Kodak 35 RF

The Kodak 35 RF is a rangefinder camera. It was produced from 1940 to 1951. The body of the camera is made of bakelite and metal and is based on the Kodak 35, but this model comes with a rangefinder. With this model Eastman Kodak wanted to compete against the popular Argus C3. However, the high price of 48 US dollars (twice as much as the C3) was very deterrent for many potential buyers.

As with the Kodak 35, there are different versions with different lenses.

1940-1948: Kodak Anastigmat Special f3.5 with Kodamatic shutter with five shutter speeds from 1/10 s to 1/200 s plus T and B

1946-1948: Kodak Anastigmat Special f3.5 with Kodamatic flash shutter and shutter speeds from 1/10 s to 1/200 s plus T and B

1947-1951: Kodak Anastar f3.5 in a Kodamatic flash shutter with five shutter speeds from 1/10 s to 1/200 s plus T and B

The camera comes with a fixed lens. The camera does not have an autofocus. It is focused manually. When focusing, the photographer is assisted by the rangefinder. The minimum distance to the subject is 120 cm.

Exposure is not measured by the Kodak 35 RF. The shutter speed and aperture must therefore be set with an external light meter. The 35mm photo camera comes with a bulb setting option. In this mode the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed.

An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. Additionally there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer.

The Kodak 35 RF weighs 668 grams according to the manual. The camera does not need batteries.

Films for the Kodak 35 RF

Exposure is done with Kodak 35 RF 35 mm film. For this film format there is a good selection of material for color and black and white images. Possible films for the Kodak 35 RF are the Kodak Portra 160* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for b/w images.

The color negative film is developed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab. The development of a 35mm color film is possible at most drugstore chains in Germany, for example.

The exposure area of the Kodak 35 RF has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film must be manually rewound by the photographer. To do this, use the knob on the right side of the camera top.