Clarus MS-35

[KoNickon]

There's one for sale for cheap not far from me. Worth it, even for little money ($20 US)? My sense is that these are unreliable, so say the least.

 

[Zuiko-logist]

I had to look this up. Looks interesting. No idea about reliability.

 

[The Spastic Image]

For $20, it would be a nice collectable with quite a history! Interesting!

 

[Hcompton79]

I've reviewed one here: Clarus MS-35: A Lemon by Any Other Name?

The short story is that the high speeds of 1/500th and 1/1000th are not reliable, and the camera is not ergonomically friendly in any way. The Wollensak lens is capable, and it's an interesting collectable though.

 

[KoNickon]

Now that is an exemplary review! History of the firm and camera, "walkaround" of the camera, evaluation in use, and sample pictures. Thanks so much for this! The one in question has a one-piece accessory shoe, so probably later production? One of the screws anchoring the shoe is missing.

And wouldn't you know it; Mr. Butkus has the instruction manual: Clarus MS-35 instruction manual, user manual, PDF manual

 

[Hcompton79]

Yes, the stamped singular piece accessory shoe is later production, but my understanding of Clarus production is that it was a bit haphazard, so you can find early features on cameras with later serial numbers and vice versa as parts were used up.

 

[Muggins]

At least one found is way to the UK as I saw it in an antique shop here a few years ago. Given my love of box cameras, I'd probably have found it enjoyably dreadful, like my Argus C3 (also pretty rare over here).