Kodak Signet 35
Yesterday I serviced a 1966 Kodak Signet 35 rangefinder camera and took it out for a test to verify focus, etc.
This photo was made on Astrum MZ3 film, which is basically some kind of Ortho Copy Film, repackaged. It has an effective speed of 3 ASA (no, that's not a typo!), so a tripod is pretty much mandatory.
For this test, I developed the film in FA-1027 at 1:14 for 5.5 minutes and got a very nice negative: punchy, but not blocked up. This frame was exposed for 100 seconds at f16.
This is supposedly a Tessar design lens, so its not surprising that its sharp at the smaller apertures. (Its not great at apertures below f5.6 &1/2 in my experience) So if you encounter a Signet 35 somewhere, don't scoff at it! That lens is mighty sharp when used with care and forethought! Click on the image and see it full size - remember; this is a 35mm negative!
Anyway, if you're looking for a fun, easy to use, "pocktable" 35mm rangefinder, the Signet 35 is well worth giving a go. I'll be selling this one if anyone if interested. Email me to inquire: bardenphotographics@gmail "dot" com
Kodak Signet 35
Yesterday I serviced a 1966 Kodak Signet 35 rangefinder camera and took it out for a test to verify focus, etc.
This photo was made on Astrum MZ3 film, which is basically some kind of Ortho Copy Film, repackaged. It has an effective speed of 3 ASA (no, that's not a typo!), so a tripod is pretty much mandatory.
For this test, I developed the film in FA-1027 at 1:14 for 5.5 minutes and got a very nice negative: punchy, but not blocked up. This frame was exposed for 100 seconds at f16.
This is supposedly a Tessar design lens, so its not surprising that its sharp at the smaller apertures. (Its not great at apertures below f5.6 &1/2 in my experience) So if you encounter a Signet 35 somewhere, don't scoff at it! That lens is mighty sharp when used with care and forethought! Click on the image and see it full size - remember; this is a 35mm negative!
Anyway, if you're looking for a fun, easy to use, "pocktable" 35mm rangefinder, the Signet 35 is well worth giving a go. I'll be selling this one if anyone if interested. Email me to inquire: bardenphotographics@gmail "dot" com