The Kodak Automatic 35B is a 35mm camera. It is an automatic viewfinder camera. Eastman Kodak produced it from 1961 to 1962 as part of the Automatic series.
The 35mm photo camera comes with a fixed focal length. The designation “Kodak Ektanar 44mm f/2.8” decorates the lens. The lens has a focal length of 44mm. The largest possible aperture is f/2.8, the smallest setting is f/32. Focusing the lens has to be done manually. The camera does not have a built-in rangefinder, so you either have to measure or estimate it externally. The closest focusing distance is 91 cm.
The camera has a built-in selenium light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 10 to ISO 320 and the correct exposure is set automatically by the camera. The aperture and exposure time can also be freely adjusted according to the photographer’s wishes.
The Kodak Automatic Flash shutter offers the photographer two options, 1/40 second or 1/80 second. 1/80 second is recommended for daylight photography. When shooting with an external flash connected via the Kodalite interface, 1/40 second is recommended. For more convenience, there is an automatic function when using the flash. Based on the guide number of the flash, which is set once before the shot, the camera selects the correct aperture in a range of 5 to 25 feet.
A tripod thread is provided on the Kodak Automatic 35B. The camera does not need electricity to take pictures. Also the light meter does not need a battery. However, the photocells can lose accuracy in measuring exposure over the years or even stop working completely.
Films for the Kodak Automatic 35B
The Kodak Automatic 35B is designed for 35mm format according to the operating instructions. This type of film is still in production and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. For black and white images you can use Ilford Delta 100*. For color images, the Kodak Gold 200* is a possibility. The exposure area of the 35 mm camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. With a normal film, 36 images fit on one roll. The film in the camera has to be rewound manually by the photographer.
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 | 1/80 second, 1/40 second |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 320 |
| 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 |
FAQ about the Kodak Automatic 35B
How do I focus the lens on this Kodak camera?
The Kodak Automatic 35B uses manual focusing. You'll need to adjust the lens yourself until the subject is sharp. There's no built-in rangefinder, so you might need to estimate the focus or use an external light meter.
Does the camera need batteries to work?
No, the Kodak Automatic 35B is battery-free. Both the exposure meter and the shutter mechanism are entirely mechanical, making it a very simple device.
What kind of film does this 35mm camera use?
This camera takes standard 35mm film. You can use various types, including black and white films like Ilford Delta 100 or color films like Kodak Gold 200. The film needs to be advanced manually.
How does the light meter work on this automatic camera?
The camera has a built-in selenium light meter that doesn't require batteries. It works by measuring the available light and automatically sets the aperture for correct exposure. However, its accuracy might decrease over time.
What shutter speeds does the Kodak Automatic 35B offer?
The camera offers two shutter speeds: 1/40th of a second and 1/80th of a second. 1/80th is recommended for daylight shots, while 1/40th is best when using a flash. The flash has a setting that assists the photographer in the selection of the aperture.