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Bolsey 35 Model B
France Version française
Photos by Sylvain Halgand text by Sylvain Halgand. From the collection of Sylvain Halgand. Last update 2023-10-20 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in USA from 1947 to (After) 1947.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 776

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    
   

Back
1 2 3 4 5

Top housing
1 2 3    
   

Decoration
1 2 3 4 5

Base locking
1 2      
     

Flash sync socket position
1 2 3    
   

Lens and shutter
1 2      
     
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
     

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

__________

The Bolsey 35 Model B is the first model in the series of Bolsey B and C cameras. In May 1950, this camera was sold for $55.90.

Bolsey 35 Model B





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