The Kodak KB 12 is a compact camera. It dates from the late 1990s and was marketed by the American photo pioneer as part of the KB series. The camera is easy to use and offers almost no setting options. The target audience was beginners and amateurs in the field of photography.
The camera comes with a lens that cannot be changed. 30 mm is the focal length of the lens. The largest aperture of the camera is f/8. The focus of the lens is fixed. The closest focusing distance is 1.2 m with this lens.
The sensitivity of the film is read via the DX code on the cartridge. Films with ISO 100, ISO 200 and ISO 400 are supported, and depending on the value, the power of the built-in flash is regulated. The power source of the Kodak KB 12 are two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Kodak KB 12
35mm film is exposed in the Kodak KB 12. The camera’s negatives have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. At this size, 36 images fit on a 36 35mm film. The film must be manually rewound by the photographer using a thumbwheel. Rewinding is also done manually, in this case with a crank.
This type of film is still in production and can be handled by most photo labs without issue. A great film choice for color images is the Kodak Gold 200* and for B&W images is the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both films are produced by Kodak. The Kodak Gold 200 is specifically for the consumer segment. The Kodak T-Max 100, on the other hand, delivers professional quality, according to the manufacturer. Of course, you don’t have to go for Kodak film with the Kodak camera; you can also get film stock from one of the other manufacturers.
The color film is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs. Most drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films. The black-and-white film must be developed in a real black-and-white developer.
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 |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
FAQ about the Kodak KB 12
Is the Kodak KB 12 easy to use, even for beginners?
Yes, the Kodak KB 12 is designed for beginners and amateurs. It's simple to operate and doesn't offer many settings, making it user-friendly.
What kind of lens does this compact camera have?
It has a fixed 30mm lens, meaning you can't change lenses. The fixed focus and f/8 aperture are also features of this simple camera.
What types of film does the KB 12 camera use?
The camera uses standard 35mm film. It reads the ISO from the DX code and supports ISO 100, 200, and 400 film.
How are the photos advanced and rewound?
Both advancing and rewinding the film is done manually. You use a thumb wheel to advance and a crank to rewind the film.
Where can I get the film developed?
Most photo labs can develop the 35mm film used in this camera. Color film uses the standard C-41 process, while black and white film requires a specialized process.