feet (1.2 m) to infinity and a depth-of-field scale engraved on the lens barrel for zone focusing aid.[21][22] Aperture control ranged from f/3.5 to f/22, operated by a lever on the lens-shutter barrel, with later models incorporating improved light seals to minimize internal flare.[23][5] The camera used standard 35 mm film in 135 cassettes, providing 36 exposures of 24 × 36 mm format, with manual film transport driven by sprockets linked to the advance knob; the rewind mechanism was similarly manual via a folding crank.[22] Film flatness was maintained by a shiny metallic pressure plate with enhanced spring tension variations in later units to ensure consistent alignment against the film plane.[21] Flash synchronization was introduced in post-war models starting in 1946 with the Flash Kodamatic shutter, utilizing a PC socket for external flashes in either M (medium bulb) or X (electronic) modes.[22] The optical system included separate windows for the rangefinder and viewfinder to support precise composition alongside focusing.[21]Variations and Accessories
Lens and Shutter Options
The Kodak 35 series offered a range of lens and shutter combinations that evolved from basic uncoated designs to more advanced coated optics with flash synchronization, providing options for different user needs across its production years. These upgrades were primarily factory-installed variants rather than user-interchangeable, reflecting Kodak's strategy to offer entry-level and premium configurations. All lenses in the series utilized front-element focusing for simplicity, while the shutters were mounted between the lens elements and featured a cocked indicator for operational feedback.[5][13] The initial offerings from 1938 to 1942 included the Kodak Anastigmat f/5.6 50mm lens, a 3-element uncoated design paired with the Kodex shutter offering speeds of 1/25 to 1/100 second plus T and B settings, without flash capability. An additional early variant featured the Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 51mm lens with the Diomatic shutter providing speeds of 1/25 to 1/150 second plus T and B, also without flash.[5] From 1938 to 1949, a premium alternative was available: the Kodak Anastigmat Special f/3.5 51mm lens, a 4-element design copying the Tessar type, combined with the Kodamatic shutter providing speeds from 1/10 to 1/200 second plus T and B.[5][13][4] Post-World War II production from 1946 to 1947 introduced the Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 50mm lens with the Flash Diomatic shutter, which supported speeds of 1/25 to 1/150 second plus B and T, along with M and F flash synchronization.[5] This was followed in 1947 to 1948 by the Kodak Anaston f/4.5 50mm, a coated 3-element triplet version (redesignation of the Anastigmat), retaining the Flash Diomatic shutter for similar performance and sync features.[5][13][4] The series concluded with the 1947 to 1951 model featuring the Kodak Anastar Special f/3.5 50mm, a coated 4-element lens, mated to the Flash Kodamatic shutter offering 1/10 to 1/200 second plus T and B, with X and M synchronization.[5][24]| Production Period | Lens Details | Shutter Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1938–1942 | Kodak Anastigmat f/5.6 50mm (3-element, uncoated) | Kodex (1/25–1/100 + T/B, no flash sync) |
| 1938–1942 | Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 51mm (3-element, uncoated) | Diomatic (1/25–1/150 + T/B, no flash sync) |
| 1938–1949 | Kodak Anastigmat Special f/3.5 51mm (4-element Tessar copy) | Kodamatic (1/10–1/200 + T/B) |
| 1946–1947 | Kodak Anastigmat f/4.5 50mm | Flash Diomatic (1/25–1/150 + B/T, M/F sync) |
| 1947–1948 | Kodak Anaston f/4.5 50mm (coated triplet) | Flash Diomatic (1/25–1/150 + B/T, M/F sync) |
| 1947–1951 | Kodak Anastar Special f/3.5 50mm (coated 4-element) | Flash Kodamatic (1/10–1/200 + T/B, X/M sync) |
Finish and Body Modifications
The Kodak 35 featured a standard finish consisting of a black Bakelite body paired with satin-chrome top and bottom plates, providing a durable yet lightweight construction suitable for everyday use.[2] Early models produced before 1946 incorporated black metal knobs for the film advance and rewind functions, contributing to a more uniform dark appearance.[5] In post-war production from 1947 to 1949, these knobs were updated to white plastic material, enhancing grip and introducing a contrasting aesthetic element that improved user handling.[5] A specialized military variant of the Kodak 35, designated PH-324, was manufactured between 1942 and 1945 exclusively for U.S. Army Signal Corps use, with no availability for civilian purchase. This version applied olive drab paint over the Bakelite body and blackened chrome parts on exposed metal surfaces to ensure effective camouflage in field conditions.[16] Civilian production was limited during World War II to prioritize such military adaptations. Accessory modifications included the addition of a cold shoe starting in 1946, allowing attachment of flash guns or auxiliary viewfinders to expand functionality without altering the core body. All models came standard with a brown leather ever-ready case, designed for quick access and protection during transport. Minor structural tweaks appeared over time, with no significant alterations to overall dimensions occurring and preserving the camera's compact, portable form factor across variants.References
- https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Kodak_35
- https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Kodak_35_RF