Kodak Hawkeye Pocket Instamatic (1973–1979)

The Kodak Hawkeye Pocket Instamatic is a compact plastic 110 cartridge camera from the mid-1970s, built to fit in a pocket and load by dropping in a cartridge. Museums Victoria dates its example to 1974-1979 and records it as made by Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd in Coburg, Australia. Other sources give a broader 1973-1979 production window. It was marketed as a pocket camera and a cartridge camera.

The record on specifications is thin, but a few details have surfaced. The camera uses 110 cartridge film (16mm film in a drop-in cartridge). One period listing notes a 1:11/25mm lens, two shutter speeds - one for normal conditions and one flash-synchronized - and Magicube flash capability. The color scheme is beige, black and burnt orange. Dimensions are around 4.5 inches long, 2.25 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. The Science Museum Group holds an example in its collection.

Market listings show these cameras are common and cheap. One dealer listed one for $14.99 as-is. Most listings call the cameras untested and sell them for decoration or collection rather than use. Lomography's community has posted sample photos shot with the Hawkeye Pocket Instamatic, so working examples do exist in enthusiast hands.

Known specs:

- Film: 110 cartridge (16mm film)

- Lens: 1:11/25mm

- Shutter: two speeds, one flash-synchronized

- Flash: Magicube

- Body: compact plastic

- Dimensions: approx. 4.5 × 2.25 × 1 in

- Production: 1973-1979 (Kodak Australasia, Coburg, Australia for some examples)