The Kodak Star Zoom 105 is a point-and-shoot camera. It was introduced by Kodak in the 90s. The model was produced in Malaysia and comes with a plastic body. The new price at that time was around 300 US dollars. Today, you can get a used copy for just a few euros or dollars.
The camera relies on automatic functions and is easy to operate. In addition, the Kodak Star Zoom 105 QD was offered. This variant also offers the option of adding the date and time to the photos when they are taken.
The 35mm camera comes with a fixed zoom lens. The lens is called “Ektanar Zoom Lens”. The zoom range is from 38mm to 105mm and is controlled with a lever on the back. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 at 38 mm. There is no need to focus manually with the Kodak Star Zoom 105. The camera has an autofocus.
The 35 mm camera also comes with a light meter. The exposure is automatically adjusted by the Kodak Star Zoom 105. The sensitivity of the film material is read out via a code on the film cartridge. You cannot set the film speed yourself. There is also no direct influence on shutter speed and aperture.
The built-in flash provides sufficient light. A red-eye prevention mode is available. The camera has a thread for a tripod and a self-timer. It requires CR 123A batteries (eBay / Amazon*). A display on the top of the housing gives info on the number of pictures, battery charge level and info on the current mode.
Films for the Kodak Star Zoom 105
Which films does the Kodak Star Zoom 105 need? According to the instructions, films of the 35mm format are used. Films of this format are still easily obtained today and are also still developed. The film is automatically transported by the camera. Through a window on the back, you can see if film is loaded and if so, what type it is.
A good film choice is the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color images and the Kodak T-Max 400* for black and white images. Both films feature high quality and deliver solid results. The color film impresses with rich colors and the B&W film brings nice contrasts and good sharpness.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 38 mm - 105 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash modes | Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
| Country of production | Malaysia |
FAQ about the Kodak Star Zoom 105
Is the Kodak Star Zoom 105 easy to use, even for beginners?
Yes, it's a point-and-shoot camera designed for simplicity. It uses automatic settings for focusing and exposure, making it very user-friendly, even without prior photography experience. There are minimal manual controls.
What kind of film does this camera take?
The Kodak Star Zoom 105 uses standard 35mm film. These are readily available in most photo stores and online retailers. The camera automatically advances the film.
Does the camera have a zoom?
Yes, it features a built-in zoom lens, an 'Ektanar Zoom Lens', that ranges from 38mm to 105mm. You adjust the zoom using a lever on the back of the camera.
How do I know if the camera is working correctly?
There's a small display that shows information like the number of pictures remaining, battery life, and current shooting mode. The viewfinder shows what the lens sees. You can also see the film through a window on the back.
What type of batteries does the snapshot camera use?
The Kodak Star Zoom 105 requires CR123A batteries for operation. These are fairly common and can be purchased at most electronics stores or online.