CliveC
Well-known
I have a question for people who have experience with the Kodak 35 (1938, non-rangefinder) film advance mechanism. I just purchased one with the original f/5.6 lens, three speed Kodex shutter. Beautiful camera, even came with the box. From what I've read, it's the first American-made 35mm camera from Kodak (Kodak in Europe had an earlier Retina).
Everything seems to work fine. Am I to understand, however, that the shutter is essentially not connected to the film advance mechanism? I can fire the shutter again and again without advancing. Great if I want to do multiple exposures, but did it leave the factory this way? I found a manual for the later f/3.5 version and it seems like the shutter is connected, and prevents multiple exposures.
The film sprocket gear advances and stops and does not advance again until I touch the top button beside the wind wheel. The film counter spins around and goes up by one. This seems normal, and is the procedure indicated in the later f/3.5 manual.
Near the top end of the film take-up spool is geared, but to my naked eye, I cannot see it being connected to anything. Behind the spool is a metal hook piece connected to the button which seems like it should be connected to the spool's gear. I believe I've seen something similar in the Kodak Signet 35 to advance the film counter.
Operationally, at this point it seems like I have to fire the shutter, press the button, then turn the knob until the sprocket stops the film. I would have to be careful not to hit the shutter again, otherwise I'd get a double exposure. For rewinding, I would lift the wind knob to enable to spool to spin in the opposite direction. The spool seems a little stiff though.
Does this sound about right?
I'll update this thread later tonight with some pictures of the camera.
Everything seems to work fine. Am I to understand, however, that the shutter is essentially not connected to the film advance mechanism? I can fire the shutter again and again without advancing. Great if I want to do multiple exposures, but did it leave the factory this way? I found a manual for the later f/3.5 version and it seems like the shutter is connected, and prevents multiple exposures.
The film sprocket gear advances and stops and does not advance again until I touch the top button beside the wind wheel. The film counter spins around and goes up by one. This seems normal, and is the procedure indicated in the later f/3.5 manual.
Near the top end of the film take-up spool is geared, but to my naked eye, I cannot see it being connected to anything. Behind the spool is a metal hook piece connected to the button which seems like it should be connected to the spool's gear. I believe I've seen something similar in the Kodak Signet 35 to advance the film counter.
Operationally, at this point it seems like I have to fire the shutter, press the button, then turn the knob until the sprocket stops the film. I would have to be careful not to hit the shutter again, otherwise I'd get a double exposure. For rewinding, I would lift the wind knob to enable to spool to spin in the opposite direction. The spool seems a little stiff though.
Does this sound about right?
I'll update this thread later tonight with some pictures of the camera.
archive59
Established
Yes, it left the factory that way. There is no double exposure interlock on this the most basic of the Kodak 35 range. The button where you expect the shutter release to be has to be depressed to wind the film on a frame. Film needs to be in the camera or your thumbs need to do what the film does if you have the back off. On the the other two lens option models in the range then this action also cocks the shutter. The wind knob pulls up to allow the film to rewind. This is often stiff.
Cheers,
Mark
Cheers,
Mark
CliveC
Well-known
Excellent!
It's a sweet little camera. The shutter was a little slow at the beginning, but exercise seems to have brought it back to its former glory.
The apertures and shutter speeds are a little restrictive, but I'll feed it some ASA100 film and see how it goes.
Is there any way to determine the year of manufacture? I've read that they started selling these in 1938 and this model was not sold after the war. Serial number is 110770.
It's a sweet little camera. The shutter was a little slow at the beginning, but exercise seems to have brought it back to its former glory.
The apertures and shutter speeds are a little restrictive, but I'll feed it some ASA100 film and see how it goes.
Is there any way to determine the year of manufacture? I've read that they started selling these in 1938 and this model was not sold after the war. Serial number is 110770.
ZeissFan
Veteran
The lens is only average, although it is a fun camera to use.
CliveC
Well-known
The size is wonderful and it certainly looks better than the monstrosity that is the Kodak 35RF.
