Kodak Signet Series

The Kodak Signet series is a range of 35mm cameras from the 1950s. The Eastman Kodak Company promoted the cameras for their precision and high performance. The complete series consists of five different models.

The various cameras differ quite significantly from each other in some respects. Some models come with a light meter, while others require external metering. There is also no uniformity in the lenses used; the Signet 80 even has interchangeable lenses. The form factor also differs considerably.

Years later, the American photography pioneer introduced a model called the "Kodak Signet Flash 35". Although this is also a 35mm camera, it is hardly comparable to the models from the 1950s.

Technical Specifications

Feature Kodak Signet 80 Kodak Signet 30 Kodak Signet 50 Kodak Signet 40 Kodak Signet 35
Camera Type rangefinder camera Viewfinder camera Viewfinder camera rangefinder camera rangefinder camera
Film format 35mm 35mm 35mm 35mm 35mm
Film Transport Manual Manual Manual Manual Manual
Picture Format 36 mm x 24 mm 36 mm x 24 mm 36 mm x 24 mm 36 mm x 24 mm 36 mm x 24 mm
Lens Mount Kodak Signet mount
Lens type Interchangeable lens Fixed lens Fixed lens Fixed lens Fixed lens
Focal Length 44 mm 44 mm 46 mm 44 mm
Maximum Aperture f/2.8 f/2.8 f/3.5 f/3.5
Shutter Speeds 1/250 – 1/4 – second 1/250 – 1/4 – second 1/250 – 1/4 – second 1/400 – 1/5 – second 1/300 – 1/25 – second
Light Meter Yes No Yes No No
Flash Kodalite Anschluss Kodalite Anschluss Kodalite Anschluss Kodalite Anschluss ASA mount
Focus manual manual manual manual manual
Release Date 1958 1957 1957 1956 1951
Production start 1958 1957 1957 1956 1951
Production End 1962 1959 1960 1959 1958
Manufacturer Kodak Kodak Kodak Kodak Kodak
Country of Origin USA USA USA USA USA
Age Up to 68 years Up to 69 years Up to 69 years Up to 70 years Up to 75 years
Bulb Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Production duration 4 years 2 years 3 years 3 years 7 years