Spartus: Spartus 35

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The Spartus 35 and Spartus 35 F are a series of 35mm film Viewfinder cameras made by Spartus and then Herold Mfg. co. in Chicago, USA, and produced from 1947 to 1954. The original black version of the body bears a strong resemblance to the Argus A. Later Spartus "35" models from Herold Products switched to a gray & silver body style somewhat reminiscent of the Kodak Pony. Their bodies is Bakelite. There are many different lens & shutter combinations of the Spartus 35 and 35 F. The most expensive model offering an f/3.5 coated Anastigmat lens, four shutter speeds from 1/25 to 1/150 sec. plus T and B. But, commonly the cameras have a simple manual scale focus, one speed shutter (Inst 1/50 / Time) and 50mm f/6.3 (or f/7.7) lens with apertures f/6.3-7.7-11-16. Also, there were many cosmetic variations of the body during its manufacturing period. The "F" designation indicated a top flash sync connector bolts on the top plate. Late Spartus 35 models also have connector holes or bolts for dedicated bulb flash units on the top.