Kodak VR35 K12
For a name that's as associated with film photography as Kodak, it seems odd that the company had such an on-again, off-again relationship with film cameras. Towards the end of the 19th century, Kodak made its name with the help of cameras that were pre-loaded with film and that were sent back to Kodak for processing, printing, and reloading. But as other camera manufacturers made better and more consumer-friendly cameras, Kodak often found itself a little behind the curve and often out of the market altogether. Despite putting out some very fine models like the Medalists, the Retina series, and the Signet, by 1970, Kodak dropped out of the camera-branding business. It wouldn't be until the mid-1980s that Kodak decided to jump back into the camera marketing pool with its new lineup of Kodak VR35 point-and-shoot cameras. The VR35 cameras came in different versions and the models had varying degrees of sophistication.
Released in 1986, the Kodak VR35 K12 came with a prime 35mm f/2.8 lens, auto-focus, pop-up flash, and DX coding. It was pretty well what any photographer would need for a quality point-and-shoot. Unless you lived through (and enjoyed) the styling of the 1980s, the VR35 K12 styling is a bit difficult to understand. But if you appreciate the overly boxy, sharp edged corners of the Dodge K-cars and new wave singers' suits, then the VR35 K12 is for you.
What the VR35 K12 may lack in aesthetics, it makes up for in performance. The four element aspheric Ektar lens provides sharpness all around the image and the flash is far enough away from the lens to reduce the red-eye flash that normally afflicts point-and-shoot photography.
Ultimately - and just like the 1980s - the Kodak VR35 series came to an end in 1990. These hearty little cameras are still out and about; should you come across one, be sure to give it a fair shake. Unlike most other things from 1986, these cameras are still worth using.
ar/js
Blue Moon Camera and Machine llc
- sales@bluemooncamera.com
- (503) 978-0333
- (503) 978-0370
-
8417 North Lombard Street
Portland, OR 97203
All rights reserved ©2024, Blue Moon Camera and Machine llc