Kodak Signet 30 (1957–1959)

The Kodak Signet 30 was the third model in Kodak's Signet line of 35mm cameras. It came out alongside the Signet 50 in August 1957 and was produced until 1959. It was a rangefinder camera aimed at the serious amateur, a step up from the basic viewfinder models in a series that ultimately grew to five bodies. The Signet 30 and Signet 50 were nearly identical. The main difference was that the Signet 50 carried a selenium photocell exposure meter, and the Signet 30 did not.

Documentation on this model is moderate but scattered. The camera used 135 format film producing 24×36mm frames, with a fixed Kodak Ektanar 44mm lens. Sources conflict on the maximum aperture - some list f/2.8, others f/3.5 - so that spec remains uncertain. The shutter is a Kodak Synchro 250, and there is a threaded cable release socket on the lens barrel. One quirk: the shutter will not fire unless film is loaded. That is a safety feature to prevent accidental blank exposures. The shutter release sits on the right front of the body.

Collector accounts describe the Signet 30 as a capable everyday shooter. One owner on a Micro Four-Thirds forum picked one up for $5 plus shipping and praised Kodak's Cine lenses as outstanding on modern mirrorless bodies, though that comment concerns Kodak glass generally and not this specific lens. Another seller notes their father's Signet 30 "took a lot of pictures over the years," which suggests these were workhorse cameras in their day. The original price was listed as 55, but the source doesn't give the currency or year.

Current market prices vary widely with condition and accessories. A bare body with cosmetic wear has sold around $30 on eBay, and an untested example with strap went for roughly $20 on Etsy. A complete outfit - a 1958 Signet 30 with Wattameter rangefinder, Kodak Super M 40 flash, leather case, and strap - commanded around $192. The camera's manual, published under Kodak's instruction book code "4-58 - CH - BX," has a 7.7 rating from a single user on a manual archive site.

Camerapedia (accessed 2026) notes the Signet 30's release alongside the Signet 50 in August 1957.

Known specs: