Kodak Ektra

The Kodak Ektra is a rangefinder camera. The camera was developed in the late 1930s by Eastman Kodak. In 1941 the model was presented to the public. At that time it was one of the most advanced 35mm rangefinder cameras of its time. The camera was not an economic success. In total, only about 2500 units were produced. In 1948 the marketing of the 35 mm camera was stopped.

An Ektra II with some improvements was planned, but it was not realized. Decades later, the name Ektra was used again, this time for the model name of a large number of pocket film cameras.

The lens of the 35mm photo camera can be changed. Therefore the camera has a special screw thread. The six developed lenses also bear the name “Ektra”. Kodak offered a 35mm f/3.3, 50mm f/1.9, 50mm f/3.5, 90mm f/3.5, 135mm f/3.8 and 153mm f/4.5.

Focusing must be done by hand. The 35 mm camera does not have an autofocus function. This is where the coupled rangefinder comes in handy. The viewfinder can be adapted to lenses with a focal length of 50mm to 254mm, for 35mm you need an additional lens for the viewfinder. The 254mm lens was planned, but then not realized.

The exposure is not measured automatically by the Kodak Ektra, you have to measure it with an external light meter. For the shutter speeds you can choose between 1/1000 second to 1 second. The 35mm camera has a bulb setting. The shutter remains open as desired. The photo camera has a thread for a tripod. No batteries are necessary for taking pictures.

Films for the Kodak Ektra

To take pictures with the Kodak Ektra you need 35mm film. Films of this format are still easily available today and are still being developed. A good choice of film is the Kodak Portra 400* for color images and the Kodak T-Max 400* for black and white images. The Kodak Ektra negatives have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm.

The film in the camera must be rewound manually, since there is no automatic film transport. The camera’s magazines are interchangeable, a feature known from medium format cameras, and allow film to be changed inside the roll.

Prices for the Kodak Ektra vary depending on condition and scope of delivery. Due to the very small number of pieces, the prices for one copy are very high. A low to medium four-figure amount is required to own an Ektra.