Questions about a Kodak 35

[rfortson]

Brother-in-law sent me this camera and I'd like to shoot some film with it. However, I have some questions that I'm hoping someone can help me with.

1) It seems to need (at least) a good cleaning. What should I expect to pay, and what would typically need replacing in a camera that's sat around in an attic/basement for the last eleventeen years?

2) What kind of film should I shoot with this? I realize this is a little like asking "Canon or Nikon (or Pentax)", but I'd like to hear opinions. I'm a digital guy, and never seriously played with film.

3) Once I shoot the film, where are the good places to get it processed? Local (Clear Lake) or mailed off? Again, looking for suggestions.

Thanks for any comments/suggestions/answers.

Here's a quick shot of the camera:

[Angelo]

Your best bet is to bring it to a shop that repairs camera. You may spend just as much
on fixing the camera than what it was worth when first purchased. But then, I've spent the money because there was an attachment, a sentimental value.
It's a Kodak 35 so the proper film should be 35 mm film.
Good luck to you.

[rfortson]

Thanks Angelo. I didn't have to pay anything for the camera, so I'm willing to pay a bit for repairs. I'll take it to a local shop this weekend, but I'd like some context for the quote they'll give me.

Any idea which brands/types of film you'd recommend?

[Angelo]

Here is one place that repairs cameras, and for your Digital cameras they cleans sensors. I've used them only for sensor cleaning but heard some good things about repairs.
Professional Camera Repair - Houston, Texas, Digital Camera Repair, Image Sensor Cleaning, Film Camera Repair, Medium and Large Format Camera Repairs, TX

It's been too long since I've used and/or purchased film, but there are some photographers on TPF that only shoot film. I'm sure they will guide you better than I can.

Do let us know how it turns out.

[Daniel W.]

Hey Russ! I wouldn't take it to "that" local shop... PCR (as Angelo posted) did great work on a 120-300 I'm using. Likewise, KEH does great repairs too.

Google turns up a few interesting links, including one that targets typical problems.

The Classic Camera/Kodak 35

Camera Collecting and Restoration

As far as film, Sam's or Walmart on El Dorado still does a Fuji drop off bin service which requires about a week. To just try it, any cheap roll of color (c-41) film will show you if there are any light leaks or shutter problems. I have a few spare rolls of Fuji Superia 1600 that aren't going anywhere if you want one. Not sure on the cost per roll to develop, but it was cheap for C-41 medium format film (develop only, no prints), I imagine 35mm will be too. Turnaround is about a week. They also do black and white film (sent out) or slide (also sent out).

Or you could shoot B&W, develop it yourself and scan!

[venchka]

Walgreens and/or CVS still have 1 hour film machines for color negative film. They also sell the film.

I would join this forum: Rangefinderforum.com Portal - Rangefinderforum and ask all your questions. Personally, I would inquire at the Rangefinder Forum about places to send the camera for a full CLA-Clean, Lube, Adjust. There are shops that know these old rangefinders inside & out. Yours is an interesting model. I've not seen one before. TPF member Colyn in Fort Worth sgould recognize it and shed some light on what you've got.

A lot of folks speak highly of Essex Camera in New Jersey for work on this type of camera. Good luck!

[venchka]

Here you go:

Essex Camera Services Inc. - Home

Looks like a CLA will be about $100. That's a fair price.

[Colyn]

Originally Posted by venchka

TPF member Colyn in Fort Worth sgould recognize it and shed some light on what you've got.

It looks to be a early post war model. These were good cameras with better than expected Ektar lens.

The only problem is it would cost more than it's worth to have it serviced but if you plan to do a lot of shooting with it I'd say go for it.

Try cleaning the external parts with alcohol then load it with a throw away roll and see if the shutter works at the different speeds.

[acymc]

I agree that you first need to shoot a roll of film to see if everything works properly. I drug my old Yashica Penta J out of storage a couple of years ago and it seemed to be fine after 25 years in a camera bag.

I found a couple of rolls from several years back and just had walmart one-hour processing to see what they were. Turned out to be from a 35mm point & shoot that my wife used, but the pics were ok.

[toverman]

I have a similar Kodak 35 that belonged to my grandparents. They took it across the country from Virginia to California when my grandfather was called to serve in WWII. After the war, they returned to their native Virginia island and the camera sat unused for decades. Now it is corroded and the controls are frozen. But it's a cool sentimental object that is neat to look at ... can't help on what a CLA would cost or if it's worth it.

You might just buy a roll of film (Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, Best Buy) and run it through carefully to see if any of the controls/shutter seems to stick. Have your pics developed and see what you've got to work with. If any of the controls do seem stiff, I'd recommend not forcing them because that could cause expensive damage.

[venchka]

I have a lens for my Speed Graphic in a similar or equal shutter. They are more or less bullet proof. Exercise the shutter if the camera allows cocking and firing without film. then run a roll through. Try to stay around 1/100 sec. That speed seems to always work on these old shutters.

[rfortson]

Wow, lots of great advice here! Thanks to all the replies, each one was very helpful.

Since I have the manual, I'll actually give it a read and see how it's supposed to work. Then I can assess what works and what doesn't. Then, I'll run a roll of film through it (if possible).

Thanks also for the suggestions on where (and where NOT - thanks Daniel) to get it looked at. I figure $100 or so to get it up and running will be money well spent for the entertainment value alone, especially since I don't have anything invested in it right now.

I'll let everyone know what comes of this.

I also have an Ilaca stereo camera. That might be fun to play with as well. One project at a time, though. :)

[rfortson]

Amazing update #1

Just opened it up and there's a roll of Kodachrome still in it. The film is broken and at least half is on one spool. I don't know how much is in the canister. Maybe it's pictures of Elvis and Bigfoot boarding that UFO out back of the White House!

[Angelo]

Originally Posted by rfortson

Amazing update #1

Just opened it up and there's a roll of Kodachrome still in it. The film is broken and at least half is on one spool. I don't know how much is in the canister. Maybe it's pictures of Elvis and Bigfoot boarding that UFO out back of the White House!

Too funny,
It would be interesting to see what's on the roll.
Here's a thread of someone who purchased a box full of film.
An interesting read.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...must-read.html

[toverman]

You opened the back of the camera with film in it? If that's the case, and you don't know how many other times that's been done, it's useless now (at least any that is out of the canister).

With my grandparents' camera, I have a couple of unopened rolls of film (Kodachrome and Agfa). But I know nothing's on it!