Kodak BOOKLET Product booklet

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                           -  5O-mm. f/t  9 Kodok Ektor lens, K2 filter,
www.butkus.usKodok Plus-X Fitm, t/SOO ot ff3.S.

KODAK
EKTRA
WITH EKTARLENSES

The world's mosf distinguished comerur

The Story of Kodak Ektra                 Page z
FeaturesWhich Distinguish Kodak Ektra      Page 6
Lensesfor Kodak Ektra .                   Page 8
The Ektra Shutter                       Page r r
View Finder                           Page 14
Range Finder                           Page r 7
InterchangeableMaga zine Backs            Page zo
Operation                              Page z4
Ektra Accessories.                       Page z6
Ektra Photography                      PagezB
For use with Kodak Ektra  .                Page 34

The Story of Kodok Ektro
COMPARATIVELY    few years ego, your rnterest rn a new carlt,
erawould almost certainly have been limited to simply the suzeofit-*
pictures, the range of its lens and shutter, and its cost. Because.,
unless you were one of the then quite few advanced photographersl
all you wanted was to be able to get what were considered good
pictures of your family, travels, and other personal activities.
    Today, becauseof the many developments in photography,
tt is impossible to define your own particular interest in picture
making. It may be in advanced pictorial work or straight docu,
mentary photography      . in scierrtific work  in the laboratory or
beautiful  full-color transparencies    . in microfilming or  in  fast
action shots     or, in getting good pictures of personal subjects.
   We do know, however, that whichever of these applications
is your own photographic activity, you are interested in contem,
porary photography      . and in the hnest equipment available for
your own picture making. We believe then that you will be rnter.
ested in this story of the Kodak Ektra.
    With the recent wide extensionsof photography into industry,
science,medicine, color, and pictorial art, there has been an increas,
i.rg demand for a new camera that would match the many definite
                         lmprovements that have been
                      made in enlarglng equlpment,
                             papers, films, processing technics
                                                             . a camera that would incorpo-
                                   rate, integrally, a number of sup,
                           plementary  features and rehne,
                           ments which have demonstrated
                                    their importance in miniature pho,
                             tography      . and a camera that
                            would capitahze the range of spe-
                                  cialized negative emulsions now
                                available,with their higher speed,
                               microscopically fine grain, .sensi,
                                         tivity  to infrared radiations, and


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ability  to reproduce full  color.
   To meet this new  call  for
finer and finer photographLCappa'
ratus, the Kodak organrzattonhas
introduced a precision production
technic on a scale new to photo'
graphic manuf-acturing.This tech'
nic combines two complementing
elements: the work of craftsmen
of such caliber that their manual
operations are the result of thor'
ough knowledge of mathematics,
                            -plusengineering, and matenals-
the almost tncredible accuracy of
modern precision machines and
machine tools. Eliminating both
the narrower scope possible with machine production, and the
variation inevitable  in  individual handcraftsmanship, this new
technic logically combines the valuable features of both methods
to produce results of a standard not previously possible. First
resuit of this technic was the famous Cin6,Kodak Special, which
set a new high standard in the amateur motiou,picture camerafield.

And now the Kodok Ektrq...
    You, your fellow advanced photographers,and contemporary
photography generally, wrote the Ektra's specifications.Such a
camera should have, first, a system of related interchangeable
lenses,and an integral, accuratemethod of determinitg the freld of
view as tt varied with the different lenses.The lensesthemselves
should incorporate the latest advancesin optical design,materials,
and processes,and be superior to any existing lenses.With such
wide,aperture lenses, there was need for a coupled range finder
that would be critically accurate and usable under a wide range
of conditions. This interchangeability of lenses i*plied  a focal
plane shutter-if   possible, more accurate and dependablein per'
formance than  earlter ones. Furthermore, irrterchangeablelenses

that would be practical from the standpoints of weight, si4e,use,
and cost indicated a small negative slze,as did the numb er of sup-
plementary features that were desirable as integral parts of the
camerarather than as accessories.Final choicerested on the 3t-mm.
film width and the 21x 36,mm. format, becauseof the wide range
of emulsions available for this srze,widespread stand ardtzation on
the convenient z x  z,inch projection slides it makes possible,
simrlar standardrzation in projectors, and convenient accommoda-
tion in precision enlargi.g equipment.
    The number of these specializednegative emulsions--in both
black and white and color-as  well as the different types of pic,
tures and different conditions under which successivegroups of
pigtures are made--indicated some practical and safe means of
changirg quickly from one emulsion to another.

