Recommend a Kodak 35mm Camera

[Pioneer]

I am happily using several different Kodak cameras from the past but I have realized that I have no Kodak 35mm camera in my collection.

I regularly use the Monitor 620, the Brownie #2, several vest pocket Kodaks as well as a few of the smaller Brownies that use 127 film. But I have no 35mm.

I am aware that the Retina is group favorite, and from what I read I can tell these were pretty good cameras. What I want is a reasonably reliable Kodak that uses 35mm film. Something that has stood the test of time in good order. Something that can be repaired and serviced if necessary. Finally, something that can reasonably be expected to stand up to regular use over the long haul.

It should have a decent lens but it doesn't necessarily have to have a series of lenses that can be interchanged. As an example, I have a few Zeiss Ikon Contaflex cameras but the one that gets the most use by far, and the one that seems to be the sturdiest, is the Contaflex II. It has a meter that is relatively reliable as long as I use a bit of common sense and it seems to work without too much drama.

Of course I may be looking for something that doesn't actually exist but Kodak did make some pretty decent, if not too exciting, cameras back in the day.

Let me know what you think. I appreciate your help. In the meanwhile I will start gathering together a few of my Leicas so I can sell them to help defray the cost of a new addition to the mob.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I really enjoy my Motormatic 35. It's a prettier version of the 35 RF (with the same RF but less appearance of it being an afterthought), but with a spring motor drive good for ten rapid shots. The 44 mm f/2.8 Ektanar has always been sharp for me, and selenium meter on mine works (quite possibly because it has an everready case that has protected the meter cell from stray light, and was seemingly seldom opened). These will be LOTS cheaper than a Retina. Doesn't fold, so less compact, and probably inferior overall, but what isn't (that doesn't cost like a Leica or original Contax)?

Motormatic 35, expired Tri-X, reversal processed at EI 640.

 

[Paul Howell]

Post war Kodak 35, pretty good fixed 50mm lens, I recall that it has 4 element, other is Retina S, rangefinder with interchangeable lens, some of the lens could be used on the reflex bodies. Stephen Grady has an in depth review on is his web site.

 

[GRHazelton]

How about a Retina? The IIIC is a handsome folder, equipped with either a Schneider Xenon or a Rodenstock Heligon, Both lenses are excellent f2 six element optics. The IIIC has interchangeable front lens groups which convert the normal lens into either a 35mm wide angle or a 80mm short tele. Best stick the excellent normal lens, the wide angle and the tele are slow and really inconvenient to use. There is a built in meter, uncoupled. After all these years don't trust its readings. I have a IIIc which is essentially identical but with a smaller viewfinder. Do be aware that the shutter cocking rack is a weak point on both the big C and the small c Retinas. Chris Sherlock in New Zealand is the expert on the Retina, check his site at https://retinarescue.com/kodakretinarepairservice.html

 

[Hunter_Compton]

I would second the Kodak 35, either the rangefinder version (although ugly) or the standard, but try to find one with the Anastigmat f/3.5.

For a RF equipped Kodak 35mm camera with a superb f/3.5 Ektar lens, the Kodak Signet 35 is really hard to beat. It has a Kodak Synchro 300 shutter, which has a reputation for unreliability in some circles, but is very simple and easy to fix. You can also find one relatively inexpensively, if you're good at the eBay, one can be had for $20-30.

 

[cooltouch]

Another Retina fan here. For quite a bit less than an IIIC (or IIIc) one can get a IIc, which is basically the same camera just without the selenium meter. Well, perhaps the IIIC will also have the f/2.0 lens, but that's not a big deal to me. My IIc with tack-sharp f/2.8 Schneider is a great, pocketable camera that is a pleasure to own and use. Very high level of German craftsmanship went into the Retina cameras. They are true works of functional art. If you decide on a Retina, be sure to get one with a case. The case is just about as cool as the camera is.

 

[BrianShaw]

That’s funny what you say about the case. The case IS cool but the first thing I did was stow them in a closet. They are still cool and still in the closet. I’d add, though, that another benefit of the case is the incident metering cover... if it’s still there.

