Kodak VR35 (1987–1990)

A 35mm snapshot camera from Kodak's late-1980s return to point-and-shoot film. It has fixed focus, motorized film transport and a built-in flash.

Overview

The Kodak VR35 is a series of 35mm point-and-shoot cameras introduced in 1986. It was Kodak's return to making 35mm cameras after a 17-year absence. The line was built in Thailand and includes the K500, K300, K400, K60, K80, K12, K5 and K14. The VR35 K500, one of the better-documented models, was produced from 1987 until 1990. The design is simple. Film advance and rewind are motor-driven, and a built-in lens cover turns the camera and flash on when opened and off when closed. It takes standard 35mm (135) film in ISO 100, 200 and 400, and the aperture adjusts automatically to the film speed setting.

Specifications

Type of Film	35mm
Focal length	38 mm
Maximum aperture	f/5.6
Focus	Fixed
Flash	mentioned, no further specification provided
Battery	9V
ISO range	100, 200, 400
Shutter speed	The shutter speed in all cases is the same — exact value not given
Film advance	Motor driven
Flash distance range	3–15 ft (ISO 100), 3–20 ft (ISO 200), 3–30 ft (ISO 400/1000) — based on VR35 K14 manual

Market

Good working examples of the Kodak VR35 go for $20 or less. Some untested units are listed around $25, often with the original boxes and paperwork. One user report describes a film advance problem: "it won't advance - it's like it's stuck." That points to a possible reliability concern, simple design or not.