An schievement of cooperotive plonning, design, qnd manufqcture
    C)nce these determining factors were evaluated and  rnter,
preted into practicability, experts went to work to put them into
tangible form. Lens scientists, camera designers,mechanical engi-
neers,authorities in range,finderand view-finder optics, production
engineers cognizant of the possibilities of new precision manu fac-
turing  . . . these and many others started "from scratch" to develop
                               the camera specified. Workirg  in
                                closest cooperation with  one a;rt-
                                 other, they also coordinated their
                                   efrorts with  the activities of divi,
                               sions producing the films, ?cces,
                                 sorles, enlargers used in contem,
                            porary advanced photography.
                               This coordination was a prerequl,
                                     site becauseof the extreme precr-
                               sion and wide scope determined
                          upon      . because of the intimate
                                 interrelationship of the complex
                          mechanisms required      . because
                                   of the interdependence necessary

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as between the cameraproper and its lenses,films, and accessories,
to achieve the results specified for the camera.
   The Eastman Kodak Company presents Kodak Ektra in the
confident belief that  tt  is, without  reservation, the world's most
distinguished camera. unequalled in the quality and scope of its
lenses    . the performance of its shutter      . the perfection of its
film system . . . the adaptability contributed by its interchangeable
backs . . . the efficiency of its coupled range finder      . the conven,
ience and precision of its variable,power view  finder, the Ektra
can produce finer results, throughout a wider range, than any other
existing camera.You are invited to seeit, and to inspect it, at your
Kodak dealer's.
Eesrvex  Kopar  CortpANY            RocnESTER.Nnw  Yonr

lenses for Kodok Ektro
SINCE the scope of al-rycarlrenrand the qu.rlity of the pictures it makes depend
in the l;rst analysis upon its ler-rsequiprnerrt, no ferr"tureof the Kodak Ektra is of
greater irnportrlnce than its specral group of Ektars. Aside frorn the high over,all
quality indicated by their narne, these lenses provide great optica.l adapta.biliry,
precisior-rinterchangeability, unique structural :rnd operuting erdvantages,a1d, irr
the caseof the f tr.g, ultr:r,speed.

A  rcrnge of  superb  new  lenses
    As is true of the rest of the calrera, the lensesirre entirely new-in   fonnula,,
irt uout-tting, and ir-r na.lly aspects of their focusing and general use. All  were
cornputed and designed specifically as component parts of the Ektra, and AS
metlbers of a group of lenses whose combined rrrllges would cornplernent each
other iu a wide, related series of rnagnific.ltiolls. Kodak ler-rsscientists, working
with the designers of the carneraproper, took into account not only the negative
size and other specificatior-ts,but :r.lsothe memnsfor effectively coordinating the
lenses with  both  the  rirnge.finder and view-finder systems. And  these ier-rs
designers, zrnd the craftsmer-rwho executed their desigr-rs,had constantly before
them the stilr-rdardsof accuracy, workrnanship, and perforrnance specified for the
carneraalsa whole.
    The resultir-rgf,unily of Kodak Ektars challenges comp:rrison with rury other
group of lenses. Their design ernbodies to a high degree all of the correcriorrs
essential for fine photography, and especially irnportant for precision rniniature
work. Because of the growir-rg importance of full-color photography, particula"r
atter-rtiotlhrts beetr given to both later.rl and longitudinal color correction.*

                                    Surfoce  treqlmenf
                                    The inner surfircesof the lenses are
                                         treated by u coirtir-rgprocess that irnproves
                                       the clarity and brilliance of the negatives
                                      obtained. This  surface-coating process,
                                           fonlrs of which have been widely  pub,
                                             licized, reduces reflections from the sur,



                                                  '*The                                                                  fault  knolr'n as "lateral  color."  or chromirtic
                                                    Jiflerence of magnification, results in objectionable
                                                    color  frir-rges along the edges of a color  picture
                                                     "Lor-rgitudinal color," ca.used by the registering of
                                                       different colors in planes other than the true focal
                                                  plane, results  in  fuzziness. Lenses fbr  the Ektnr
                                           have excellent correction  fbr both  of these faults.
                               8

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    r;rcesof'the  lens clernertts. tlrcreb'r'incre;rsur{ the efhclencv r,r'itlr whtcli  light  i-s
     tr;utsllrtted  to  tlre negirtrve trtlrterirrl. Tlle  cl-rief ltdvlrtttilges ;lre the  strlteriot-
     cor.rtrrrstolrtained in l-',Lrck,;urcl,whitene gatives,, grerrter color purity  in full,color
     l-ictLlres,lessened danger of tl;rre irr prictures t:rken;rg:rinst the light,;rlr.l reduction
                            "ghost "  in'lrges sonretinres lrpprrrent u'hen  str-or)g liglrt.s     of the intensit;'  of  tlre
     ,rr-ernclu.led in  tlre lttctltre.

