Kodak 35 Rangefinder (1940s) lens question

Dan Daniel · Mar 5, 2020

If anyone has one of these cameras, any chance you can look at the lens for me? I recently was sent this sample, and it appears to me that the front element is missing. And then I focus back and forth, I see no motion of any lens element. This is a front-element focusing camera as I understand it.

Attached are photos of the lens. At the bottom of the opening, above the small glass element (dirty glass), are threads that sure look like they could be for a lens mount.

Any feedback appreciated. Thank you!!

Bud Hamblen · Mar 5, 2020

You're OK. The front lens element is deeply inset on the rangefinder model.

gorbas · Mar 5, 2020

Yes, front element is very deep inside

Bill Burk · Mar 5, 2020

Nothing missing but recommend a cleaning.

Filters for it were Series VI in a press-on adapter. Nothing screws into the lens.

Sirius Glass · Mar 5, 2020

The movement is within the lens. Nothing to see here, just move on.

Dan Daniel · Mar 5, 2020

Great, thank you everyone. Much appreciated. Time to do some exploring inside!

Bud Hamblen · Mar 7, 2020

The front element is on a multi-lead screw thread and moves less than 1 mm from infinity focus to 4 ft. focus. The position of the lens is fed to the range finder by a cam cut into the lens cell and a feeler inside the housing to the side of the lens. When you put the front cell back on be sure to start it on the right lead, otherwise it won't focus. Don't take off the winding knob if you do dismantle the camera. There are three sets of tiny rollers and springs that keep the knob from turning the wrong way and they will pop out when the knob comes off. They're easy to lose or damage and a right pain to put back (voice of experience). Here is a good link: https://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=kodak35.

Bill Burk · Mar 7, 2020

Hoo boy that is right. Those three tiny springs and ball bearings on the one way knob! Don’t let them get away from you.

Dan Daniel · Mar 7, 2020

Thanks for the warning on the wind knob mechanism. I know the basic idea from the Kodak Medalist cameras. I might go in to look just out of curiosity to see if Kodak reused the same parts. Once you catch on to reassembling the springs and rollers, it isn't that hard.

The pheugo link is great. Thank you, Bud.

Kodak 35 Rangefinder (1940s) lens question

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