 

[Bill Burk]

I carry a Retina I in the filter pocket of my camera bag as a spare body. Doesn’t have the ratchet wind straight gear problem because it’s a knob wind. Like the Kodak 35 the frame spacing wanders because the sprocket wheel stops the film and you can force it more or less each time you wind.

 

[GRHazelton]

Another Retina fan here. For quite a bit less than an IIIC (or IIIc) one can get a IIc, which is basically the same camera just without the selenium meter. Well, perhaps the IIIC will also have the f/2.0 lens, but that's not a big deal to me. My IIc with tack-sharp f/2.8 Schneider is a great, pocketable camera that is a pleasure to own and use. Very high level of German craftsmanship went into the Retina cameras. They are true works of functional art. If you decide on a Retina, be sure to get one with a case. The case is just about as cool as the camera is.

I have two IIIc Retinas, one with the Xenon, the other with the Heligon. The Heligon kit came with: Both the 35mm and the 80mm, the viewfinder for those "lenses," the original "cases" for the "lenses," the lovely everready case, and a gadget bag, all for "smirk" about $150. Works perfectly. BTW, there is a Kodak lens shade out there for the 50mm, if you can find it. Filterfind.com is the place for such goodies, Brother Tim is da Man!

 

[MattKing]

The other reason for looking for a case is that for some cameras - like my Retinette 1b (see my avatar) the case is needed if you want a strap.
The Retinettes are fun and capable.

 

[720treker]

The Kodak Signet 35 is a nice small reliable camera. I've traveled thousands of miles on motorcycle and bicycle with it, the body and focusing mechanism are almost indestructible. It also has an excellent 44mm Ektar lens on it.

 

[GRHazelton]

The other reason for looking for a case is that for some cameras - like my Retinette 1b (see my avatar) the case is needed if you want a strap.
The Retinettes are fun and capable.

I have a Retina I, f3.5 uncoated Ektar, Compur shutter, manual everything, bought used, I assure you! NO strap lugs! What were Kodak/Nettar thinking? I bought a wrist strap that screwed into the tripod socket. Problem solved, sort of! Sadly when I put the camera away some years ago I somehow left a finger print on the lens, which seems to have etched into the lens! Other than that the camera works perfectly. Any thoughts out there on having the front element polished to remove the fingerprint?

 

[Pioneer]

Wow. Great ideas here!

Several cameras suggested here that I never even knew were options. I will start doing some research first thing in the morning.

I have already dropped an email off to Chris in New Zealand. He had done a couple things for me in the past and I knew he was the repair man of choice for Retina cameras. At this point he has no cameras listed on his website but I'm sure he'll be in touch with some options.

 

[Bill Burk]

I have a Retina I, f3.5 uncoated Ektar, Compur shutter, manual everything, bought used, I assure you! NO strap lugs! What were Kodak/Nettar thinking? I bought a wrist strap that screwed into the tripod socket. Problem solved, sort of! Sadly when I put the camera away some years ago I somehow left a finger print on the lens, which seems to have etched into the lens! Other than that the camera works perfectly. Any thoughts out there on having the front element polished to remove the fingerprint?

I have a spare

 

[BAC1967]

I agree with much of what was said above about the Retina I and the Signet 35. The build quality of the Retina is very impressive. The Signet is easy to fix, both the rangefinder and the shutter. One problem with the Signet is the beamsplitter in the rangefinder. The silver is almost always deteriorating making it very dim. There are hacks that add a colored filter to make it more visible. If you have a broken Minolta Himatic F handy the beamsplitter fits perfectly in the Signet. It also has a yellow tint making the rangefinder on the Signet a pleasure to use. Also, the Ektar lenses don’t disappoint.

http://elekm.net/pages/cameras/repair_signet_rf.htm

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

Kodak Retina I Type 141 by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

 

[Donald Qualls]

Not much of a surprise, that Retina I looks a good bit like a Balda Jubilette or Baldinette. Only so many ways to build a nonRF 35 mm folder...

 

[guangong]

If you have big bucks, the ultimate 35mm camera would be the Ektar. Very expensive when new and even more so now due to collector interest. But you are a collector, so get a second mortgage and fine a Kodak post WWII Ektar.

