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Bolsey B2 |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in USA from 1949 to (After) 1950.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 12323
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Bolsey
In the late 1940s, Jacques Bolsey, an American citizen living in New York, filed several patents in different countries for a camera and its features. 
The silhouette is that of the Bolsey B. When viewed from the top, it has a trapezoidal shape, which became the signature of the Bolsey B and C series. These are 35mm rangefinder cameras made entirely of metal. Some models have a chest-level viewfinder, and they are called the C models.
According to Jim McKeown, all American Bolsey cameras were manufactured by Obex Corporation of America, which began distribution in June 1956.
When Bolsey ceased its activity, starting in 1957, Obex continued to produce the Jubilee camera under the name Festival for Wittnauer.
The Bolsey B2 is identical to the 1947 B model but features protection against double exposures and flash synchronization.
The B22 is a B2 with the Set-O-Matic system, featuring a different back with a plate for Set-O-Matic use.
The C is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera, with the upper housing integrating the reflex viewfinder, while the rangefinder and viewfinder are offset.
The C22 is a C model with the Set-O-Matic system, which results in a modified back.
The B3 is a redesigned version of the B, featuring a black anodized finish instead of shiny metal. The top cover is secured with screws instead of a lever, and it includes a top-mounted shutter release button and a frame counter reset button. It has a single flash attachment hole and contact. The lens is a Steinheil, mounted on a Gauthier shutter. The top cover no longer features the red round logo but a coat of arms.
The Jubilee is a polished and shiny B3 with the Set-O-Matic system. The Set-O-Matic backplate is surrounded by a raised rim, and the top cover decoration is specific to this model.
The Wittnauer Festival is a Jubilee camera with a black B3 body, and the upper trim and Set-O-Matic plate bear the Wittnauer brand. Two small black bakelite eyepieces have been added to the viewfinder lenses.
To summarize this information in a comparative table:
| Front face | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
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| Back | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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| Top housing | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
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| Decoration | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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| Base locking | ||||
| 1 | 2 | |||
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| Flash sync socket position | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
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| Lens and shutter | ||||
| 1 | 2 | |||
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| Anastigmat Wollensak 3.2/44 + Wollensak 1/10 à 1/200, B |
Steinheil 2.8/45 + Gauthier Auto Synchro 1/10 à 1/200, B |
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| Years | Body Design | Top housing | Base locking | Lens and shutter | ||||||
| Front | Face | Shape | Decoration | Brand, model | Synchro Flash | |||||
| Bolsey B |  |
1947 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Bolsey B2 |  |
1949 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Bolsey B22 |  |
1953 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | SET-O-MATIC |
| Bolsey B3 |  |
1956 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Reset and shutter release on top |
| Bolsey Jubilee |  |
1956 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | SET-O-MATIC Reset and shutter release on top |
| TLR | ||||||||||
| Bolsey C |  |
1950 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
| Bolsey C22 |  |
1953 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | SET-O-MATIC |
| other brand | ||||||||||
| Wittnauer Festival |  |
1957 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | SET-O-MATIC Reset and shutter release on top |
Externally, the Bolsey B2 closely resembles the Bolsey B, but it comes with several additional features. It has protection against double exposure, flash synchronization, a depth of field scale, and an indicator for the type of film loaded.
It was an original competitor to cameras like the Argus C3 and other Kodak 35 RF models. Despite their small size, the viewfinders (combined viewfinder and rangefinder) are bright and comfortable.
In 1950, the Bolsey B2 was sold for $66.90, while the Bolsey B was priced at $55.90.
Interesting links or bibliography :
 Popular Photography de 1950 |  Popular Photography de 1951 |  Photography Magazine de 1954 |
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