Kodak Fling

The Kodak Fling / Kodak Fling 200 is a disposable camera manufactured by Kodak and designed for the 110 format.

History

In 1986, Fujifilm introduced a pocket film disposable camera to the Japanese market. At that time, cameras were very expensive in Japan, so Fuji was able to capture the spirit of the times with the disposable cameras, which cost only a fraction of a “normal” camera.

Fujifilm’s disposable cameras were very simple in design. In principle, it was a film cassette with a lens, shutter release and a little housing. The brand name used was 写ルンです (Utsurundesu), which translates as “it really takes photos”.

The success was also recognised by Kodak. At the time, Kodak was struggling to compete with Kodak’s strong competition in the Japanese market and Fujifilm was now also targeting America. After the success in Japan, Fuji now wanted to bring the disposable cameras to America and announced this at an industry trade fair in February 1987. Just a few hours before Fuji’s planned announcement, Kodak presented the Fling.

The Fujicolor Quicksnap was then introduced in the spring of 1987. A 35mm camera for single use for around 10 dollars. Kodak wanted to attract customers by using the pocket film format. Despite the lower price of 6.95 US dollars, the camera was not convincing, also because of the lower image quality. A 35mm version was therefore introduced in 1988.

The cameras are regarded as the beginning of disposable cameras. However, Kodak’s pocket film version was discontinued as early as 1989, as models for the 35 mm format were much more popular. In the following years, different versions were introduced, with flash, for underwater photography, etc.

Was the Utsurundesu really the first disposable camera? That is open to debate. The Kodak No. 1 from 1888 came with a film already inserted. Once the 100 photos had been taken, the camera was sent to Kodak and the developed film material and the camera, with fresh film, were sent back. The principle is therefore very similar to the models introduced 100 years later.

Features

The camera model is equipped with a fixed lens. There is no option to change the focus settings. Manual focussing on the subject is not provided. To ensure good image quality, you should maintain a distance of at least 120 cm from the subject.

The exposure must be measured externally. The pocket film camera does not have a light meter. The aperture and shutter speed are fixed. There is no exact specification of the values. With disposable cameras, you often find values of f/8 for the aperture and 1/100 second for the shutter speed. This makes it suitable for daylight photography. For indoor or late evening shots, you should use a different camera.

There is no built-in flash. There is also no self-timer or tripod thread. Batteries are not required for photography.

Films for the Kodak Fling

Which film is used for the Kodak Fling? The camera contains 110 pocket film. This format is characterised by its compact size. The film has a sensitivity of ISO 200 and is designed for colour images.

To develop the colour film, it is processed using the C-41 process. Most photo labs offer this service. Many drugstores offer colour film for processing. However, you should first clarify whether it is possible to develop this format and the disposable camera.

The film is wound manually in the Kodak Fling.

Alternatives

The camera has not been manufactured for a long time. There is no disposable camera for the 110 format. However, there are still many models for the 35 mm format. Suitable models are offered by Ilford, Lomography, Kodak and Fujifilm.