CLARUS MS-35 camera ad in 1948
Toronto. Post WW2 many American companies dreamt up clever ways to gain traction in the booming retail camera market. The Clarus Camera maker in Minneapolis had an added difficulty to overcome – their products suffered from poor quality, especially the shutters.
When they pushed their MS-35 camera (c1946-c1952), with this ad in the October, 1948 issue of Popular Photography, the camera was promoted as equal to a high end import for a third the cost. Sadly, the savvy amateurs targeted as buyers, did not bite in any significant way. Rushing the MS-35 to market in 1946 to meet the pent up demand had seriously affected quality and backfired on the company.
The camera never did succeed. Camera and maker disappeared in the face of far better quality imports. Collectors today will pay around the original price if the camera is in pristine condition and working flawlessly.
Once again, the generosity of George Dunbar in sharing this research into our favourite historical topic is appreciated by all.
