Petri 35 2.8 Color Corrected Super

Compact cameras made before WWII were klapp style or twin-lens reflexes, using either 120 or 127 formats, so called in Japan ‘semi’ and ‘best’ / ‘vest’ respectively. The early German monoblock models using ‘Kinofilm’, 35mm format, did not catch up much till after the war. In Japan, the early 35mm models by, say, the Olympic Camera – later Ricken, of 1935 did not gain many followers, and the format lay dormant till the industry geared up to satisfy the deep pockets of the 500,000 American troops stationed there.

In the mid-1940s, worldwide camera makers rediscovered the 35mm format and churned out compacts to match the Kodak 135 cartridges. The first simple viewfinders evolved into high-end complex rangefinders and compact SLR models. It was not a matter of physical body only, but as the recorded image was smaller, it required better optics, and as the film speeds advanced, complex shutter assemblies.

Since the dawn of the last century, Petri has made a long list of folders and klapp models, including a couple of TLRs under the First brand. To meet the new fashion, Petri came to market with a no-nonsense 35mm rangefinder camera, aptly called the Petri 35, adorned with a ‘color corrected super 2.8’ lens. A cheaper model with a 3.5/45 lens was also offered, but not many have survived. This camera was the first of a long list of siblings by Petri, a somehow haphazard variety of compact, low-end cameras. Petri’s naming convention could be confusing, where sometimes the camera is known by its attribute rather than the model’s given name. The unit I have is marked <E-P>, meaning it was sold in the military stores. Moreover, it is marked in feet to cater to the GI clientele.

The camera features all you need to shoot, with no frills like a light meter, self-timer or interchangeable lenses. All setting dials are mounted on the lens barrel and are self-explanatory. To guide the user, the top fascia carries an exposure table marked in minuscule fonts, assuming the GI had a superb vision. The table is meant to be used with 50 ASA, whereas for 100 ASA, a more palatable film speed, use one line left.

This model carries some significance for the collector, being one of the earliest Japanese compact monoblock cameras and being Petri’s first such model. It is widely available for sale and is reasonably priced. For the shooter, it offers all one need with a decent lens.