The Kodak Star 1000 is a simple snapshot camera. It was produced by Kodak in Mexico and introduced in the 90s. The 35mm photo camera was also sold under the name “Kodak KB 10“. With its range of functions and settings, it was not aimed at professional users, but rather at beginners and occasional users. This target group is also noticeable in the lower value, which made a lower price possible.
A fixed lens is installed in the camera. The focal length is unchangeable and is 30 mm. The largest available aperture is f/8. The closest focusing distance is 1.2 meters. The focus of the lens is fixed at 1.2 m to infinity. The shutter speed is also fixed at 1/100 second and cannot be changed.
The camera comes with a built-in flash. The flash fires automatically with every picture. The power reaches up to three meters at ISO 100. The power is set according to the sensitivity of the flash. ISO 100, ISO 200 and ISO 400 films are supported if they have a readable DX code on the cartridge.
Power is supplied by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Here, of course, you can also reach for rechargeable ones. The batteries are only necessary for the operation of the flash. The rest of the camera works mechanically. Thus, the film must be advanced with a thumbwheel and rewound with a crank. Removing the batteries is the only way for disabling the flash.
Films for the Kodak Star 1000
According to the instruction manual, the Kodak Star 1000 is best loaded with 35mm film at ISO 400. A recommendation for color shots is about Kodak Ultramax 400*. If you want to stay monochrome, the Ilford Delta 400* is not bad.
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 |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second |
| 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 |
| Flash range | 1,2 to 3 Meter / 3.94 to 9.84 Feet |
| Flash sync speed | 1/100 s |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
FAQ about the Kodak Star 1000
Is this camera good for taking photos of things that are really close to me?
The Kodak Star 1000 has a fixed focus, meaning it's not ideal for very close-up shots. It's focused from 1.2 meters to infinity, so anything closer than that might be blurry. This camera is better suited for general snapshots where the subject is at a reasonable distance.
What kind of film should I use with the Kodak Star 1000?
This point-and-shoot supports 35mm film with ISO 100, 200, or 400, if the film canister has a DX code. According to the manual, ISO 400 film is recommended for best results. A good option for color photos is Kodak Ultramax 400, while Ilford Delta 400 is a good choice for black and white.
Does this camera use a flash, and can I turn it off?
Yes, the Star 1000 has a built-in flash that automatically fires with every shot. Unfortunately, there isn't a dedicated switch to turn the flash off. The only way to deactivate the flash is by removing the batteries from the camera.
Is it complicated to use this kind of simple camera? How do you load the film and wind it?
The Kodak Star 1000 is designed for beginners, so it's not complicated to use. You load the film into the camera as you would with most 35mm cameras. After each shot, you advance the film manually using a thumbwheel, and when you're finished, you rewind the film back into the canister with a crank.
Do I need batteries for everything, or just for the flash in this 35mm camera?
You only need AA batteries for the flash. The rest of the camera's functions, like advancing and rewinding the film, are mechanical and don't require battery power. So, if you want to use the flash, you'll need batteries, but you can still take pictures without them (although they may be dark in low light).