Bolsey Model B2

The Bolsey Model B2 is a Bolsey Model B with the addition of flash synchronization and double exposure prevention.  The camera takes standard 35mm film in cassettes.  The B2 was introduced about 1948.  Peerless Camera Stores (New York City) advertised them in the October, 1948, issue of Popular Photography for $65.90.  The camera was discontinued in 1957.

Front

Rear

Top

Bottom

Interior

Ready to take a picture

After taking a picture

The body of the camera is made from aluminum and the dimensions are roughly 4-1/4 inches wide by 2-3/4 inches high by 2-1/2 inches deep. The camera has the controls on the lens, which was normally the case on leaf shutter cameras.  The lens is an f/3.2-f/22, 44mm, coated Wollensak Anastigmat.  The shutter is a Bolsey Wollensak Synchromatic leaf shutter.  The back of the camera comes off for loading film.  The path between the film cassette and the take-up spool is shorter than usual, and Bolsey ads claimed that you could get four extra pictures on a roll of film if you were careful about loading film.

The shutter release sets and releases the shutter in one motion.  The shutter has a moving peg that pops up to stop the shutter release from resetting after you take a picture.  The peg retracts when the film is wound and this allows the shutter release to reset.  To make a deliberate double exposure you push in the peg to allow the shutter release to reset.

The back of the camera has a depth of field calculator based on a circle of confusion of 0.05mm or 1/500 inch, which was typical for a miniature camera at the time, and a film reminder dial for Panatomic X (Kodak), Daylight Anscocolor, Tungsten Anscocolor, Daylight Kodachrome, Type A Kodachrome, Ultra Speed Pan (Ansco), Super XX (Kodak), Supreme (Ansco), Plus X (Kodak) and a blank space for when there is no film in camera.  None of the films are still in production.

The flasholder plugs into the openings on the left rear of the camera and takes a #5 or #25 flash bulb.

There are no strap lugs.  If you want a neck strap you need to use the leather camera case.  You also can use a strap that screws into the tripod socket.

A filter kit with a lens hood was available.  The lens takes a 24 mm series V adapter ring.

The Bolsey B2 is small and cute.  According to "Brass, Glass and Chrome" the camera was especially popular with women photographers.  You need to be careful with the shutter release to avoid camera shake.

Cimberland Mountain State Park, Crossville, Tennessee.  Ilford HP5 film.

This example has a very stiff (basically impossible) rewind.  Curiously it rewinds better with the back off. I need to give it a DIY CLA.