Kodak releases Snapic A1 film camera for $99

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blee1996

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This is a bit of surprise, Kodak just released a semi-disposable 35mm film camera for $99. And for that money, the feature looks quite decent.
  • 25mm 3-element glass lens
  • Zone focusing
  • Multiple exposure mode
  • Hand-grip
  • LCD screen


Kodak_Sanpix_A1.png
 

xkaes

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Enlighten us as to why you label it "semi-disposable"? Are you suggesting that people who spend $100 + tax + shipping will throw it away?
 

xkaes

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With the cost of film and processing, I don't know how it can complete with the Kodak H35 & H35N -- both of which are similar in features but since they are half-frame they get TWICE as many shots per roll -- for HALF the price ($49).

I've got to assume that they have the same manufacturer.
 

MattKing

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I like it.
But it isn't Kodak who has released it.
It is something called RETO Productions, who have licensed the name.
 

xkaes

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Hey, if Pentax can sell its 17 half-frame for $500, why can't "Kodak" sell a full-frame look-a-like for $100?
 

thinkbrown

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From my perspective this sits in a weird spot where it doesn't seem much more capable than something like an Ilford sprite, but it's twice as expensive.
 

mshchem

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Another licensing win for EK that will drive film sales. Looks pretty cool. Should deliver crisp shots for the kiddies.
Same people producing this, Retopro, as the charmera keychain digicam.
 
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Certainly a better "reusable disposable" than most. Manual zone focussing is perfectly fine (and reasonable) at this price point, but without some form of variable aperture and shutter control, results outside of an f9.5 @ 1/100s exposure are probably going to disappoint the new film shooters attracted to such a camera.

For ~100 american bones you can get a secondhand EOS300/500 and a couple of rolls of film - a far better option for someone starting out. Alas, just not one you can buy new in a store.
 
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The lens is too wide!

Assuming it assists both in (a) a very inexpensive lens design and (b) the simple near-far zone focussing control.
And probably in keeping portrait subjects close enough for the flash to properly expose at the single aperture/shutter combination?
 

polaromar

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Basic but I think it's a smart design. They stuffed in a lot of features for the price, the double exposure thing seems to be especially popular these days, I think they tried to get as many "premium" features in as they could for that price. Shame about the fixed shutter speed but, if you're going to this from a disposable or toy camera, it's an upgrade for sure.

Certainly a better "reusable disposable" than most. Manual zone focussing is perfectly fine (and reasonable) at this price point, but without some form of variable aperture and shutter control, results outside of an f9.5 @ 1/100s exposure are probably going to disappoint the new film shooters attracted to such a camera.

For ~100 american bones you can get a secondhand EOS300/500 and a couple of rolls of film - a far better option for someone starting out. Alas, just not one you can buy new in a store.

I don't think that the people that could buy this are cross shopping vintage SLRs. To me, this appeals to the casual shooter that wants something nicer than a disposable, and it's more rich in features than most toy cameras without being a ton more money, like the Pentax 17 or Lomo MC-A. Something good for fun snapshots and film vibes, to share with friends or post on social media. Yes, you can get a better camera from a technical perspective if you buy vintage/used, but the effort required to learn how to use one probably gatekeeps most from ever making that steps. It's why the Contax SLRs are still dirt cheap, while the G and T camera prices are stratospheric.

It's competitors are going to be the H35s of the world, and to a lesser extent, the legion of 80s and 90s P&Ses that are halfway on their way out due to failing electronics. Against them, I think it gives a good showing of itself.

Anyways I hope it sells well. The more people buying film, the better for us all.
 
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