Kodak Star 635 (1990–1991)

The Kodak Star 635 is a simple, motorized 35mm point-and-shoot made in Brazil between 1990 and 1991. It was a no-frills snapshot camera. The lens is a focus-free 33mm f/4.5 three-element glass design with a protective cap. The shutter is fixed at 1/100 second, and DX code reading handles ISO 100, 200, and 400 films. Aperture switches between f/9 in daylight and f/4.5 when the built-in flash is in use. Focus runs from 4 feet to infinity, and the flash recycles in roughly seven seconds on fresh batteries. Power comes from two AA alkaline cells. Kodak explicitly advises against rechargeable and lithium types.

Documentation on this model is thin. The most detailed record comes from a shop listing, not period literature or owner reviews. That seller described the camera as in very good cosmetic condition, tested with batteries and film installed, with all functions working (the film was not developed). The listing included the original manual in English and Spanish plus a nylon case. That seller could find no examples of photos taken with the Star 635, and none have surfaced elsewhere in the sources available to the archive. Another listing offers one "for parts," implying a non-functional or incomplete unit. Current asking prices range from $42.00 CAD to R$ 75,00 depending on the seller and market. No original launch price is recorded.

The Star 635 is closely related to the Kodak Star 735, which shares the same lens and shutter but has a weaker flash. Beyond that, the record is quiet: no owner reviews, no known failure patterns, no production quantities. It is a competent, basic camera from Kodak's early-1990s Brazilian output, likely bought for holidays and family events, used until the roll was done, and then set aside.

Known specs:

- Lens: 33mm focus-free, f/4.5, 3-element glass with protective cap

- Shutter: Fixed 1/100 second

- Aperture: f/4.5 (flash) / f/9 (daylight)

- Focus: 4 ft (1.2 m) to infinity

- Film: 35mm, ISO 100/200/400 via DX code reading

- Flash: Built-in, ~7 second recycle

- Power: 2 AA alkaline batteries (rechargeable/lithium not recommended)

- Dimensions: 5.3 × 2.8 × 1.8 in (136 × 71 × 46 mm)

- Weight: ~7 oz (200 g) with film and batteries

- Made in Brazil, 1990–1991