Kodak 35

(1938-1948) The Kodak 35 was Kodak's first 35mm still camera. Its design combined elements from earlier Kodak folding cameras, featuring a Bakelite body with metal panels, a lens/shutter unit, and a collapsible viewfinder. It came in three versions with different lens and shutter configurations. During WWII, it was produced in an olive drab military version. Post-war, it was re-released with flash synchronization and updates to its lens and shutter systems. The Kodak 35 struggled against the more affordable and popular Argus C series, which included a coupled rangefinder. In response, Kodak introduced the Kodak 35 RF in 1940, but it could not overcome Argus’ market dominance. Despite its superior optics, the Kodak 35's high price and lack of a coupled rangefinder kept it from competing effectively.