Kodak Ektra (1941–1948)

A 35mm rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses, built for precision and expandability.

Overview

The Kodak Ektra is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by the Eastman Kodak Company from 1941 to 1948. It was Kodak’s first and only professional 35mm system camera, and it was built to compete with high-end European models. Lenses and magazines are both interchangeable, so the camera can be reconfigured in the field. Kodak marketed it as America’s most advanced 35mm rangefinder of its time. It has parallax-compensated viewfinding, and every lens in the lineup has fully coated optics.

Specifications

Product type	35mm rangefinder camera
Production years	1941–1948
Lens system	Interchangeable lenses
Available lenses	50mm f/1.9, 50mm f/3.5, 50mm f/4.5, 35mm f/3.3
Viewfinder compensation	External finder lens required for 35mm lens
Features	First 35mm camera with coated lenses on all optics; parallax-compensated viewfinder
Original price	$235 with 50mm f/3.5 lens; $300 with 50mm f/1.9 lens

Design

The Kodak Ektra features a modular design with a removable lens and removable magazine, as documented in the official Repair Service Instructions A-237 from September 1943. This allowed for quick film changes and lens swaps, supporting its role as a professional system camera.

Context

Kodak introduced the Ektra in 1941 as its flagship 35mm system camera and called it “America’s Best System 35 Camera.” It was part of a new wave of high-precision American cameras meant to match the optical quality of European standards. It launched alongside six new interchangeable Ektar lenses. It remains Kodak’s only professional rangefinder 35mm camera.