The Bolsey Explorer of 1955 is not typical of the Bolsey camera line (an American company founded by Jacques Bolsey, who relocated from Europe). Unlike most other Bolsey models, the Explorer is a rebadged and imported West German made item. The shutter and lens specs are, however, typical for mid-1950's mid grade German 35mm cameras.

This example is about the best in condition that I have seen for these. They generally show a lot of wear and tear, which tells me that they were probably well loved by their owners and well used. I have three of them, and this is the only one I have now up and running.

A week ago we had a foot of snow on the ground and sub zero Fahrenheit temperatures.
Today, it was partly cloudy, windy, and mid 40's. Just a few traces of the snow were remaining.

I loaded the Explorer with Fuji 200 print film and explored a section of the Meramec Greenway in Valley Park.

Camera was a little erratic in frame spacing. It is of the design that uses the film holes to turn the sprocket wheel to cock the shutter, not generally the most reliable method.
A few frames came back blank, as if the shutter did not open when it should have, although the shutter worked well most of the time.
I am suspicious of the few light leak streaks that showed up on the film strip, since they run edge to edge, and they should not have been there, since I had the camera protected in a case that covered the back and sides.
However, the lens performed satisfactorily, sharp enough for a windy day @ 1/200 second at mostly between f/11 and 1/16.

Please click on thumbnails to enlarge.
All images are Copyright 2014 E.J.Kowalski.