The Kodak Expedition is a view camera. It was built by Kodak from 1989 to 1991. The Kodak Expedition was also sold under the name “Kodak Explorer“. The housing of the camera is designed to withstand rain, snow and dust. However, you should not dive with this model.
The camera comes with a fixed lens. The focal length of the lens is 35 mm. The maximum aperture is f/4.5. The camera does not have a zoom.
The Kodak Expedition has a built-in light meter. The camera has an automatic exposure control. The photographer cannot select aperture and exposure time. Also the focus cannot be adjusted.
There is a built-in flash for taking pictures in low light conditions. If one wants to take pictures without flash, the flash can be switched off with a switch on the front side. Power is supplied by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Kodak Expedition
The Kodak Expedition is designed for 35mm film. For this film format there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. A color film for the 35mm camera would be Kodak Portra 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford Delta 100*.
The film speed is read from the DX code on the cartridge of the film. The film speed cannot be set manually. Therefore, when buying films, you should make sure that this code is available.
The exposure range of the 35mm photo camera is 24mm x 36mm. So at least 36 photos fit on a 36 frame 35mm film. The film transport is automatic. The photographer does not have to rewind it. Rewinding the film material back into the cartridge also happens automatically at the end. Of course, the back of the camera must not be opened before that.
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 | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| End of production | 1991 |
| Production duration | 2 years |
FAQ about the Kodak Expedition
Is the Kodak Expedition waterproof?
No, the Kodak Expedition is designed to resist rain, snow, and dust, but it's not waterproof. It shouldn't be submerged in water. So it's weather-resistant but not fully waterproof.
What kind of lens does this camera have?
It has a fixed 35mm lens. You can't zoom in or out. The maximum aperture is f/4.5.
How do I control the exposure settings?
The Kodak Expedition has automatic exposure. You can't manually adjust the aperture, shutter speed, or focus. The camera handles those automatically.
Does the camera have a flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash for low-light conditions. You can turn the flash off with a switch on the front if you prefer.
What type of film does this 35mm camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. You can use both color and black and white film, but make sure it has a DX code for automatic film speed detection.