The Kodak Pony IV is a viewfinder camera. It was built by Kodak from 1957 to 1961. It is the successor of the Kodak Pony II.
A fixed lens is installed in the camera. It is called “Kodak Anastar” and has a maximum aperture of f3.5. You have to focus the lens manually.
The exposure is not measured by the camera. The exposure time and aperture can be freely selected. The camera comes with a Bulb mode. In Bulb setting, the remains open as long as the photographer keeps the shutter button pressed.
The Kodak Pony IV can be mounted on a tripod. Batteries are not necessary for the 35mm camera. It operates fully mechanically.
Films for the Kodak Pony IV
The Kodak Pony IV takes its pictures on 35mm film. 35mm films are still made today and are quite easy to get. Possible films for the Kodak Pony IV are the Kodak Gold 200 for color photos and the Ilford HP5 Plus for b&w photos. The development of the color film is done in the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.
The B&W film must be developed in the appropriate photochemistry for black and white images. You can also send the film to the lab for development, but better results are obtained if you develop the film yourself.
The advantages of developing at home are that you have full control over the images, and the cost is also lower than the cost of developing in a professional photo lab after the acquisition costs, especially when developing several films per month.
You can buy the Kodak Pony IV only in used condition. How the condition is and if it still works determines the value of the camera. The original price was 40 USD.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 44 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | USA |
| End of production | 1961 |
| Production duration | 4 years |
FAQ about the Kodak Pony IV
Is the Kodak Pony IV a 35mm camera?
Yes, the Kodak Pony IV uses standard 35mm film. This makes it easy to find film and develop your photos, either at home or at a lab.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Kodak Pony IV has a manual focus lens. You'll need to adjust the focus ring on the lens yourself to get sharp pictures.
Does the camera have a light meter?
No, the Kodak Pony IV doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll have to determine the correct exposure settings yourself, based on the lighting conditions.
What kind of film does this little camera use?
The Kodak Pony IV takes standard 35mm film. You can use color film like Kodak Gold 200 or black and white film such as Ilford HP5 Plus.
Does the device need batteries to work?
No, the Kodak Pony IV is a fully mechanical camera. It doesn't require batteries to operate; it works purely by mechanical actions.