Kodak VR35 K12 (1986–1989)

A compact 35mm point-and-shoot camera with infrared autofocus and built-in flash, produced by Eastman Kodak from 1986 to 1989.

Overview

The Kodak VR35 K12 is a 35mm compact autofocus camera that Eastman Kodak released in the mid-1980s as part of its VR35 series. Chinon, a Japanese company, built it. The K12 sat near the top of the lineup. It has a fast f/2.8 lens and full automation: motor-driven film advance, auto load, auto rewind and automatic fill-flash. It reads ISO values from DX coding, and the viewfinder is bright and has autofocus confirmation. Kodak sold it in 1986 as a premium point-and-shoot, and it originally retailed for around $200. A proprietary 9-volt lithium battery (K323L) powers the electronics and the flash.

Specifications

Lens	35mm f/2.8, 4-element all-glass Ektar lens
Focus System	Infrared autofocus
Film Format	35mm (135), 24 x 36 mm
Film Transport	Auto film load, auto wind, auto rewind
Flash	Built-in automatic fill-flash
Battery	Proprietary 9-volt lithium (K323L)
Dimensions	110(W) x 62(H) x 39(D) mm
Weight	3.53 ounces
Special Features	Self-timer, DX code ISO reading

Design

The VR35 K12 has the chunky-but-sharp look of 1980s compacts, and it favors function over minimalism. The body is built around a large f/2.8 lens in a fixed mount. The controls are clearly placed and easy to find.

Context

Kodak introduced the VR35 K12 in 1986 as part of its push into the advanced point-and-shoot market. As one of the top models in the VR35 series, it offered better optics and full automation at a premium price. It was aimed at serious amateur photographers who wanted convenience without giving up image quality.