Kodak KB 18

The Kodak KB 18 is a model from the 1990s. The compact camera from Eastman Kodak is part of the consumer series KB. The model is very simple to use and offers few setting options.

The 35mm camera comes with a fixed lens. The focal length of the lens is 30mm. Therefore, the camera does not have a zoom. The maximum aperture is f/8. The focus of the lens is fixed. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 1.2 m.

In addition to focus and aperture, the shutter speed is also fixed. The shutter takes each picture at 1/100 of a second. Nevertheless, the camera has an automatic detection of the film speed. The values ISO 100, 200 and 400 can be read out via the DX coding on the cartridge. Depending on the value, the power of the built-in flash is set differently.

For ISO 100 filming, the built-in flash reaches up to 2.8 meters. It is triggered with every picture, but cannot be switched off. According to the user manual, the dimensions of the Kodak KB 18 are 11.7 x 6.3 x 4.1 cm. It weighs 120 grams with its plastic housing. Two AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are responsible for the power supply.

Films for the Kodak KB 18

The Kodak KB 18 uses 35mm films. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified from almost any developing vendor. For color images, there is about the Fujifilm Superia 400*. An option for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*. Both films produce solid results and can be used in a variety of cameras, besides the KB 18.

After each press of the shutter button, the film must be spooled to the next frame with a thumbwheel. After 36 frames, the film is usually full and must be cranked back into the cartridge. The film can then be removed and taken for development. The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. The black and white film must be processed in a true black and white developer.