The Kodak Instamatic 804 is a viewfinder camera from the 1960s. It was built in the United States of America between 1965 and 1970. The list price at the time was $124.50.
What made the camera so expensive was the Instamatic 804’s range of features, including a coupled rangefinder. It also comes with an Ektanar 38 mm f/2.8 lens and a Selenium exposure meter. There is also an automatic film transport and a socket for flashcubes.
Unfortunately, the necessary 126 (Kodapak) films are no longer manufactured. There is no alternative for these films. For this reason, it is no longer possible to take pictures with the camera today. It is only suitable as a decorative object in the showcase.
Other models that are almost identical in appearance and functionality:
Kodak Instamatic 800
The Kodak Instamatic 800 comes with a connector for AG-1 bulbs instead of a Flashcube socket. It was built from 1964 to 1966 and its list price was $129.50.
Kodak Instamatic 814
The Kodak Instamatic 814 has a CdS cell instead of a selenium light meter. The light meter gets its power from two PX825 mercury batteries. The 814 also has an Ektar Lens 38 mm f/2.8. It ab them in the period between 1968 and 1970. The list price was $139.50.
Kodak Instamatic 714
The Kodak Instamatic 714 has the same features as the 814, but it did without the automatic film transport. The list price at the time was $119.50. It was built between 1968 and 1970.
Kodak Instamatic X-90
Built from 1970 to 1973, the Kodak Instamatic X-90 comes with a jack for Magicubes. Otherwise, the viewfinder camera listed at the time for just under $150 is identical to the Instamatic 814.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 126 |
| Film transport | ? |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/60 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Connection for flash cubes |
| Country of production | USA |
| End of production | 1970 |
| Production duration | 5 years |
FAQ about the Kodak Instamatic 804
How much did the Kodak Instamatic 804 cost when it was new?
The Kodak Instamatic 804 had a list price of $124.50 USD when it was first released between 1965 and 1970. This was considered quite expensive for the time due to its advanced features.
What kind of lens does this old camera have?
The Instamatic 804 boasts an Ektanar 38 mm f/2.8 lens. This lens, combined with other features, contributed to the camera's high price tag.
Can I still take pictures with this camera today?
Unfortunately, no. The 126 (Kodapak) film this camera uses is no longer manufactured, making it impossible to take new photographs with it. It's primarily a collector's item now.
What is a rangefinder in a camera?
The Instamatic 804 features a coupled rangefinder. This is a mechanism that helps you focus the camera accurately by aligning two images in the viewfinder.
What are some similar models to the Kodak Instamatic 804?
Several similar models exist, including the Kodak Instamatic 800, 814, 714, and X-90. These cameras share a similar design and many features, but have some differences, such as flash attachments and metering systems.