    Precision mounting
        Contril-rrrtrngextelrsivcl).to the qr.urlitvof tlreseKcltl.rkEktrrrlensesis tltc
    crcellence of-therr nrour)trng. After  the leris eleurents ltre irccLlrirtely.tssenrl.le.l.
    'Lhe         con'rplete lrssenlblies lrre critically  positiorred in  tl-re tnout'tts,;rnd  tl-re lenses
      iire prefocused br. wh'rt  is probably  the n'rost pr-ecise.rnd scientrhc ttrethod to  l.e
    found lrnvr,r.'hereirr iens nlirnuf;rcture. Insrtle tl-re utoutrts ilre carefully  calcul:rted
                         "brrfile                              rings"  whicl-r,,by  trairplrig non,iulrge.forn-ring light  eltter'    corruglrtlons or
     irrg tire lens, give added colrtnrst und 1'rrevent llare spots. Tl-re eletnettts of the
     n'ronrrts thenrselves rrre 1-re1dto extrenlelv close nr;urullctut-ing toler;utces.'lrrtcllrll
     l.c;rrrngs rrre espcciallv designed  firr sttror-rth,Irr>sitive ol)er-;rtit-rt'tof focusitrg  ltttd
                                            ()

diaphragm controls. The precisior-rof the mounts assuresoptin-rurn performance
of the functions for which each Ektar lens was designed.

lnterchongeobility   and  opercrlion
    The design of the lens rnounts is such as to permit quick, precise inter,
changeability and positive couplir-rgwith  the r:rnge-finder systerl. A red dot art
the top of the lens-seatsleer,.e,and a wide k"y slot at the bottom, serve as quick
guides to accurate positioning on the carrera. When one of the lenses is fully
screwed into place, an automatic lock grips  it and holds  it immovable. It  calr
therr be unscrewed only by first disengaging the lock plunger. Once in positiorr,
the lens autornatically interlocks r,vith the driving member of the range finder
mechanism for  critical automatic focusing. A  large, rnilled ring on the tnount
facilitates rapid prelirninary focusing, and the final precise adjustment is made
by rneans of the small focusing knob. Located on the front  of the camera, and
convenient to the left hand, this knob permits using the same finger movements
in focusing any of the lenses except those of the greatest focal lengths.
    The  f li.Z 35,mm..,f lZ.S to,mln., and  f lr.g  fo,rrlrrl. lenses have two,phase
focusing scales   de luxe feature found elsewhere only on the accessory lenses
for r6-rnm. Cin6,Kodaks. Normal focusing extends from infinity  to 3 y' feet But
drawing out a latch at the side of the mount releases the focusing sleeve for
movement beyond the  lirnit  of the normal scale, and into a secondary scale
engraved in red. This scale extends the ranges to distances as short as one foot.
The range finder does not op erate at short distances, but correct focus can be
rapidly and accurately determined by measurement from a red focal,plane index
rr-ra.rkatop the camera, or with  the aid of the accessory ground,glass back. The
r i5-rnrn. lens focuses down to + feet, the r5i,mm. lens to  j  feet.
                                                      All   lens barrels  carry  the  usual
                                    diaphragn scale, and irlso a depth'of'field
                                          scale. The  Tatter adjoins  the  distzrr-rce
                                     markings, and when the carnerahas been
                                    focused the depth  of  the  field at  the
                                      selected diaphragm opening  is imme-
                                          diately apparent to  left and right of the
                                      distance index mark. Near this mark is ;r
                                            snrall red  dot. Positioned to  take into
                                    account the plane in which  infrared rays
                              come to a focus, it  is used instead of the
                                        regular index mark when making pictures
                                 on infrared film.  All  of the scales, and
                                       the  ir-rfrared index as well,  are visible
                                           frorn above the camera, so that any of
                                       thern can be seen at a glance.

