Kodak Signet 35

[chubasco]

I got this off the 'bay for $31 and it's been a surprise, has a 4-element
Tessar design Ektar lens, 3.5/44:

the camera, after cleaning

 

[pschauss]

I have one that belonged to my grandfather. IIRC it has some shutter issues which I need to look at when I have the chance.

 

[mbisc]

You just found yourself one of the (many) hidden secrets in the area of classic cameras. The lens on this camera is simply stellar (assuming you shoot around f5.6 or f8). The (L) coatings (lumenized), and the slightly radioactive "Rare Earth" glass (no worries, it's harmless) are amazing. The only downside of the camera (that I can see) is the slow maximum shutter speed (only 1/300) -- it wasn't a problem in the days of Kodachrome 25 😉, but today you are limited in terms of film choices. I usually shoot it with TMax 100, rated as EI 50.

Great shots, by the way. I especially like the underpass -- awesome shot!

Enjoy, and then enjoy!

P.S. Now you need to get yourself the Big Boy version of this camera -- the Medalist II 😀

 

[cliffpov]

Nice shots. I've got one of those that I got for nada. Going to have to put some film in it and try it out now.

 

[chubasco]

I have one that belonged to my grandfather. IIRC it has some shutter issues which I need to look at when I have the chance.

There's a link I'll find that walks you through working on the shutter. If
interested I could post it here.

You just found yourself one of the (many) hidden secrets in the area of classic cameras. The lens on this camera is simply stellar (assuming you shoot around f5.6 or f8). The (L) coatings (lumenized), and the slightly radioactive "Rare Earth" glass (no worries, it's harmless) are amazing. The only downside of the camera (that I can see) is the slow maximum shutter speed (only 1/300) -- it wasn't a problem in the days of Kodachrome 25 😉, but today you are limited in terms of film choices. I usually shoot it with TMax 100, rated as EI 50.

Great shots, by the way. I especially like the underpass -- awesome shot!

Enjoy, and then enjoy!

P.S. Now you need to get yourself the Big Boy version of this camera -- the Medalist II 😀

Mike, yes, the Heliar-equipped Medalist is something I'm thinking about. I'd
first have to have it converted (at least the loading side) to 120. I've found respooling not as much fun as it sounds.😛 Thanks for your comments!

Nice shots. I've got one of those that I got for nada. Going to have to put some film in it and try it out now.

Would love to see those shots! We can make this an open thread for the
Signet 35. Thanks!

Also, forgot to say, the above shots are all uncropped, love the 2 foot minimum focus!

 

[farlymac]

Can we open this to all Signet models? I've got the 40 that I picked up for $25 dollars, and the viewfinder was so dirty I had to shoot the first roll of pics blind. After a cleaning, it was much easier to compose a shot. The shutter has a higher top speed (400), and the design is more deco, but it is a nice handling camera.


6) Beauty shot by br1078phot, on Flickr

And a sample:


Tinker Creek_3 by br1078phot, on Flickr

PF

 

[Steve M.]

Happiness is an old, cheap, American made rangefinder that looks totally cool and takes sharp photos. Wonderful shots. I found this helpful site on these cameras, and lots of other shutter DIY fixes.

http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=default

 

[Lflex]

You just found yourself one of the (many) hidden secrets in the area of classic cameras...

Well.. Not a secret here in Tokyo where they sell for around 200＄ in the shops. Some of my Japanese friends buy them from US eBay for next to nothing. If you don't watch out you'll have exported these treasures in no time.

 

[wlewisiii]

Well.. Not a secret here in Tokyo where they sell for around 200＄ in the shops. Some of my Japanese friends buy them from US eBay for next to nothing. If you don't watch out you'll have exported these treasures in no time.

Hah! Tell your friends I'd be happy to trade mine for a user Nikon F3 body.

:angel:

 

[chubasco]

Thanks for the comments and of course, any Kodak Signets are welcome!

One more from the last roll, Arista Premium 400>800, Diafine 4.5+4.5 @24C

 

[mbisc]

Mike, yes, the Heliar-equipped Medalist is something I'm thinking about. I'd
first have to have it converted (at least the loading side) to 120. I've found respooling not as much fun as it sounds.😛 Thanks for your comments!

When you get a Medalist II, send it directly to Ken Ruth -- do not pass "Go", do not... -- life is too short for re-rolling film 😀 (he says, as he ducks for cover)

 

[chubasco]

When you get a Medalist II, send it directly to Ken Ruth -- do not pass "Go", do not... -- life is too short for re-rolling film 😀 (he says, as he ducks for cover)

Sure to do, Mike, thanks!🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

Could I get that link on the shutter? My google-fu has failed for some reason.

Thanks!

 

[crawdiddy]

P.S. Now you need to get yourself the Big Boy version of this camera -- the Medalist II 😀

You know, I like the original Medalist also. I've never used a II, preferring to purchase the first model. The differences as I understand them are:

Medalist "I" had a black anodized double helicoid lens barrel, whereas II was polished aluminum (supposedly, the black lens barrel was more stealthy for military use during WWII). Both lens barrels are nice looking (probably the most distinctive visual feature of the camera). I like 'em both.

The "I" had a fine focus knob on the lower right part of the body, but the II replaced that spot with a flash sync outlet. I rarely use flash anyway, and I think the fine focus knob is cool.

There may be better lens coatings on the Medalist II. I can't argue with that. But, I get beautiful results from my Medalist I Ektar lens.

Anyway, I'm sorry to hijack the Signet thread. Just wanted to spread the love for Medalist I.

 

[chubasco]

Could I get that link on the shutter? My google-fu has failed for some reason.

Thanks!

Here ya go:

http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=downloads

You know, I like the original Medalist also. I've never used a II, preferring to purchase the first model. The differences as I understand them are:

Medalist "I" had a black anodized double helicoid lens barrel, whereas II was polished aluminum (supposedly, the black lens barrel was more stealthy for military use during WWII). Both lens barrels are nice looking (probably the most distinctive visual feature of the camera). I like 'em both.

The "I" had a fine focus knob on the lower right part of the body, but the II replaced that spot with a flash sync outlet. I rarely use flash anyway, and I think the fine focus knob is cool.

There may be better lens coatings on the Medalist II. I can't argue with that. But, I get beautiful results from my Medalist I Ektar lens.

Anyway, I'm sorry to hijack the Signet thread. Just wanted to spread the love for Medalist I.

I've seen enough photos from the Medalist to firmly convince me they
are worth getting, even with the expense of conversion.

 

[John Robertson]

The lenses on these always had a fearsome reputation, even 50 years ago!!

 

[KoNickon]

Got a Signet 35 recently and am putting my first roll through it now -- can hardly wait to see the results. A very cute little camera!

The RF is slightly out vertically. Anyone know how to adjust it? Thanks.

 

[wlewisiii]

Ah, I just found that page with shutter info and at the bottom is how to adjust the vertical rf alignment.

http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=signet35

Hope this helps.

 

[chubasco]

Ah, I just found that page with shutter info and at the bottom is how to adjust the vertical rf alignment.

http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=signet35

Hope this helps.

Thanks, that's a better link, takes you right to Dan Mitchell's info.

 

[Steve M.]

Guess he didn't like my link. LOL!