lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Among all the stuff I cleaned out of my Mom's apartment after she passed away was a couple of old film cameras. Both caught my eye, especially the Kodak Signet 35. I know it's not worth anything, but it's such a beautiful piece of Americana that I just love it. It's so solid and well made, doesn't require batteries or computer skills and with the exception of a cap on one push button it seems to be all there and in very good condition.
I can figure out most of it; how to set the aperture, shutter speed and cock the shutter and the exposure guides on the back are pretty much self explanatory. I think I'd like to run a roll of film through it just to see how it does after all these years.
Is there anyone out there who still shoots with one of these who could tell me any quirks of the camera?

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

Google:
www.butkus.org/chinon/kodak/kodak_signet_35/kodak_signet_35.htm

Note: you will need Google Chrome or Adobe Acrobat 10 to read the manuals.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I don't have the Signet, but I do own and (occaisionally) use its predecessor, the Kodak 35 RF.

It took me some time to get used to the very tiny viewfinder. But the lens on mine is not bad at all. Quite sharp actually. I still prefer the German cameras of that era, as I find them generally smoother mechanically and designed with more attention to ergonomics. But you can't go wrong with a Signet!

GC-FineArt Loc: WDC

Here's a link to a PDF of the Kodak Signet 35 User Manual. (It was scanned in two parts.)

Photocraig

My dad had a Signet and his slides were excellent. The lens is great, it has, I believe a coupled rangefinder and the shutter is in the lens and should be accurate but sometimes are quirky and need service. Be mindful and you may have to adjust your externally metered exposures. If she had a Signet, look around for a meter. Most folks who has a camera of this quality would have invested another $30-$50 on a meter, especially considering the narrow latitude of the slide film on the day. Sunny 16 ruled, but conditions can be challenging.
Thanks for giving me another reason to remember my dad doing what he loved.

tejaswrangler Loc: South Texas

lsaguy, your Post brings back some great memories because the Kodak Signet 35 was my first 35mm camera. I still have it, but it is in retirement. After reading you Post, I am tempted to take a few pictures with it. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup: Tejaswrangler :)

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

The Signet 35 was my first real camera, one I saved for and purchased as a high school student. Loved it. Only quirk I remember is that the shutter had to be repaired and I was told that it was common for that camera. Otherwise, after the repair I used it for many more years until I finally replaced it with a Pentax K1000.

jrh1354 Loc: Dayton, Ohio

Just keep in mind that this camera was made between 1950-1958. That makes it at least 60 years old. It likely could use a thorough CLA to operate anywhere near the original specs. I have the whole Signet series and they are truly worth saving. The design and engineering of these beauties shows what could be done with slide-rules and non-automated manufacturing equipment.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

In addition to the Signet 35 I had and used slide rules. I had a pocket sized one, a 12" and received as a gift for college an 18". Smithsonian Museum has slide rules in their collections - guess that amkes me an antique.