The Kodak KB 12 Plus is a model from the early 2000s. It was sold by Eastman Kodak as part of the KB series and was aimed at entry-level and casual users. The model settled in the lower price segment and was produced in India. Copies were also sold in India.
The camera comes with a fixed lens that was probably built in the USA. 30 mm is the focal length of the lens. The widest aperture of the camera is f/8. The focus of the lens is fixed, so you can’t focus it yourself. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 1.2 meters.
Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 100 to ISO 400. The film speed is read by the 35mm camera through the DX code on the film cartridge. The aperture and exposure time are set fully automatically by the 35mm and cannot be fixed.
Sufficient light is provided by the built-in flash. The power of the flash depends on the sensitivity of the film. Via the DX coding on the cartridge, the camera can adjust the power. Films with a sensitivity of ISO 100, ISO 200 and ISO 400 are supported.
The Kodak KB 12 Plus has a self-timer and a tripod socket. Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are responsible for the power supply. The batteries are only for the flash and the electronics in the camera. There is no motor for film transport, this is done by a thumbwheel on the back and a crank on the top.
Films for the Kodak KB 12 Plus
The Kodak KB 12 Plus requires 35mm film. 35mm films are still made today and are fairly easy to get. Recommended by Kodak itself are films with a sensitivity of ISO 400. Of course, the films do not have to come from Kodak itself, but can also have been produced by another manufacturer. Possible films for the Kodak KB 12 Plus are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford HP5*. Both films are good for everyday shooting due to their good exposure latitude.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 30 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 120 cm / 3.936 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
FAQ about the Kodak KB 12 Plus
Is the Kodak KB 12 Plus camera easy to use, even for beginners?
Yes, the Kodak KB 12 Plus is designed for beginners and casual users. Its operation is quite straightforward, with automatic exposure settings and a simple film advance mechanism. The camera’s features are intuitive and easy to understand.
What kind of films does this point-and-shoot camera use?
The KB 12 Plus uses standard 35mm film. Kodak recommends ISO 400 film, but other brands and ISO speeds (100-400) will work. You can find 35mm film at most photography stores.
How does the camera focus on the subject?
The Kodak KB 12 Plus has a fixed-focus lens; you cannot manually adjust the focus. The camera's lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2 meters. The focus is automatic, relying on the fixed focus distance.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash powered by two AA batteries. The flash power adjusts automatically depending on the film's ISO speed, which is read from the DX code on the film canister.
What's the lens like on this simple camera?
The KB 12 Plus has a fixed 30mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/8. This means it's a wide-angle lens, good for general-purpose photography, but you can't adjust the aperture or focus manually.