Kodak Signet 35 (1951–1958)

Name: Kodak Signet 35
Brand: Kodak

A full-frame 35mm rangefinder camera with a coupled rangefinder and a 44mm f/3.5 Ektar lens, produced by Eastman Kodak Company as their top American-made 35mm model of the 1950s.

Overview

The Kodak Signet 35 is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by Eastman Kodak Company from 1951 to 1958. It was the first model in the Signet series and Kodak's flagship American-built 35mm camera while it was in production. The coupled rangefinder handles focusing. It uses 135 film in 20- or 36-exposure magazines and makes full-frame 24 x 36mm negatives. The body is precision-built aluminum, described as sturdy and completely new for its time, and it has a reputation for durability and ease of use. Kodak designed it to give image quality on par with the finest cameras of the era.

Specifications

Film Format	135 film (20- or 36-exposure)
Negative Size	24 x 36mm
Lens	Kodak Ektar 44mm f/3.5
Lens Design	Tessar-based
Focus	Rear helicoid focus
Rangefinder	Coupled rangefinder
Shutter	Kodak Synchro-Rapid 800 Shutter
Body Material	Aluminum
Weight	1 lb 3 oz
Dimensions	With lens recessed: 6 3/8 x 4 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches
Original Parts Booklet Date	April 1955

Design

The Signet 35 has a completely new metal body made of sturdy aluminum. The design aims for reliability and ease of use. Focusing is done by a rear helicoid mechanism, and the lens is a Tessar-based Ektar mounted in a solid chassis. Kodak built it to deliver results comparable to the finest 35mm cameras of its era.

Market

An Original Parts Booklet for the Kodak Synchro-Rapid 800 Shutter, specifically for the Kodak Signet 35 Camera, is available for $12.00 in "EX" condition. That points to ongoing collector interest in service documentation. The original retail price of the camera shows up in several sources, but they disagree between $91 and $95, so no definitive figure can be given.