A Look at a Simple Snapshot Camera for the Pocket Film Format
The Ektra 200 is a pocket film camera from Kodak. It should not be confused with the Ektar 100, the color film from the same manufacturer.
The camera is loaded with pocket films (110) and was built in Stuttgart. Since 2012, films have been available again for this format. Due to the small film format, the camera is also quite compact. The Ektra 200 is made of plastic.
I bought my copy of the Kodak Ektra 200 a long time before. I mainly bought it because of the low price and the pretty packaging; it comes in a plastic box lined with red fabric.
When pocket films were available again, I naturally wanted to test the camera. For this, I chose the Lomography Color Tiger 110.
You don’t really need instructions for the Kodak Ektra 200, as it is quite easy to handle. First, you insert the film cassette into the camera.
Depending on the film speed, the camera now sets an exposure time, either 1/125 second or 1/250 second. Now, a few times with the slider on the bottom, advance the film to the correct position and the camera is ready to use.
The focus and aperture are fixed, so you only have to aim your subject through the viewfinder and press the shutter button. Unfortunately, the Ektra 200 is a rather low-light camera, so I would recommend using it only in sufficient light. It does have a connection for a flash, but this is a connection for the Kodalux 3 or a flash magazine (Flipflash/Topflash).
Conclusion
Of course, the Ektra 200 is not the ultimate among pocket film cameras. Here, the Pentax 110 or the Rollei A110 are a better choice. Nevertheless, the Ektra 200 is a nice snapshot camera. And to simply get a taste of this format, it is a good option.