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Uses of the Ektor lenses
    Of the six lensesnow ready,the 5o,mm.Ektarf lr.9 and5o,mm.Ektarf13.5
will no doubt  find the widest use, since their normal focal length and large aper'
tures meet the requirements  of a great range of photography.  In the matter  of
speed the f lr.g naturally has a tremendous advantage, being about 3/   times as
fast as thefl3.5. The 35,mm. Ektarf/t.:     it a fine, fast lens that serves outstand'
ingly when a wide angle of view  is desired. The go,mm. Ektar fll.S,  with   its
moderately long focus, gives large, sharply detailed images of semidistant sub'
jects, and is also especially adapted to informal portraiture. The r3t'mm.  Ektar
f/3.8 and rt3,mm.  Ektar fla5   give successively more pronounced "telephoto"
effects. Of these two  lenses, the  flZ.8, with  its 40per cent advantage in speed,
is more easily adaptable  to  difficult   light  conditions. On  the other  hand, the
fl+.5  yields a r5 per cent larger image, and, though not as fast as the f/3.8,  is a
highly versatile lens.
      In a word, these special Ektars include lenses for every photographic  require'
ment-normal,   wide,angle, telephoto, ultra,speed-all  designed and constructed
for superior performance as integral parts of the Kodak Ektra. Their combination
of exhaustive correction,  surface treatment,  permanently  accurate mounts, and
simple, precise controls enables them to reach a level of photographic  effective'
ness and convenience that  will more than satisfy even the most critical  of users.
With  this group of lensesat his command, the Ektra owner need not give ground,
on the points of optical equipment, and the photographic quality  of his results,
to any miniature camerist in the world.
Ihe Ektro Shuller
WHILE  a fine lens, or family  of lenses, carries promise of outstanding  camera
 performance, the realization of this promise depends largely upon the quality  of
 the shutter. For  it  is the mechanical adjustments and movements of the shutter
 that either provide or fail to provide that exact control of the optical equipment
 that is so important  in modern precision picture making. This is particularly  true
 of miniature photography with  its necessarily minute tolerances .  .  . and applies
 most emphatically of all to miniature  full'color work.
     These facts were made guiding principles  in designing the shutter  for Kodak
 Ektra. The latter's system of interchangeable lenses presupposed a shutter of the
 focal.plane type.Furthermore,    full  capitalization of these splendid lenses, and
 general adherence to  the  Ektra  concept  of  superlative  results and unlimited
 scope, were contingent  upon the designing of a high,speed focal plane shutter
 that could be made more accurate throughout a wide range of speeds, and that
 .would stay more accurate under varying  operating  conditions,  than any other
 previously devisec.

                                                                                                                 I I

Cutowoy   reor view  of the Eklro's  shutfer, showing  how  lhe operture   is formed  by  lhe  leoding  cur-
tqin  (A)  ond  lhe  follower   curloin   (B); ond,  crl lefl, the  couplings  between   the duol-purpose   lever
o n d    t h e  s h u l t e r - w i n d i n g   q n d    f i l m - o d v o n c i n g  m e c h o n i s m s .

A  shutter  of new  design
    The design selectedernploys u slit which passesacro.ssthe longer dirlension
of the focal,plane aperture. The slit is formed l-ry an opening between two seprl,
r;rte curtuins, alld its widtl-r- -which, of course, goverlls the extent of exposure
   is established, r-rot as the shutter is tripped, but before exposure is.sturted.
Tlre shafts orl r,r'hich the curta.ir-rsoperate are linked with  the shutter,speed colr,
trols:rtop the cun-rerain such a way that wher-rthe setting is rlade for the desired
speed the curt.iir-rsure erutomuticallyadlusted to positior-rsthut establish a slit of
precisely proper width.  Furtherlnore, the curtain shafts are irnmediutely a.rrd
positively  ir-rterlocked, so that the relatior^rbetween the curtair-rsis u-ra.itrtair-red
throughout their passrrgeacross the focal pllrne. This  reliltion cornpensatesfor
rucceleratior-rat high speed to give urriforrn exposure over the er-rtireheld--;I
flictor tl-ratloon-rslurge in every picture siturrtiott, arrd that is especially iurl-rortant
ur color photogrrrphy.
    The Ektr:rshutter providesten speeds---r,rlz, riJ, rlto,  rlzj, rlJo, rr Ioo.
 r 2to) r/yoo, arrd r /rooo secorrd-_--p1us"bulb"  (tirne exposures are tnardewith
the T.B.l. Cable Rele.rseNo. r). As ar-raid to attair-rir-rg,alrd maintirinir-rg,the high
lrccurircy,the nlain curtlrir-rsl-urftsoprerlrtein oillessbror-rzel-lerrrit'tgs'ur-rdthe diulle'


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rers of botl-r shafts and bearings are held to extren-relyclose tolerances. By means
of qr-urr-rtitativelight rneasurernentthe slits of varriouswidths  :rre checked a.grlinst
dltir representir-rgthe correspondir-rgspeecJs,arrd are mirrutely adlusted. Final
testir-rgoperatiolts utilize ai scientificlrlly precise photoelectric "sctu-Illing" systetn.
From tl-rebegir-rningof construction to the last of the tests, no precision rnethod
that modenl science cirlt devise is overlooked. The result is higi-re-staccurilcy,
under wide rlnqes of operlrtir-rgcortditiolls.