 

[GRHazelton]

If you have big bucks, the ultimate 35mm camera would be the Ektar. Very expensive when new and even more so now due to collector interest. But you are a collector, so get a second mortgage and fine a Kodak post WWII Ektar.

I think you mean the Kodak Ektra.....

 

[guangong]

I think you mean the Kodak Ektra.....

Your correct. I was typing on iPad without glasses. And as I see in other contributors contributions, I am not the only one whose words are garbles by iPad’s automatic word correction.
Thanks for the fix.

 

[GRHazelton]

Your correct. I was typing on iPad without glasses. And as I see in other contributors contributions, I am not the only one whose words are garbles by iPad’s automatic word correction.
Thanks for the fix.

Glad to be of help. I detest "trying" to type on an iPad or a smart phone. For me its too slow and error-prone.

 

[Pioneer]

If you have big bucks, the ultimate 35mm camera would be the Ektar. Very expensive when new and even more so now due to collector interest. But you are a collector, so get a second mortgage and fine a Kodak post WWII Ektar.

Did a quick search for Kodak Ektra and the first page is filled with links for the new Kodak Ektra smartphone!

 

[Pioneer]

After a quick read of this little article I think I'll steer clear of the Ektra. I may be a collector of sorts (though admittedly a very poor one) but I am also a collector of cameras that can be reliably used. From what I read in this article you had better be really good friends with a good Ektra repair person as the shutters were notoriously unreliable.

https://cameraquest.com/ektra.htm

 

[AndyH]

If you have big bucks, the ultimate 35mm camera would be the Ektar. Very expensive when new and even more so now due to collector interest. But you are a collector, so get a second mortgage and fine a Kodak post WWII Ektar.

Given some of its troublesome mechanisms, I'm not sure I'd shoot much with an Ektra (if I won the lottery).

If you're looking for an American-made Kodak, I think the Signet is a bargain. Built like a tank, pretty nice lens, and (at least IMHO) a lovely post-deco appearance. Limited shutter speed selection and rangefinder window fading are the two biggest issues in use. It's possible to fix the rangefinder, but a big pain. I'd only buy a Signet from a trusted seller, and avoid the Signet 50 models as being troublesome (and ugly). You can still find clean Signet 35 models in the fifty dollar range. Look first for rangefinder clarity, then test the shutter speeds.

If the nameplate is more important than the country of manufacture, I second the recommendations for the entire line of Retina models, especially the versions from the 1950s, with coated lenses and better rangefinders. Any of the II or III series models would be a great choice. For some reason, the IIc models are trending higher than the metered IIIc models, but a III series with a non-functional meter should still be cheaper than a II series.

Get as clean a model as you can find, and try to find the 35mm and 85mm lenses while they're still generally available. Both lens lines are excellent, but you can't switch between the two lines in choosing the auxiliary lenses. Transferring rangefinder information when using the auxiliary lenses is somewhat of a PITA, but you get used to it quickly in practice.

The Retina was a quality camera in its day, and far more expensive than you might think. A Retina IIIc went for $185 in 1955, which is nearly $1,800 in 2020 dollars. By way of comparison, a Leica III went for $175, and an M-3 for $447. The Retinas were high end amateur cameras, and were thus likely to get less usage than Leica and Contax models. I found mine (in Excellent condition) on Craigslist for $50, and the lenses and viewfinder added about another $150 on eBay. A little light cleaning on the shutter and it's now spot on. Even the meter is still within one stop in daylight conditions. I think it's one of the best bargains in 35mm rangefinders, and if yours has problems, Chris Sherlock can likely fix it for less than $200. It's one of my very favorite outfits.

Andy

 

[Pioneer]

The very fact the Chris can repair these makes the Kodak Retina line a good option in my mind.

 

[MattKing]

If you find a working model of one of these, it will cement your "steam punk" cred, and be available as a weapon in case of attack!

I had one of these - it was my first 35mm camera. It was given to me by my Dad, and most likely came from the camera repair department at the Kodak lab where my Dad worked. It might have been a customer camera that was abandoned by a customer - that did happen - and I believe items like that were made available for purchase by employees.
It was even more solid and heavy that it looks!