In the late 1940's, Kodak launched the first "Pony" camera. This series was designed by Arthur Crapsey, one of the most influential Kodak camera designers of the 1940's to the 1960s. The first model was the Pony 828: A simple camera that used 828 film (35mm roll film). In 1950 the Pony 135 was launched. It was similar to the 828 but used the 35mm format we know today. These cameras are interesting because they were positioned just above the basic Brownie line, but below everything else with limited controls and features.
I personally consider these to be very attractive despite been a simple basic camera design. It is made of Bakelite plastic. The 135 was made from 1950 until 1954. It was replaced by the 135 Model B (1953-1955) and then by the Model C (1955-1958). Pony II and Pony IV complete the series, made until around 1962.
The 135 had a 51mm f4.5 Anaston lens. Rather slow even for its day, but overall decent optical performance. The shutter was a Kodak Flash 200: A simple leaf shutter with 2 leaves. Max shutter speed is 1/200s. Other speeds include 100, 50, 25 and Bulb. There is no rangefinder, just a simple viewfinder on top. Needless to say there is no light meter. The lens in the Pony 135 retracts for storage.
*EDIT* Interesting trivia: In the opening scene of Fresh Prince of Bel Air Will Smith has a camera that I'm sure is a Pony. Most likely a 828.
My specimen:
A friend gave me this as a thank you gift.
It shows signs of use but looks very good overall. However, the shutter is stuck.
Not surprisingly after 70+ years of dust, dirt and grime making its way into it.
I was able to decipher how it works and what every little part does.
So, what can possibly go wrong? I have no idea or previous experience with these. Just going with logic and courage
After an intense battle cleaning the shutter, including drenching it in lighter fluid 3-4 times, I finally won.
The best way to show this is with a short video:
End of the story right? No wait, I need to put everything back together with no missing or extra parts. Everything was cleaned in the process including the viewfinder lenses.
Why am I getting a dentist vibe with this picture?
End of the story, right? Wait! Putting everything together but how about the lens calibration? It had to be taken out so it needs to be collimated. I don't have fancy collimation equipment, so I did my own version.
Presenting my million dollar home brewed collimation setup: Precision Ground glass replaced with sanded down recycled plastic. Target crosshairs replaced with thin strips of masking tape. Fancy fasteners replaced with blue masking tape.
Fancy Collimation equipment replaced with DSLR with manual lens set at infinity.
Looks like a success! I was able to adjust until the crosshairs were tack sharp
Now I can complete the assembly.
The viewfinder had some scratches. I polished them out the best I could but you can still see traces of them.
No issue as it is not seen when using the viewfinder, which is now squeaky clean and bright.
May I present for your approval:
My "new" Kodak Pony 135
I may be biased, but I find this camera very attractive and beautiful.
The lens twists and locks into position
All screws were removed and polished.
All systems are GO! All it needs now is to be unleashed into the wild. Can't wait to run a roll thru it!
Its leather case is another story for another installment. It is worn and will need some TLC. But that will be later.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Ismael
Last edited by ismaelg; 02-23-2022 at 11:02 AM.