Kodak Happy Times (Coca-Cola)

The Kodak Happy Times (Coca-Cola) is an instant camera. It is a collaboration between the Eastman Kodak Company and Coca-Cola. It was built in the USA in the late 1970s and is functionally identical to the Kodak EK2.

The housing is available in two different shades of brown. Parts are printed with the Coca-Cola logo. It is the only Kodak instant camera that does not bear the Kodak logo. The housing is made of plastic.

A total of around 25,000 of the camera were manufactured. They were sold with a box for an additional cost of $17.95. The normal price for the Kodak EK2 was around $20. However, the campaign was not a great success. So around 6,000 pieces went back to Kodak, which converted them into Kodak Pleasers.

The Kodak Happy Times is known for its uncomplicated handling. It aims to simplify the use of cameras by eliminating some configurable options that are common on other models. This feature makes it an easily accessible option suitable for a variety of scenarios, be it for social events such as celebrations and weddings or as a loyal travel companion.

The essential settings are already preconfigured. It offers no flexibility in choosing shutter speed and aperture, but comes with a fixed lens with a focal length of 100mm and a maximum aperture of f/12.7.

Although the model does not offer an integrated zoom, as is the case with smartphones, it guarantees sharp shots at a minimum distance of 120 cm.

A flash bar can be attached to the camera body for shooting in low light. However, it doesn’t have the option to be mounted on a tripod and lacks a self-timer.

Film material for the Kodak Happy Times

Special films are required to operate the instant camera. Unfortunately, the original consumables have already been discontinued and there are no available alternatives, limiting the use of the camera today.

Alternative options

For those who still want to experience the charm of an instant camera, there are a variety of other models to choose from. Some popular alternatives are the Polaroid OneStep Autofocus* and Polaroid 636 Closeup*, which offer similar functionality and use the same film format.

There are also alternatives outside of the Polaroid range, such as the Instax Mini 9* and Instax Mini 40*. The films for these models continue to be produced and are easily available online.