Kodak enters low-cost film market with $35 EC35 camera
The new EC35 undercuts previous Kodak-branded offerings from the manufacturer, offering a fixed-lens point-and-shoot experience at a price point comparable to disposable cameras.
Kodak has expanded its portfolio of analogue imaging products with the announcement of the EC35, a pocketable 35mm film camera priced at $35. Manufactured by Reto Project, the device is positioned as an accessible entry point for consumers seeking a tangible alternative to digital photography, offering a fixed-lens experience that mirrors the simplicity of disposable cameras.
The EC35 features a 25mm lens with a fixed f/10 aperture and a fixed shutter speed of 1/100 second. Exposure control is managed through a built-in automatic flash, which is powered by a single AA battery. To prevent accidental exposures, the camera includes a slide cover that functions simultaneously as a lens protector and a shutter lock, allowing users to store the device in bags or pockets without risk of unintended film advancement.
This release establishes a lower barrier to entry for Kodak’s film segment compared to previous collaborations with Reto Project. The EC35 is priced significantly below the $100 Kodak Snapic A1 and the $50 EKTAR H35 half-frame camera, which were launched in prior years. The move follows the commercial success of other Kodak-branded products from the manufacturer, including a similar model historically priced at $34.99 that featured manual wind and rewind capabilities.
Consumers can purchase the EC35 in seven distinct colour options: Midnight Black, Vanilla White, Butter Yellow, Lavender, Powder Blue, Blush Pink, and Avocado. In addition to the standalone unit, Kodak offers a bundle option that includes a roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 film for an additional $10, providing a complete initial shooting kit for new users.
The announcement, first reported by Engadget, highlights Kodak’s continued strategy to leverage its brand heritage in the physical media sector. By offering a straightforward, no-frills 35mm option, the company is targeting a demographic that values the tactile nature of film photography without the complexity or cost associated with more advanced manual systems.
