The Kodak Signet 50 is a viewfinder camera. It was built by the Eastman Kodak company from 1957 to 1960. The camera was introduced in the same year as the Signet 30 and is part of the Signet series.
Both models can be considered budget versions of the Signet 35. For example, both cameras lack a rangefinder and the housing is not made of high-quality aluminum but largely of bakelite. The new price of the camera at that time was around 82 US dollars. This amount corresponds to around 760 US dollars in 2020.
The 35 mm camera comes with a fixed lens with a fixed focal length. The lens is called “Kodak Ektanar 44mm f/2.8”. The focal length is 44 mm and the largest aperture of the lens is f/2.8. The closest focusing distance of the lens is 76 cm (2.5 feet). The lens is composed of three elements, at least one of the elements contains thorium oxide. Thorium oxide is radioactive and was frequently used by Kodak for lenses at that time.
Photography is made easier by the built-in selenium light meter. This is designed for an ISO range of 10 to 400. The aperture and exposure time can be freely selected. No batteries are needed for the light meter. Also no power is needed for the use of the camera.
The camera comes with a Kodak Synchro 250 shutter. The shutter winds up automatically and allows shutter speeds between 1/250 second and 1/4 second. If you want to take long time pictures, there is the bulb setting. A built-in lock prevents double exposures.
The 35mm photo camera offers the possibility to connect a cable release and has a thread for a tripod. An external flash can be used with the 35mm camera via the Kodalite connector.
Films for the Kodak Signet 50
The Kodak Signet 50 uses 35mm film. These films are still in production and can be quoted by almost any supplier of development work. Two great films for the 35mm camera are the Kodak Gold 200* and the Ilford HP5*. With both you can take beautiful color pictures or black and white pictures on vacation, at an event or in everyday life.
The color film is developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most developing laboratories. The development of a 35mm color film is possible at most drugstore chains in Germany, for example. The black and white film must be developed in a proper black and white developer, such as Rodinal, XTOL or D-76.
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 | 76 cm / 2.4928 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/4 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Kodalite Anschluss |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | USA |
| End of production | 1960 |
| Production duration | 3 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 195,37 Euro 316,78294,32184,791531,17162,8431675,682208,82218,33 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 30, 2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 168,42 Euro (181.84 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Kodak Signet 50
What kind of lens does the Kodak Signet 50 have?
The Kodak Signet 50 features a fixed-focus Kodak Ektanar 44mm f/2.8 lens. This means the focal length is 44mm and the widest aperture is f/2.8. It's a relatively simple lens, not interchangeable.
How does the light meter in this camera work?
The Signet 50 uses a selenium light meter. This means it doesn't need batteries; it works directly from the available light. It's designed for ISO speeds between 10 and 400.
What type of film does the camera use?
This rangefinder camera takes standard 35mm film. You can use color or black and white film. Many brands of 35mm film are still available today.
Can I use a flash with the Kodak Signet 50?
Yes, the camera has a Kodalite connection for using an external flash. This allows you to take photos in low light conditions.
What are the shutter speeds on the camera?
The Kodak Signet 50 has a Kodak Synchro 250 shutter. It offers speeds from 1/250th of a second to 1/4th of a second, plus a bulb setting for long exposures.