CliveC
Well-known
Photos, as promised:
archive59
Established
I do not know of any reference lists that tie the camera serial number to date of manufacture. After 1946 or there abouts the lens has a serial number with a two letter prefix that corresponds to the year of manufacture, using the following simple cipher:-
CAMEROSITY
1234567890
So a prefix of EO would indicate '46 manufacture.
None of this is of any use with your camera, because as you say it was only manufactured prior to 1942.
The f5.6 lens really is quite mediocre. Find yourself a Kodak 35 with the Anastigmat Special f3.5 lens to get the best from what I think is delightful little camera.
Mark
CAMEROSITY
1234567890
So a prefix of EO would indicate '46 manufacture.
None of this is of any use with your camera, because as you say it was only manufactured prior to 1942.
The f5.6 lens really is quite mediocre. Find yourself a Kodak 35 with the Anastigmat Special f3.5 lens to get the best from what I think is delightful little camera.
Mark
CliveC
Well-known
I'll keep an eye out for the 3.5. Was the same lens used in the 35 RF?
archive59
Established
Yes it is the same lens as was used on the 35 RF. A front-element-focussing Tessar-type lens mounted in either a No.1 Kodamatic or Flash Kodamatic shutter.
archive59
Established
You can some of my Kodak 35 on my tumblr page: archive59.tumblr.com
CliveC
Well-known
So the only thing that can fit that cold shoe on your 35 is the vertical rangefinder?
farlymac
PF McFarland
That's a great looking example, Clive. I got one recently that needed some work, so when I opened it up, there was evidence that someone tried to use a pair of slip-joint pliers on it. So I just put it on the shelf as a display.
I too have been looking for the "Special" Anastigmat, but that only came on the later silver finder version. I've been told by a camera store owner that he has a few of them in storage somewhere, but I haven't been back to his place in a couple of months. Right now it's not in the budget to pursue it, as he's about an hour away from here, and I could use the gasoline for other purposes.
PF
I too have been looking for the "Special" Anastigmat, but that only came on the later silver finder version. I've been told by a camera store owner that he has a few of them in storage somewhere, but I haven't been back to his place in a couple of months. Right now it's not in the budget to pursue it, as he's about an hour away from here, and I could use the gasoline for other purposes.
PF
archive59
Established
The early examples had an accessory shoe that really would only accept the round end of a vertical rangefinder. They then moved on to a more square design shoe that was obviously still designed for a vertical rangefinder but will accept a standard shoe if you remove both front corners. Not much point doing that really, unless you intend to put a spacer to give clearance for a horizontal rangefinder above the finder. The Kodak vertical rangefinder is actually quite well thought out in its use. The distance scale is on the front, so when you turn the camera around to set the distance on the lens you can just look at the value on the rangefinder. Admittedly what would be best would be a coupled rangefinder, but then you end up with the Kodak 35 RF.
CliveC
Well-known
I took a stab at cleaning the lens today and when I inspect with a flashlight, there is definitely some haze there, an uneven patch too. Pondering if I should at least disassemble the front element and clean that.
CliveC
Well-known
Well, if he does have a couple and will let it go for a reasonable price, count me in!
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
The 35 and 35 RF came with a number of different shutters and lenses.
The usage of the CAMEROSITY code for lens serial numbers started in 1940, but not all lenses had them.
Personally I do not like the results of Anastigmat Special (supposedly the same as the post-war Anastar lens). I've had much better results with the 51mm f/4.5 Anastigmat lenses they used on the Military version.
CliveC, even though your camera was the cheapest option offered in the day, I like the sleek look with the black buttons and VF better than the chrome ones.
Here's one of mine (with kodamatic shutter and pocket rangefinder)
The usage of the CAMEROSITY code for lens serial numbers started in 1940, but not all lenses had them.
Personally I do not like the results of Anastigmat Special (supposedly the same as the post-war Anastar lens). I've had much better results with the 51mm f/4.5 Anastigmat lenses they used on the Military version.
CliveC, even though your camera was the cheapest option offered in the day, I like the sleek look with the black buttons and VF better than the chrome ones.
Here's one of mine (with kodamatic shutter and pocket rangefinder)