Operoting  feotures
     This precisenessis combrned with colr\renieut,sirnpleoperatiorl. For settir-rg-s
of  t z5 second or firster, the krrurled top of a har-rdytelescoping krtob is raised
rrrrdturr1ed until the selected speed, appe:irir-rgon a recesseddial, is opposite au
ipdex u1irk. Settings for riro,  tlJ, tf z, r second,and "bulb"  tlre tnttdelly tunlir-rg
;yr ldloinir-ru auxiliary slow,speed scale. Once the settirrg has been mitde, the
shutter continues to operute ut the selected speed until a chlurge is desired. In
otl-rerwords, when u seriesof pictures is to be tnitde at the sllltle speed, there is tlo
need of redstrrblishingthe desired settir-rsfor the succeedir-rgexposures.
    The sfiutter rrechar-risrnrtself is coupled with  the fihn systern of tl-rell-Itlgrt'
 :ipe 1-',1ckin such 11rnanlrer that  ;rdl'ur-tcingthe fihn autotuttica"lly wirlds the
 sl-rurter. Tl-re shutter canr-rotbe released until  the  lilrn is fully  ;tdvarrced. This
irrnurgement provides 1-rositiveprotection agair-rstdouble exposures. Moreover,
 uptil the arclvur-icing,windingoperation is completed. a red sigrtal on the top of
 tlre canere1werrns the user that his curnera is rrot prepared for the uext picture.
      I1 the n-rakir-rgof sequelrcepictures, the thurlb  rrrpidly performs the itdvatlc'
 ing,winding operation and a fnrger of the srrlrrehand presses the shutter'relerlse
 button-a11  without moving the calnem from the picture'takirrg positiotl  ;lt eye
 level. Cor-rtributing to  this snoothlless of openrtion is the at-rseuceof .shutter
 sl-rock,;ind of noise that rnigl-rt disturit either subject or operator.
      Settir-rqa separate lever on the carnera top provides for: del;ryed actiot-rwith
 rrl)y speed. When  this is used, actual exposure takes pllce after an interval of
 irpproximately tu,elve secorrds.The shutter releasecatl elrsily be locked ltgair-rst
                                                           r i

 At   lefr: The  shorl  stroke  of  the  duol-purpose    lever,  lwo  strokes  of which  odvonce   the  film  ond
 wind  the  shufier.  Cenfert Close-up   of  the  high-speed   shutter  selting  knob,  high-speed  ond  relord
 scoles.  Right: The deloyed-oction    lever  olop  lhe  comerq.

accidental exposure by a partial  turn  of the plunger, and when  the cap is un'
screwed from the top of the plunger, a threaded socket is available for attaching
the T.B.I. Cable Release or the accessory Flash Synchronizer.
Universol occurocy
     Easy selection from  the wide range of speeds . .  . automatic  winding    .  .  .
smooth,  quiet  exposure  .  .  . a carefully  worked'out   general operating ease .
all these characteristics  of the Ektra shutter are highly  gratifying  to the discrimi'
nating photographer. Yet  all are subordinate to its accuracy. Precision exposure
at every speed over every  part of the negative  .  .  . that  is the chief aim, and
accomplishment, of the Ektra shutter.  In the final analysis it  is this factor that
brings the shutter into  line with  the concept of the world's most distinguished
camera.
View Finder
AN  ABSOLUTE   requirement  with   interchangeable  lenses of  various  focal
lengths  is some positive method  of ascertaining the field which each one covers
as a result of its particular angle of view. In copying work, and also when a tripod
is used, this can be done with  the aid of a ground glass-and  such an accessory
is available for Kodak Ektra. In general picture  taking, however, the use of a
ground glass is not practicable-hence  the Ektra's variable,power view finder.
A vnique finder system
      In several respects this view finder is without  parallel. It is the only parallax'
correcting, variable,power system built  into a camera as an integrally operating
mechanism.  It can be set instantly  for the focal length of each of the lenses now
available and to be offered later, requiring  only the addition  of minor accessories
 for wide,angle and extreme telephoto  work. As  the setting  of the control  dial
atop the camera is changed for a lens of greater or smaller focal length, objects in
 the  field of view change in size accordingly,  but  in every case the entire view
finder frame is utilized. When,  for instance, the finder  is adjusted  for a lens of
longer focus, the finder frame is not reduced by mechanical masking to indicate
the more restricted  field; on the contrary, the image is magnified optically  to  fill
the  full  original frame. This  feature, especially valuable in telephoto work,  is
 illustrated on the opposite page. The view,determining  lenses which govern the
action are shown in the detailed illustration  of the system on page 16.
    When the camera is in use, this action is accompanied by another. As the
lens is focused, the cam which  controls the range,finder system also actuates a
second cam-a   part of the view,finder  assembly and the connecting  link between
 the two systems. This cam controls a movable lens which, operating in a vertical
 plane, compensates for the separation between  the axes of, the view  finder and
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                                         #tr-"'ffi                                                                                                                               ',",;,;:t,t:,;                                  lnterchungenble*lens      Reinge-ffnder                                                          #                                                                                                           recepfor
        roupling


