Kodak Ektra II prototype *

Introduced in 1941 Kodak Ektra was the most advanced rangefinder 35mm of its time. It was the first 35mm rangefinder camera to have a parallax compensated viewfinder, the first rangefinder system to offer a coating on all lenses, the first to offer a lever advance and use a film rewind lever. The Ektra was also one of the most expensive cameras of its time - at 700USD it was the equivalent of a compact car. Because of low sales, only around 2500 cameras were made and Ektra was discontinued in 1948. The planned Ektra II never went into production – only a few prototype examples have been made. A major difference planned for introduction with the Ektra II was the provision for the optional film back with a spring-driven motor drive. With its high-speed operation, it forced Kodak engineers to upgrade the shutter with more robust and reliable parts. This prototype is based on a regular Ektra, the name has not been changed, note also the frame counter setting knob and finder window shape, here roughly modified for a sliding orange filter. The offered camera is in good cosmetic condition, the shutter needs maintenance. Together with film back no.C-2437.