Kodak Bantam Special

(1936-1948) The Kodak Bantam Special was a high-end, rangefinder camera in Kodak's Bantam line, designed for 828 film. It came in two versions: one from 1936-1940 with a Compur shutter, and a rarer 1941-1948 version with a Supermatic shutter. Both featured a Kodak Ektar f/2 45mm lens. To close the camera, you had to push the focus lever past the infinity setting. Its case, designed by Walter Dorwin Teague, is often praised for its striking Art Deco look.

A collector’s note:

These are often priced high between $250-$400, but if you wait you can sometimes find one for under $200.