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 produced by the Eastman Kodak Company from 1941 to 1948. It was Kodak’s first and only professional 35mm system camera, designed to compete with high-end European models. The camera supports interchangeable lenses and magazines, allowing for flexible configuration in the field. It was marketed as America’s most advanced 35mm rangefinder of its time, featuring parallax-compensated viewfinding and fully coated optics across its lens lineup.

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

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