- The Snapic A1 has a 25mm three-element glass lens
- The camera supports multiple exposure shooting.
- It weighs 117g and has a pocketable plastic construction.
Kodak has the distinction of being one of the oldest camera manufacturers in the world, but today its logo is more likely to be seen on a roll of film than on an actual camera. So the arrival of a new Kodak camera is a pleasant and nostalgic surprise, even if it has simply been produced under license by an outside company rather than being conceived at Kodak’s US headquarters in Rochester, New York.
The Kodak Snapic A1, announced today, is designed and manufactured by Hong Kong-based Reto Production (also responsible for other recent Kodak analog models like the Ektar H35N and half-frame Charmera), and is a cheap and cheerful 35mm plastic film camera full of retro charm.
It’s available in two colors (Rhino Gray and Ivory White) for just $99 (around £75 / AU$150) and comes with a neck strap and pouch (but doesn’t include film or AAA batteries, which you’ll need to purchase yourself).
The Snapic A1 features a three-element glass lens with a focal length of 25mm and a maximum aperture of f/9.5. Focus is manual, with only two settings: from 1.5 m to infinity and from 0.5 to 1.5 m.
There’s an automatic flash with red-eye reduction, automatic film loading, forward and rewind, and the ability to take multiple exposure shots (with two images in the same frame). An OLED panel on top provides information on battery life, remaining exposures, and more.
Analysis: I am cautiously optimistic
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All in all, the Kodak Snapic A1 seems like a very basic setup, but I wouldn’t expect anything more than that for $99.
And while the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and I’d like to see a few shots before passing judgment on the quality of this camera, I like the beautiful retro-inspired design and the little flashes of Kodak orange here and there, reminiscent of 35mm cameras from the 1970s and 1980s.
I also have high hopes that the glass lens will provide nice, sharp images, although I’ll have to wait until I get my hands on one to find out. The Kodak Snapic A1 is available for purchase on Reto’s Kodak website starting today, with orders shipping in early December.
Some sample images are posted in the gallery below to give you an idea of what you can do.
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