This camera was introduced by Kodak at a time when competition from other companies was fierce, especially from Argus, which had recently introduced the C-3, a 35mm camera for the masses with a built-in rangefinder. Not wanting to miss out on all that money lying around out there, Kodak retrofitted their Kodak 35 with a serious monstrosity of a rangefinder, shown here.
It's not the first one of these I've owned. I got my very first one in 2001 and used it for a while as my primary 35mm camera, until I got my Canon AE-1 Program (q.v.); I gave that one away to someone who had expressed an interest in photography. This one shown here came along in October 2009, sold to me by the same gent from whom I bought my Canon F-1. It was originally owned by a U.S. Navy Dental Officer, a certain Captain Reed, who may have used it during his service in World War II. The leather case for the camera is plainly marked with his name, rank and designator (Dental Corps).
It's in terrific working condition, and nice cosmetic condition, considering its age (about 68 years old).
It's not the first one of these I've owned. I got my very first one in 2001 and used it for a while as my primary 35mm camera, until I got my Canon AE-1 Program (q.v.); I gave that one away to someone who had expressed an interest in photography. This one shown here came along in October 2009, sold to me by the same gent from whom I bought my Canon F-1. It was originally owned by a U.S. Navy Dental Officer, a certain Captain Reed, who may have used it during his service in World War II. The leather case for the camera is plainly marked with his name, rank and designator (Dental Corps).
It's in terrific working condition, and nice cosmetic condition, considering its age (about 68 years old).
