The Kodak KD65 is a snapshot camera. It was introduced by Kodak in the 90s. The model was aimed at casual photographers and was not a big deal from a technical point of view at that time. The sister model is the Kodak KD60. This model, however, lacks the ability to incorporate the exposure time into the images.
The 35mm camera comes with a fixed lens. The designation “Ektanar 28mm f/4.5 Ektanar” decorates the lens. The focal length is 28mm and the largest aperture of the lens is f/4.5. The 35mm camera has a 4-zone autofocus. The closest focusing distance for this lens is 80 cm.
The Kodak KD65 has a light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 100 to ISO 1000. The correct sensitivity is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. The camera has an automatic exposure control. The photographer cannot select aperture and exposure time.
The 35mm camera comes with a built-in flash. At ISO 100 the range is up to 3.7 meters. The Kodak KD65 has a thread for a tripod and a self-timer. A CR 123A battery (eBay / Amazon*) provides the power supply.
The battery is also required to power the display on the top of the camera. The battery status, the number of captured images and the current mode are displayed there. Among other things, there is a mode for avoiding red eyes when taking pictures with flash, a mode with fixed focus on infinity and a panorama mode.
In Panorama mode, two bars inside the camera are pushed into the image from above and below, creating the look of a panorama. This trick can of course also be easily created in image editing.
Films for the Kodak KD65
Which film is used for the Kodak KD65? The camera exposes 35mm films. 35mm films are still in production and are developed without problems in most photo labs. A 35mm film for color photography is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 100*. Of course, the film does not have to be produced by Kodak, great films are also available from Fujifilm, Ilford and many other suppliers.
The negatives of the 35mm photo camera have a size of 24mm x 36mm. With this exposure range, a film (135-36) usually holds at least 36 photos. The film is automatically transported by a motor. When the film material is full, the film is automatically rewound into the cartridge and can be developed.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/150 second to 1,2 seconds |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 1000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,8 to 3,7 Meter / 2.62 to 12.14 Feet |
| Flash modes | Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
FAQ about the Kodak KD65
What kind of film does this Kodak camera use?
The Kodak KD65 uses standard 35mm film. You can use color or black and white film from various brands like Kodak, Fujifilm, or Ilford. These are readily available and easily developed at most photo labs.
How many pictures can I take with one roll of film?
A standard 35mm roll of film for the Kodak KD65 typically holds 36 exposures. Once the film is full, it automatically rewinds into the cartridge.
Does the simple camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, the Kodak KD65 has a built-in flash. At ISO 100, it has a range of up to 3.7 meters. There's also a red-eye reduction mode.
What type of lens does the snapshot camera have?
It has a fixed 28mm f/4.5 Ektanar lens. This means you can't change the lens, and the widest aperture is f/4.5. The closest focusing distance is 80cm.
How does the automatic camera know what film speed (ISO) to use?
The Kodak KD65 uses the DX code on the film canister to automatically detect the film speed (ISO). This allows for correct exposure settings between ISO 100 and ISO 1000.