                                                   Range-finder
                Focucing knob                 ocluoting ccm





            the  tlrkirtg lerts. The  result is accur:rte autourrtic plrrrrllax correction for  1ll
             distat-rceswitliirr the trortnul focusing nllrges of the r,,.rriousierrse-*.
          Exceptionolsighting efriciency
                 This double coupling of the two systemsdelineateswith great precisrorrrhe
               field beirtg cor.ered with  ally of the lensesat any norrnal picture-rnaking distupce
                       . . . a fie1destal-rlishedin scope by the view-detennining ler-rses,and corrected for
             parallar l.y the special cornper-rsatir-rgdevice just descril-red.But  still lpother
              elelleut is ir-rtroducedrtsatt aid to the Ektrn user. By lneans of a milled ring he car-r
            quickly adlust the view,hr-rder eyepiece to  his individual  vision, to  get the
              clertrest possitrle irnage. The  r,iew,finder systern has large ""y"  relief," so that
            neither this adjustrnent nor the wearing of spectaclesch:rngesthe view.
                With  the finder cot-ttrolproperly set, and the eyepieceadjusted to his visior-r,
                ti-reuser does t-tot need to tlake allowances, or use rnasks, or follow guide lirres in
            the fn-rderfield, or content himself with a tiny irnageof a distant subject. He can
          see clearly, iilstiLntly, certaiuly, what his picture will include, regnrdlessof the
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lens in use;rrrd the distance. Kodak Ektra tlakes this possible for the tirst tirne
   outside tl-rerefleX,ciulleruheld. A carnenrwith  ull of the essential"extnrs" built ir-r,
      it l-n-.none of greater ir-rterestor irnportance than this retnarkal-rlefinder svsteln.
 Rqnge Finder
   IT IS irnpossibleto derrve full benelit from rr cameraerrgineeredfor high precision
   unless that precisior-rextends to such operatir-rgequiprnerrt as its rill)ge firrder.
   This  firct wrrs not lost sight of ir-rdesigr-ringthe coupled ralrge finder for Kod;rk
   Ektru. As hnally evolved, it functions rnore easily, lnore positively, and urrder
   rrore widely vrrryir-rgcor-rditionsthar-rany other built,in nlnge fir-rder.

  A  highly  qdvqnced  rqnge  finder
       The desrgn is l-,asedor-rtl-re well,known  split,field principle. The optical
   systen-rsplits the in-urgehorizor-rtallyinto halves, and these hlrlf,irurgesare obtained
    tl-rroughseprrrirtewir-rdorvsat eitl-rerend of tire cillllerr. Wherr the Ektru is;rirned

                                                   L J

                                                  View-finder                                                                             Vision-                                               windovr                               Collective                                Pqrallax-    cornpen$oting
                                lens                            cornpensofing      lens      Vision-compensating
                                                                        lens                                control

           Erecling-prisrn  mounf


    Coincidence-prisrn
         otsernbly                                                                            Rcng    ,ndef
                                                                                              Ei tcering





RanEe-finder
  window




 Stationury
 end prism





        Focusingring



                    Fosuging knob

at a subject not in focus, the halves, as seen through the range,finder eyepiece,
 are laterally offset . . . the corresponding parts of the subject image out of align,
nent. As the range finder is operated, the upper half of the image, reflected by a
 stationary end prisrn at the left end of the carnera,remains in fixed position. The
 lower hall however, rnoves to right or left as the mechanisrn actuates a movable
 triar-rgulating prisrn at the other end of the calnera. When the halves have beerr
brought into aligrrrnent, the sub ject is in focus.
    One advantage of this design is that the sharply split halves of the image
carr be seen in almost ar-rylight, pennitting accurate focusing in many caseswhere
other types of range finders fail. This  is the sarne costly but  highly  efficient
design, which, becauseof its accuracy, is used on surveying instruments and on
military range,finding equipment. Furthernore,  the accuracy of any range finder
ir-rvolving triangulation depends upon the length of its base, and the base of the
Ektra finder- 4%  inches-is  longer than any heretofore attained  in  built,in
rniniature,cs.Der?focusing equipment
    When you inspect Kodak Ektra, you will  find that the range finder has ar-r
eyepiece, or sight, of its own, located only one,fourth inch from the view fir-rder.
This separate eyepiecepermits the use of a magnified image. Viewed through the
Ektra range finder, the sub ject is r .6 times as large as the naked eye seesit  . . . an
irnportant additional step toward hairline focusing.
    One other feature aids in the same direction. By turning a sirnple control
dial on the camera top, the user can quickly adjust the range finder to his irrdi,
vidual vision to get the sharpest possible image. This de luxe accessoryfunctiorr,
like so many other Ektra features, is built  directly into the cam era.

