In 2021, Sino Promise Group Limited, a China-based company, presented the Kodak M38, a camera for 35mm films. It acquired the license for the “Kodak” brand and produces a range of 35mm cameras under this name. Marketing in specialized markets is handled by RETO Production Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company.
The camera is available in many colors. It comes in yellow, dark blue, dark red, black, grapefruit, white, and purple.
The M38 comes with a fixed lens. With a focal length of 31 mm, it has the largest aperture of f/10 and is made of a plastic lens element.
The lens focus is fixed and cannot be adjusted. To prevent blurriness, the subject should be at least 100 cm away.
The Kodak M38 is not equipped with a light meter. The exposure settings are fixed: the aperture is f/10 and the shutter speed is set to 1/120 second. There is no bulb mode for this camera.
The built-in flash provides sufficient light. Although the flash intensity is not adjustable, the flash can be activated or deactivated.
The camera features neither a tripod socket nor a self-timer, nor a double exposure function.
According to the manual, the camera weighs 116 grams. The dimensions are 11.4 x 6.3 x 3.5 cm. The 35mm camera is powered by an AAA battery (eBay / Amazon*). The battery, which is required for flash operation, is not included.
Films for the Kodak M38
The camera is not supplied with film. The M38 is designed for use with 35mm films. Despite the popularity of digital cameras, the 35mm format remains an important aspect of photography, and various manufacturers continue to produce films in this format.
For color images with the M38, Kodak Ultramax 400* is recommended, while Kodak TRI-X 400* is recommended for black and white images. In tests, both films achieved good results in typical use cases.
However, there are also a variety of other films that can be used with this camera, including those from other manufacturers such as Lomography, Foma, Rollei, and Fujifilm, which provide suitable 35mm films for the Kodak M38.
Color films are usually developed using the C-41 development process, which is available in all photo labs that develop 35mm films. Black and white films, however, must be processed with a special black and white developer.
Sample images
These sample images were taken with the Kodak M38. Kodak Color Plus 200 film was used. The film had already expired several years before it was used (the best-before date had already passed). The films were digitized by the DM-Markt photo lab.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Thumbwheel |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 31 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/10 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Lens design | 1 element |
| Exposure times | 1/120 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x AAA battery |
| Size | 11,4 x 6,3 x 3,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.49 x 2.48 x 1.38 inches |
| Weight | 116 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Sino Promise |
| Company name of the manufacturer | Sino Promise Group Limited |
| Country of production | China |
| Estimated value / Used price | 67,05 Euro 11910962551591184574177 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 15, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 67,00 Euro (72.52 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Kodak M38
What is the focal length and aperture of the Kodak M38's fixed lens?
The Kodak M38 features a fixed 31mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/10. It's made of a single plastic lens element.
Does this 35mm film camera have any exposure controls, such as a light meter or adjustable shutter speed?
No, the camera lacks a light meter and has fixed exposure settings: f/10 aperture and a 1/120th of a second shutter speed. There's no bulb mode.
What type of battery does the Kodak M38 use, and is it included?
The camera uses a single AAA battery to power the built-in flash. Note that the battery is not included in the package.
What are the dimensions and weight of the device?
The Kodak M38 measures 11.4 x 6.3 x 3.5 cm and weighs 116 grams. It's a compact and lightweight 35mm camera.
Can I use any 35mm film with the camera, or are there specific recommendations?
While the camera works with most 35mm films, Kodak recommends Ultramax 400 for color and TRI-X 400 for black and white. Other brands like Lomography and Fujifilm are also compatible.