Bantam Special

1936

Early Model

Eastman Kodak Co.

Rochester

USA

Lens:

f2, 45 mm Ektar Anastigmat, iris diaphragm to f16. Serial no. 20226 .

Shutter:

Compur Rapid, speeds 1 - 1/500, B, T.

Construction:

Metal body, leather bellows.

Format:

8, 28 mm x 40 mm exposures on 828 roll-film.

Focusing:

Helical to 3 feet.

Attributes:

Coupled rangefinder, split image. Direct-vision (lens/lens) view-finder. Eye-sight correction to rangefinder window.
Auto-stop on film advance, not coupled to shutter, separate button to release film advance. First frame automatically located. Green window to check film number on backing paper.
Tripod socket covered by screw-in stud. Cable release socket covered by screw-in stud.

Serial Number:

21806 .

With:

Instructions for later model. Studs for tripod and cable-release sockets. Case.

The distinctive shape and styling of the camera was due to Walter Dorwin Teague. In 1941 the lens was changed to a Kodak Ektar rather than Kodak Anastigmat Ektar and the shutter was changed to a Supermatic. Later lenses were coated on the inner surfaces. The price was £28.10.0.

As the lens is focused the rangefinder lens attached to the front standard moves laterally.

References & Notes:

BP 454134/1936. BP 454144/1936. BP 440353/1936 (Rangefinder). BJA 1939, p. 257. US patents - 2113307, 2054035, 2047257, 2043968, 2043926, 2039709, 2027333. These provide a complete description of the camera.

Further Information:

Lipinski p.156. Details of rangefinder.

Company Details:

Kodak

Early Photography