Automolic   focvsing  of  unmqtched   crccurc,cy
    Combining the critical registering characteristicsof the military-type  split,
field triangulation  principle, an unprecedentedly long base, separate eyepiece
                                           with an image magr-rifiedmore than one
                                            ar-rdone,half times, accolrrrnodation for
                                         the  individual  user's vision, and usa-
                                                     bility  in poor  light,  the Kodak Ektra
                                    range finder affords the most precise au,
                                         tomatic focusing available on any c3.1r,          {
                                           era. Ooupling automatically with any of        I
                                        the interchangeable lenses available for           {
                                        the  Ektra, without   fitting  or  adjust,
                                           rnent, it likewise does its share toward
                                            capitalizing those lensesto the full. Thus
                                                                         it contributes  brilliantly  to the excep,
                                             tional capability mair-rtainedthroughout
                                        the Kodak Ektra.
                                                             r 8

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Inferchdngeoble Mqgqzine Bocks
 IN MANY   respects the tnost arrestiug exclusive feature of Kodak Ektra is the
 provisiot-t for the use of interchangeable magazine backs .    . an advance offered
 by no other tnir-riaturecalner.i. These backs make the Ektra a unique "multi,film"
 carrerir. Together with  the intercharngeablelenses, they pla"ceat the user s
 disposalr-rotonly a practically limitless picture,rna.kir-lgscope,but also unequalled
 facility  in rneeting the requirernents of verried picture situations.
      Specifically, the;. perrnit the use of eight dillerent Kodak fihns intercha.nge.
 nrlrly. After  rnakirrg several exposures on Kodak Plus,X Film,  for example, the
user may rernove the er-rtire back and replace it  with  one loaded with  Kodak
Pan.itotlic,X, Super.XX, Kodacl-rrome,Type A Kodachrorne, Infra,Red, Micro.
File, or Direct Positive Fihn. He can have at herrrdir.slrrally ba.cksils he desire-S,
chtu-rsir-rgthem, as his t-reedsdictate, witl-rout the loss of a single fr.une of film.
    The operation of chrurging from one back to ur-rotheris .r rlatter of seconds.
A slide at the bottorn joint of body ar-rdback is shifted, two lock nuts are loosened,
and the back lifts off, to be replaced lust as quickly by the altenmte. The action
of shiftir-rg the slide on the bottorn autornatically moves a metal dark slide that
closes the film charnber, thus providing  it with a lighrtighr covering before the
back can be rernoved, and leavir-rgthe fihn in place for later exposure.

Complele,  independenl   film sysfems
    Each n-utgazineback is cot'tstructedrrsir self-cor-rtuinedur-rit,equipped with  :r
complete fihl  systeu. A  cover, hirrged ut the l-rottorn, opens errsily for loadir-rg
rtr-rdunlo;iding. Inside it ure rr recessfor the filnr lnligirzineand unother fitted with
the pertnlnent trtke'up spool. The core of this spool has,,in additiorr to the con,

                                                                      1 n





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ventional slot for inserting the film leader, a projecting lip to which the film is
     hooked by one of its perforations to insure positive threading. Knurled flanges
        olr the take,up spool simplify winding  up slack leader. The  film passes over
      srnooth,surfzrcedtracks, ar-rd,when the cover is closed, is held in minute register
         ir-rthe focal plane by.  tnirror.like chrome-fir-rishedpressure plate. At the sametime
      a pair of positive guides take their positions on the outside fihn rnargins, adjacent
       to carefully rnachined sprockets. The guides assure proper engagement of the
     hhn by the sprockets, and remove all danger of slippage over the teeth.
           With  the closed cover held by n dependable slide-and-turn latch, the Ektra
      user winds the fi1m by means of the rnagazineback's integral rapid fihn advance,
      which  is actu:rted by u large, easy,to-useswing lever. This cannot be operated
         ur-rtil the back is ir-r position, so that no film car-rbe wasted. Two  full strokes
     advance the film one frame and wind  the shutter. This arrir.ngernentprevents
      double exposures,since the shutter-releaseplunger cannot be depressedurrtil the
       fihn has been fully advanced. Double exposures for "trick"  effects can, however,
      be made by  :r speci;rl procedure explained in the instruction manual.
     Devices for efrective functioning
          Progressof the film is easily verified by means of a red signal set in a polished
       reflecting cup on the magazine back. Pulsating several times at every stroke of the
      rtdvancing lever, rt supplies a visible check on the functioning of the mechanisrn.
           It also opera.tesas the film is being rewound into the magazine, cessation of the


                                                                                                                                                                                                                         . ) a
                                   Film
                                  sprockels
       Positive
      film onchor


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    #4       r.$ah
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 Toke-up
knurlings





                                               Fwww.butkus.usi l m  q d v q n c e              Film pressure plole
                         Film guides   de-clutching   lever

At   lelt: Duol-purpose   lever,  lwo  shorl  strokes  of which  wind  the  shutter and  odvonce   the  film  to
lhe nexl  exposure.  Cenfer: Film-moyement    indiccrtor on the bock  of lhe cqmero  indicoles  lhe move-
menl  of film  during  qdvoncing   or rewinding.   Right: Ropid  rewind   cronk,  which   folds   flot  ogoinsl
the bottom   of  lhe  comercr when   nol  in  use, mcrkes  film  rewinding   eosy  ond  quick.

