under the signet of the moon
View allAll Photos Tagged Signet
The Kodak Signet 35 was introduced in 1951 to replace the bulkier Kodak 35. Featuring a cast aluminum alloy body, bulky winding knobs, and a reliable two-leaf shutter, the Signet 35 was apparently designed to U.S. military specifications for use in the Korean War theater. The military versions were black or olive drab, as compared with the silver-colored civilian version. My copy was produced in 1954. Other than cleaning the windows and calibrating the rangefinder, no other service was needed. Overall, this is a small camera and Kodak's top-of-the-line Ektar 44mm f3.5 lens still produces quality images.
Two days ago I serviced a Kodak Signet 35 camera (from 1955) that I'd acquired recently. I had one of these 35 years ago, bought at a garage sale for something like $10. But back then I didn't know how to disassemble cameras and service them, and it was unusable in its condition, so I set it aside and forgot about it.
Fast forward to 2022 and I got another one, intent on cleaning it up and returning it to usability. (See: flic.kr/p/2mXJWBf)
This is from yesterday's test roll (delta 400 @200 ASA, processed in Pyrocat HD, 16 minutes). I'm impressed with the performance of the 44mm Ektar (Tessar) lens. Most of the photos I made at f5.6 or f8.
I would like to thank everyone who take the time to view and comment on my photographs it is greatly appreciated and encouraging
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
Two days ago I serviced a Kodak Signet 35 camera (from 1955) that I'd acquired recently. I had one of these 35 years ago, bought at a garage sale for something like $10. But back then I didn't know how to disassemble cameras and service them, and it was unusable in its condition, so I set it aside and forgot about it.
Fast forward to 2022 and I got another one, intent on cleaning it up and returning it to usability. (See: flic.kr/p/2mXJWBf)
This is from yesterday's test roll (delta 400 @200 ASA, processed in Pyrocat HD, 16 minutes). I'm impressed with the performance of the 44mm Ektar (Tessar) lens. Most of the photos I made at f5.6 or f8.