The Kodak Motormatic 35 is a view camera. It was manufactured by Eastman Kodak from 1960 to 1962. The model is part of the Automatic/Motormatic series of the American photo pioneer. The Motormatic models are equipped with a spring-loaded drive for transporting the film.
The lens of the photo camera cannot be changed. The name of the manufacturer for the lens is “Kodak Ektanar 44mm f/2.8”. The focal length is 44mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8. The 35mm camera has no autofocus. The lens is focused manually, small pictograms help to do so. For a higher precision in focusing you have to use an external rangefinder. The closest focusing distance for this lens is 91 cm (3 feet).
Photography is made easier by the built-in selenium light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 10 to ISO 800. Aperture and exposure time can be set automatically by the Kodak Motormatic 35. The shutter speed and aperture can also be selected manually by the photographer.
The Motormatic 35 is equipped with the Kodak Automatic Flash shutter. It offers four different shutter speeds, 1/40 s, 1/80 s, 1/125 s and 1/250 s.
The camera does not need electricity to take pictures, as it is completely mechanical. The light meter measures the amount of light through a chemical process and therefore does not need batteries. Over the years the accuracy decreases. In some cases the light meter does not work at all.
The 35mm photo camera can be used with a tripod. A flash with a Kodalite connector can be used with the camera. Possible models are the Kodalite Midget or the Kodak Supermite. Electronic flashes work with any shutter speed. When using AG-1, M-2, M-5 and M-25 flash bulbs, select 1/40 second. An auto flash is available, with this the aperture is set automatically. This functionality works in a range of 5 to 25 feet (1.52 to 7.62 m).
Films for the Kodak Motormatic 35
Without 35mm film, nothing works with the Kodak Motormatic 35. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. Possible films for the Kodak Motormatic 35 are the Kodak Gold 200* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 100* for b/w photos. The film is automatically transported further. The mechanism allows up to 10 frames in 7 seconds.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 44 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 91 cm / 2.9848 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/40 second |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Kodalite Anschluss |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| End of production | 1962 |
| Production duration | 2 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 29,17 Euro 46,9642,8028,06226,9724,705019,96331,8431,24 Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 24, 2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 35,56 Euro (37.88 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 29,80 Euro (31.39 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Kodak Motormatic 35
How does the Kodak Motormatic 35 focus?
The camera uses manual focus. It has small pictograms to help, but for greater precision, an external rangefinder is recommended. The minimum focusing distance is 3 feet.
What kind of lens does this camera have?
It has a fixed Kodak Ektanar 44mm f/2.8 lens. This means you can't change the lens. The focal length is 44mm, and the maximum aperture is f/2.8.
Does the camera need batteries?
No, the Kodak Motormatic 35 is completely mechanical. The light meter uses a selenium cell, so no batteries are needed. However, the light meter's accuracy can decrease over time.
What kind of film does the camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. You can use color films like Kodak Gold 200 or black and white films such as Ilford Delta 100. The film is automatically advanced.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, the Kodak Motormatic 35 is compatible with Kodalite flash units like the Midget or Supermite. Electronic flashes work with all shutter speeds; use 1/40th of a second with AG-1, M-2, M-5, and M-25 flash bulbs.