• Welcome to Photrio!
    Registration is fast and free. Join today to unlock search, see fewer ads, and access all forum features.
    Click here to sign up

For Sale FS: Clarus MS35 Rangefinder

Other side

H
Other side

  • 0
  • 0
  • 9
Portal

H
Portal

  • 2
  • 0
  • 28

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
203,405
Messages
2,854,188
Members
101,819
Latest member
Mark J Tudyk
Recent bookmarks
0
Trader history for bliorg (1)

bliorg

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
683
Location
NW Philly, PA
Format
Large Format
Hi, all -

Here's a somewhat obscure one - a Clarus MS35 35 mm rangefinder.

P1020264 by Scott --, on Flickr

There's a cult-like following with these cameras. For a while I was in it, buying and fixing these notoriusly unreliable cameras. The lens, a Wolly 50/2.8 Velostigmat, is spectacular. The engineering on the shutter, though, is not.

As evidence that this camera was once fully operational, I offer the following images:

Photo16_16 by Scott --, on Flickr

Photo14_14 by Scott --, on Flickr

Photo11_11 by Scott --, on Flickr

For reference on how long ago those were taken, here's a current picture of the kids (NOT taken with the Clarus):
img235 by Scott --, on Flickr

Currently the rear curtain lags. Not sure why. You can open this thing up and pre-load the shutter more than it currently is to fix what ails it. Not a fun job, but not impossible. But even tweaked, the shutter is wonky at best, which is what killed the camera in the marketplace. But it's a lovable, clunky thing, and worth experimentation on. Or as a shelf queen - arguably a collectible. This is a nice copy, though it's been long enough that I don't remember the specifics of the model lineage (that should all still be available online). It does have a number (phone?) engraved in the bottom plate.

Listing this for $47, which includes medium flat rate shipping to US. PayPal only.

Thanks,
Scott
 
🛡️ Classifieds Safety Reminder: Please stay safe when buying and selling. Scams via hacked accounts are on the rise globally.

Best Practices: Always use a verified payment method with buyer protection (avoid "PayPal Friends & Family"). Services like Escrow.com are highly secure. Be suspicious of random unsolicited contact via Private Message. If you see suspicious behavior, please use the Report link on the post immediately.
Last edited by a moderator:
Those are great photos. It seems to image like an Ektar. I wonder if someone that was industrious could fit the lens into a leaf shutter to get the shutter issues worked around?
 
i have two and have never actually take a picture with one, mostly because the shutters seemed dicey at best ... but might be worth trying. fun.
 
Richard, IIRC the one of the kids together was pretty close to wide open, but it was years ago.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have one of these. Paid a dollar for it at a flea market. The body is in very rough condition, but it seems to fire at every shutter speed and takes nice pictures. Well worth getting one if it works. J.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom