Kodak releases Snapic A1 film camera for $99

[MattKing]

The auto-flash will go a long way to improving a lot of the results from usage of this camera.

 

[pentaxuser]

Why A1?

pentaxuser

 

[MattKing]

I have wondered that myself. Perhaps not a loss-leader per se, but definitely willing to take more of a hit on margins for the camera in lieu of (presumably) healthy margins on film packs, than anyone attempting to sell a 35mm camera these days. It may explain the lack of a middle-weight affordable option.

Or just maybe an electronically controlled leaf shutter costs a lot more these days when they're only being made in the 1000s, rather than millions as would have been the case throughout the 1980s and 1990s?

Similar to the rationale behind razors and razor blades.

 

[Milpool]

Another lo-fi not lo-fi thingy with a repurposed brand on it. Yay.

 

[MattKing]

Makes me think of one of these:

 

[xkaes]

Why A1?

pentaxuser

They're competing with the Sony A1:

 

[warden]

The lens is too wide!

The lens is not wide enough!

 

[Truzi]

It's not something I'd buy now, but is something I would have wanted back when I was a broke undergrad student and couldn't afford it.

Seriously, I think it should appeal to a good chunk of consumers. As I've mentioned before, I'm not at the level as most people on this site - I always just wanted snapshots. So long as the build quality is adequate this camera would meet that need for many people.

The only things that would have turned me off are the Red Eye Reduction if you can't turn it off (I've lost shots due to the delay with that) and auto advance (I was fine with a thumb-wheel). The LCD display is nice, but a mechanical counter and status LEDs would have been fine for me.

Now I have a few full-featured 35mm cameras, a Bronica GS1, Super Speed Graphic, and a variety of other things. I've evolved, and don't really need a new camera. Still, all I want are snapshots.

However, when all I wanted was a basic 35mm point-and-shoot, this would have been great. I think a lot of people out there will feel the same way.