The Kodak Signet 80 is a rangefinder camera. It was built in the USA from 1958 to 1962. The camera is the last model of the Signet series and can also be called the most advanced camera of this series. At that time, the called new price of the Eastman Kodak Company was around 130 US dollars (equivalent to almost 1200 US dollars in 2020). Nevertheless, it was not a top seller and production was discontinued after only four years.
The lens of the 35mm camera can be changed, the only model in the Signet series that has this feature. It has a special mount for this purpose. In total, only three different lenses were offered for the camera. The Kodak Ektanar 50mm f/2.8 is often found with the camera. In addition there was an Ektanar 35mm f/2.8 and an Ektanar 90mm f/2.8.
The 35mm camera is equipped with a built-in selenium light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 10 to 1600 and does not require batteries. The desired shutter speed can be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable.
The shutter manages exposure times from 1/250 second to 1/4 second. For long time exposures there is a bulb mode. The shutter remains open as desired. The camera is equipped with a thread for a tripod. There is also a connection for a cable release and an external Kodalite flash connection.
Films for the Kodak Signet 80
The Kodak Signet 80 requires 35mm film to take pictures, batteries are not required. For this film format there is a good selection of material for color and black-and-white images. The recommended films from that time are no longer available, but there are good alternatives. A 35mm film for color pictures is the Kodak Gold 200*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 100*.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Kodak Signet mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/4 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 1600 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | 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 | 1962 |
| Production duration | 4 years |
FAQ about the Kodak Signet 80
Is the Kodak Signet 80 a rangefinder camera, and what years was it produced?
Yes, the Kodak Signet 80 is a rangefinder camera. It was manufactured in the USA from 1958 to 1962. Despite being the most advanced model in its series, it wasn't a huge commercial success.
Can I change the lens on this camera?
Yes, the Kodak Signet 80 is unique in its series because it has interchangeable lenses. It uses a special mount, and only three lenses were ever made for it.
How does the light meter work in the camera, and does it need batteries?
The Signet 80 uses a built-in selenium light meter. This means it doesn't require batteries. It works across an ISO range from 10 to 1600.
What kind of film does the device take, and are there modern alternatives available?
The camera uses standard 35mm film. While the original recommended films are no longer produced, many modern color and black-and-white 35mm films are readily available.
What shutter speeds does the Kodak Signet 80 offer and does it have other useful features?
The camera offers shutter speeds from 1/250th of a second to 1/4th of a second, plus a bulb mode for long exposures. It also has a tripod mount, PC sync for flash, and a cable release socket.