Kodak Disc 4000 (1982–[production end year uncertain])

A compact fixed-focus viewfinder camera for Kodak's short-lived disc film format, introduced as one of the original models in the 1982 lineup.

Overview

The Kodak Disc 4000 is a compact still camera launched in 1982, part of Kodak's first wave of disc film cameras. Kodak marketed it as one of the fancier models in the line. It was built for simplicity: load, aim, shoot. It has a fixed-focus lens and a built-in flash. It uses the proprietary Kodak disc film, which holds fifteen 8×10.5mm exposures on a flat, circular cartridge. The camera has a sliding metal lens cover and metal construction, so it feels better made than the typical plastic point-and-shoots of the era. Production of the Disc 4000 ended around [1984 or 1989, sources conflict]. Kodak kept selling disc cameras until it phased out the entire format in 1988.

Specifications

Film Format	Kodak disc film (15 exposures, 8×10.5mm)
Focal Length	12.5mm
Aperture	f/2.8
Flash	Built-in
Shutter	Single shutter
Dimensions	Conflicting reports: 118 x 79 x 26 mm, 152 x 79 x 29 mm, or 4.2 x 2.1 x 1.3 in
Weight	Conflicting reports: 180g, 181g, or ca. 185g

Design

The Disc 4000 has a compact silver and black body with a sliding metal lens cover and metal construction. It comes with an attached wrist strap. Controls are minimal, aimed at buyers who wanted a sleek, portable camera and nothing to fiddle with.

Context

The Kodak Disc 4000 was one of the original models when Kodak launched its disc camera system in 1982. It came alongside the Disc 6000 and 8000. Together they were Kodak's push into ultra-compact photography, using a new film format made for slim, pocketable cameras. The disc system ultimately failed in the long term, but these models were among the most advanced consumer point-and-shoots of their time.

Market

Original pricing ranged between $60 and $66 at launch. Today, used Disc 4000 units sell on secondary markets for between $8 and $36, with no significant collectible premium. The camera's value is largely nostalgic, and since disc film has been discontinued, functional use is limited.