For Sale FS: Clarus MS35 Rangefinder

[bliorg]

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.

[gone]

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?

 

[summicron1]

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.

 

[bliorg]

Thanks, guys. It's a neat little (heavy) camera.

TTT!

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Can I ask at what aperture the examples were shot? Any examples wide open?

 

[bliorg]

Richard, IIRC the one of the kids together was pretty close to wide open, but it was years ago.

 

[bliorg]

Anyone?

 

[dosilverhalide]

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.

 

[bliorg]

TTT

 

[bliorg]

Anyone?