The Kodak 35 is a viewfinder camera. It was built by Kodak from 1938 to 1948. It was the first camera for the 35mm format from American production of the Eastman Kodak Company. One reason was the approaching war in Germany. At that time many cameras were imported from the Kodak AG factory in Germany.
There are different versions of the Kodak 35. They differ in the built-in lens and shutter. During the Second World War, Kodak also produced a version for the military. A rangefinder was added to a later model.
1938-1945: Kodak Anastigmat 50mm f/5.6 (3-element triplet) in three speeds Codex shutter (1/25 to 1/100 plus T and B) with black buttons and viewfinder
1938-1949: Kodak Anastigmat Special 51mm f/3.5 (4-element tessar design) in a Kodamatic shutter with five shutter speeds (1/10 to 1/200 plus T and B) with chrome knobs/finder and accessory shoe
1946-1947: Kodak Anastigmat 51mm f/4.5 (3-element triplet) in a Diomatic shutter with four shutter speeds (1/25 to 1/150 plus T and B) with chrome knobs/finder and accessory shoe
1947-1948: Kodak Anastigmat 51mm f/4.5 (3-element triplet, renamed Anaston in 1947) in a four-stage flash diomatic shutter with speeds from 1/25 to 1/150 s plus B and T
1947-1948: Kodak Anastigmat Special 51mm f/3.5 (4-element Tessar design) in a Kodamatic flash shutter with five flash speeds (1/10 to 1/200 plus T and B)
The correct exposure cannot be measured by the camera because it does not have an exposure meter. The exposure time and aperture must be set manually. No batteries are necessary to take pictures.
The viewfinder can be folded for transport and is not connected to the lens. The lens must be manually focused on the desired subject.
Films for the Kodak 35
The Kodak 35 requires 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Kodak 35 are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* for color images and the AgfaPhoto APX 400* for black and white images.
The color film is developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most developing laboratories. Most drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films.
The exposure area of the Kodak 35 is 24 mm x 36 mm. A common 35mm film can hold about 36 pictures. The film in the camera has to be rewound manually by the photographer. There are two knobs on the top of the camera for this purpose.
The 35mm photo camera is no longer in production. The prices for the 35mm camera vary depending on its state of preservation. Rare models achieve higher sales prices.
