 |
 |
| Kodak 35RF page 4 |
|
More information and photos on Kodak 35 Rangefinder model Now that I have a Kodak 35RF chat box I am finding more illustrations are needed to show features in greater detail. I hope by early April to have provision on the Chat Box for photos so we can do even more illustrating of small details. |
|
 The Famous "Black Trim" models This body features all the black trim items except one. The focus wheel (D)is grey, like the Navy version. The holder (C) for it is black, the rangefinder arm (B)is black, and the wind (A)and rewind (A)knobs are black. So far I have seen no synchronized shutter versions with black trim, and all have been post war. This means they were probably part of the production for only two years or less. (4/21/04 - I now have a pre-war one with black rangefinder arm and focus wheel, lens date 1942).These come in assorted combinations in this period as well. This one lacks only one feature of being all black trim, the focus wheel. I have another with only the black rangefinder arm. And another yet with only black trim on wind and rewind knobs. I hope to confirm that this one is identical to the Navy one soon (or not identical as the case may be). Externally it appears identical. Inside this camera has several unique features, a charcoal lock, a charcoal catch and a brass colored gear that is usually metal color. Steve says the Navy camera is not identical. His catch is plain color. and he has 2 brass color gears instead of just one. The end of the lock on the camera is charcoal colored like the one on this camera. PHOTO SHOT USING THIS CAMERA on the New Additions page, about 4-5 pages back. |
|
 Radial pattern or concentric rings So far I have seen what I call the radial pattern (left) mostly on older versions, and the concentric circles mostly on later. I have now verified there are plain ones with no pattern and it is shown near the bottom of the page. I have seen the radial in both black and chrome, and now in grey for the Navy version during WW II and on the civilian model at the top of this page. |
|
 Older ones are proud of being made in the U.S.A. From what I have seen the attached "Made in U.S.A." strip was on early models. I am not sure at what point they ceased to put on the strip. At that point it appeared only on the decal inside the back. This also shows a unique feature that I have seen on part of the pre-war versions. The slot where you see the shutter cocked indicator (a red arm is in the slot when the shutter is cocked) is shorter in some of the pre-war versions. The longer slot appears in part of the pre-war cameras. So far all post-war cameras I have seen have the longer slot. |
|
 A difference or a customer modification? These are both pre-war camera bodies - you can tell that by the fact the top of the knob says "rewind". On post war bodies this would be a film reminder. Between that knob and the raised area for the viewfinder is a little round disc. On the bottom camera, this disc has two sides cut square. I have never seen this before. There are other signs that someone has been into this camera so it is possible they modified this, although I don't know why they would. If anyone has seen others with the squared sides I would appreciate their letting me know. Go to the Guest Book page and leave your information on this or other features on the Kodak 35RF Chat Box. We also welcome discussion on other American made 35mm cameras. |
|
 I am grateful to fellow collector Steven Berkowitz for this and the next 2 photos Note the plain focus wheel. I had suspected this existed, but until now did not have definite proof. My own cameras (like illustration near top of page) on have either the "radial line" or concentric circles. This camera also shows the chrome finish shutter speed setting rim. Older models had a recessed black sidewall running around the center of the rim. |
|
 Handy but hard to find accessory This shows the Relaxo Soft Release mounted on a Kodak 35 Rangefinder camera. It moved the shutter release up to the more familiar position at the top, wind side of the camera, where it is at on most other cameras. Also on the camera is the Magni-Far telephoto lens. Steve does not have the finder for this. If anyone has a finder, he would appreciate your notifying him (go to guest page and make a note to him on the chat box). He would like to know what they look like. |
|
 Production during the War years Many cameras were required by the Military to record the events that happened during World War II. I don't know if other arms of the service used the Kodak 35RF, but here is evidence that the Navy did. I have seen many non-rangefinder Kodak 35's in military dress for other arms of the service, but this is the first I have seen of the rangefinder. Steve tells me these are actually somewhat common. It has black trim on the front, like the camera at the top of this page, including the grey instead of black focus wheel. |