pulse indicating  that the rewinding  is complete and that the back cover can
safely be opened to remove the exposed fihn. By stopping the rewinding openr,
tion as soon as the pulse ceases,the user can avoid drawing the leader comple tely
ir-rto the magazine-an  irnportant point   if he intends to develop the film in  ir
daylight,loading tank.
    The rewinding  itself is controlled by a folding crank on the bottom of the
back. When extended to operating position  it sirnultaneously engages the core
of the fihn ma.ga.zineand, lry mezrnsof an associated de-clutching bar, disengnr"ges
the fihn.advancing rnechanismalld take,up spool, perrnitting free, fast rewinding.
    Two  r-rotably convenier-rtdevices cornplete the intercherngeableback. On
the bottotn, opposite the rewind lever, is a courrtersunk, numbered dial, which
carnbe har-rd-setto the exposure t-rumber--as registered by the autoruatic exposure
counter o1l the cirmeril. top-  before the back is removed. When  the back is
returned to the camera, the automatic counter is reset to the number showt-rolt
the exposure'record dial. Thus  is provided a simple, Accurate record of ur-rused
filnr. But a record of the type of fihn in the rnagarzineis also irnportant. This  is
supplied by  . dial on the hinged cover. On  it appear the names of all the Kodak
Fihns with which the Ektrrr lo.rds, and a turn of the dial brir-rgsthe proper one
opposite ,r recording ir-rdextr-r:rrk.
Typicol Ektro precrsion
    The great fiexibility which the tnagazinebacks give the Ektra is obvioLrs.
Yet without  precision this flexibility would  L-reuseless. Ea"chback is therefore
constructed as crrrefully as the camera itself. Furtherlnore, four minutely gauged
rrbutrnents inside the back, tnatched by  corresponding ones in  the calnera.
establish accurnrtecontact poir-rtsbetween the two. They provide the precisiorr
l-rusesllecessary to irrsure proper location of the film, and exact cocirdinatior-rir-r
senera.lbetween body and back. Each back is painstakingly checked with  the
1-rarticularcamererwith which  it  is to be used, ur-rdall extra backs for that ciun,
era rrre fitted to  it either at the f;rctorv or at a Kociak branch.
                                                 -).
                                                                                                                                                 " J

OPERATION
THE foregoing puges hcve
slrecsed chiefly lhe ufirs*      DIAPHRAGMSETTING
gtricfed pictu re-mtrking
rcrngssnd criticol exocfness                        PRELIMINARYFOCUSINGaf Kodqk Ektru.A third btlsir
element which the user has
q right to expecf in such c        CRITICAIFOCUSING
cgmerrl is utmosf convgn-
ienceond eose of mqnipula-     SHUTTER-SPEEDSETTING
tion .,  . nlcximum possible
operoting focility. The Eklm                           5HUTTERRELEASE
hss been plonned ond built
with this third cnd complet*
ing fundumenfol in mind,       DELAYEDACTION
ond some referen€es to  it
hove previously been mcde.        FILM ADVANCING
Herefhe cornposiferesult is
demonstrsted.                        SHUTTERWINDING

                 Action
       Picture nr:rkir-rgwith  the Ektru follows a llew, rhythrnic oper:rtir-rgcycle.
  The  crrreiull;, desigr-redrnain oper;tting controls are so grouped as to l-reltt the
   linser tips of one hrurd, the other hand being free for holding the carnerafirrnly.
  The openrtir-rghar-rdquickly ad;usts the a.pertureby means of corrugated cotrtrols
   or-rthe diaphnrgrlr sleeve. A tum  of a promir-rer-rtlyrnilled ring gives approxitnrtte
  focus, ar-rdthe thurnb cornpletesthe operution by activa.ting the focusirrg knob.
  Irrstuntrrneousar-rdreturd shutter speed dials ilre located side lry side olt the
  oper;rting errd of the c;rlnenr. The index fir-rgerf,rlls r-raturmllyort the rrdjacer-rt
  shurter releasebuttor-r. When the user wishes to include hirnself ir-rthe picture,
   olte thrust with  the thurnb of the operatir-rghar-rdstarts the delltyed-rtctior-rshut'
   ter nlechur-risrn.
       Film udvuncir-rg.urd shutter wir-rdingare accomplishedwrth  sirnilltr elliciency.
  Two  thurnb strokes of the combir-ratiot-tlever cornplete the operrttiotr, atld irl;r
   situ:rtior-rdernar-idir-rgu quick series of exposures this action is sirnply altertrirted
   rvitl-r the tripping of the -sl-rutter,witl-rout tnoving the catnerafroll  the eye.

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