Kodak 35 — Military Model PH-324 (c. 1938–1948)
The Kodak 35 was Kodak's first 35mm camera, introduced in 1938. Leica had launched the format's revolution in the 1920s. During WWII, a military variant was produced for the U.S. Army under the designation PH-324. These military cameras are somewhat scarce and hard to find today.
The PH-324 differs from the civilian Kodak 35 in three ways: a black paint (or Olive Drab) finish, a special shutter, and a special lens. The "PH-324" marking is on the back of the body. The camera is a compact 35mm rangefinder with manual focus, a pop-up viewfinder, and a self-timer. Some examples have been noted with the self-timer stalling, and shutter failure is not uncommon in surviving units. One listing described its example as a "Display Camera-not Working!" while another noted its shutter "sounds and look[s] Good."
Sources conflict on the production window. Some date the camera to "circa 1938-40," while a French reference gives a production run of 1938-1948. The Kodak 35 was followed in 1951 by the more mature Signet 35. antikea-photo describes the PH324 as "a special order made to Kodak by the US military for WWII."
Known specs are thin:
- 35mm film, compact body
- Rangefinder focusing, manual
- Pop-up viewfinder
- Black or Olive Drab military finish
- "PH-324" marking on back
No detailed specifications (lens focal length, aperture, shutter speeds, dimensions, weight) have surfaced in the available documentation. Prices observed in listings range from $75 to $182 for non-working display examples.
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Related Models
- Kodak Automatic 35 (1959-1969)