Kodak Cameo Motor EX (1995–1996)

A fixed-focus 35mm point-and-shoot camera with motorized film transport and built-in flash, released in 1996 as part of a limited Olympic Edition run.

Overview

The Kodak Cameo Motor EX is a compact 35mm fixed-focus point-and-shoot camera introduced in 1995-1996, around the time of the Atlanta Olympic Games. It has a clamshell design, and the lens extends automatically when you open it. That made it one of the smallest and most portable film cameras of its era. Kodak sold it as an easy snapshot camera and positioned it as a more stylish alternative to the basic Kodak Star series. Within its limits the images come out surprisingly sharp and colorful. It has auto exposure, DX coding, and a built-in flash that cannot be turned off but can be manually forced on. Some users picked it up as a bonus camera in bulk lots. It is still known for its discreet size and the Olympic Edition branding.

Specifications

Format	35mm
Type	Fixed Focus Point and Shoot
Lens	34mm f/4.5–f/11 3-element lens
Battery	2 AA or AAA Cells (varies by region)
Features	A Flash that you can't turn off but can force on should you choose, Self-Timer
Viewfinder	reverse-Galilean viewfinder
Flash range	The built in flash seemed usable to about 8-10 feet using this 100 speed film

Design

The Kodak Cameo Motor EX uses a clamshell design. The lens springs out when the camera is opened, so it stores small and deploys fast. It is very small and fits in a jeans pocket. Film transport is motorized and the lens is fixed-focus. The flash cannot be disabled, which limits creative use in low light, but it can be manually triggered when needed.

Context

The 1995-1996 Kodak Cameo Motor EX was released as a more stylish, more featured alternative to the Kodak Star series. A special Olympic Edition variant commemorated the Atlanta Games. It was aimed at casual photographers who wanted a portable, fully automatic 35mm camera. It is not a high-end model, but it offered reliable performance and surprising image quality for everyday snapshots.

Market

The Kodak Cameo Motor EX was originally priced at approximately $45-$100 (with discounts). It was later acquired in bulk lots for as little as $3.87. In recent listings, used units have been priced between $17 and $45, which fits a nostalgic, functional film camera rather than a rare collectible. No widespread reliability issues have been documented. One user did report that the lens failed to extend upon opening, possibly pointing to a mechanical or battery-related fault.