Bolsey Model C (1948–1956)
A compact 35mm twin-lens reflex camera with a coupled rangefinder, made for intuitive yet quirky shooting.
Overview
The Bolsey Model C is a 35mm twin-lens reflex camera produced from 1948 to 1956 by Obex Corporation, a subsidiary of Bolsey. it was built as a consumer-friendly fixed-lens camera priced under $100, offering high quality without the cost of interchangeable systems. It combines a waist-level reflective finder, a reverse Galilean viewfinder, and a coupled rangefinder—making it the only 35mm TLR with all three. Though compact and easy to handle with both hands, it’s not pocketable and requires some practice to master its controls.
Specifications
| Weight | 538g (Analog.Cafe) / 530g (Casual Photophile) |
| Dimensions (standard) | 10.7 x 9.4 x 6.4 cm |
| Dimensions (with waist-level finder opened) | 10.7 x 12.2 x 6.4 cm |
| Film Format | 35mm film (landscape aspect) |
| Shutter | Wollensak Alphax Leaf shutter |
| Shutter Speeds | B, T, 1/200, 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, 1/10 |
| Lens | Wocoated Bolsey-Wollensak Anastigmat 44mm f/3.2 in helical mount |
| Aperture Range | f/3.2 – f/16 |
| Focus Range | 0.66m (2 feet) – ∞ (Casual Photophile) / 2m (6’6¾”) (Analog.Cafe) |
| Viewfinder | Reflective waist level finder & reverse Galilean |
| Rangefinder | Upper and lower image matching type |
| Focusing | Straight helicoid |
| Frame Counter | Manually, set sequential formula |
| Material | Cast aluminium and steel |
| Light Meter | No |
Design
The Bolsey Model C shares the trapezoidal shape seen on Exakta cameras, with a wide front narrowing at the ends. It's built tough and on the heavier side, using cast aluminium and steel. The camera is essentially a Bolsey B2 with a waist-level finder added, blending ingenious engineering with a few cost-saving compromises. It features a missing logo on the front and a quiet shutter, though the film advance and tiny shutter button can feel finicky. The 'WIND' knob and manual frame counter require some getting used to, especially with larger fingers.
Context
Jacques Bolsey founded the Bolsey Corporation of America in 1948 to offer high-quality fixed-lens cameras under $100, targeting consumers priced out of Leica and Contax systems. The Model C stood out as a uniquely equipped 35mm TLR with a coupled rangefinder, waist-level finder, and Galilean viewfinder. In 1956, Obex Corporation’s tools and rights were sold to Wittnauer Watch Co., which continued production. The US military purchased several Bolsey models, some used by combat photographers during the Korean War, adding to their collectibility. The Model C is considered a quirky, fun-to-use camera and has become a collector’s item in Japan, where it's often called a 'Kawaii' (Cutesy) camera.
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