Instamatic

Market research which showed that most consumers would be happier with more automated film loading and exposure settings led Kodak to develop the Instamatic cameras starting in the early 1950s under project Easy Load, later updated to Project 13. A. D. Johnson, manager of advertising, is credited with coining the name Instamatic.{{rp|8–9}} In a 1993 article speculating about the potential details of what would eventually be released as the Advanced Photo System, Herbert Keppler noted that "many snapshooters didn't buy cameras or take pictures because they simply couldn't load rollfilm or 35mm cameras. [...] Kodak's Kodapak 126 35mm cartridge, introduced in 1963, solved the problems of film loading, film advance, and rewinding. [...] It was a sensational success among snapshooters."{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XsM39O-k8GsC&pg=PA46 |title=New 35mm film format: bogeyman or blessing? |first=Herbert |last=Keppler |author-link=Herbert Keppler |date=November 1993 |magazine=Popular Photography |pages=46–49 |access-date=2 December 2024}}

File:Kodak Instamatic 100.jpg

The lead designer for the Instamatic program was Dean M. Peterson (original design by Alexander Gow), also later known for most of the innovations in the point-and-shoot camera revolution of the 1980s. They were the first cameras to use Kodak's new 126 format. The easy-load film cartridge made the cameras very inexpensive to produce, as it provided the film backing plate and exposure counter itself and thus saved considerable design complexity and manufacturing cost for the cameras. Kodak sold various print and slide films in the 126 format.

The first Instamatic to be released was the Instamatic 50, which appeared in the UK in February 1963. The first model released in the US was the basic Instamatic 100, approximately one month later, which included a built-in flashgun for single-use AG-1 "peanut" bulbs, a feature lacking in the 50. With non-adjustable aperture, focus, and shutter speed ({{frac|90}} sec.),{{cite web|url=http://www.instructables.com/id/Instamatic-Retro/step5/Kodak-Instamatic-100/ |title=Instamatic Retro : Kodak Instamatic 100 |publisher=Instructables.com |date=2008-07-27 |access-date=2015-05-09}} it continued in the tradition of Kodak's earlier Brownie cameras, providing a simple snapshot camera anyone could use, with the added convenience of drop-in loading using "Kodapak" cartridges. These were offered initially with one of four preloaded films: Verichrome Pan, Kodachrome-X, Kodacolor-X, and Ektacolor-X.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uSADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA112 |title=Now: Cameras You Load Like a Gun |first=Bob |last=Hering |date=May 1963 |magazine=Popular Science |pages=112–113 |volume=182 |number=5 |access-date=2 December 2024}}

The first Instamatics went on sale for $16 in early 1963{{cite book|last1=Gustavson|first1=Todd|title=500 Cameras 170 years of photographic innovation|date=2011|publisher=Sterling Signature|isbn=978-1-4027-8086-8 }} and were soon followed by the 300 (which had a light meter), the 400 (which had a light meter and a spring driven film advance), and the 700 (which had a light meter and adjustable focus and shutter speeds).{{Cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CeMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA208 |title=Comparing the new quick loaders |author=Brown, Kevin |pages=112–115;208;212 |magazine=Popular Mechanics|publisher=Hearst Magazines|date=October 1963}} Early fixed-focus Instamatics used either a 43 mm {{f/|11}} plastic lens or a 41 mm {{f/|8}} Kodar glass lens;{{cite web |url=https://blog.jimgrey.net/2014/02/17/kodak-instamatic-104-and-kodak-hawkeye-instamatic/ |title=Kodak Instamatic 104 and Kodak Hawkeye Instamatic |date=17 February 2014 |author=Grey, Jim |website=Down the Road |access-date=2 March 2023}} the 700 was equipped with a marginally wider and much faster 38 mm Ektar/Ektanar {{f/|2.8}} lens.{{cite web |url=https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8085559/kodak-instamatic-700-camera-camera |title=Kodak Instamatic 700 camera |publisher=Science Museum Group |access-date=2 March 2023}} The final digit in the model designation (e.g., 100 or 104) refers to the type of flash used: models ending in 0 had a built-in flashgun, while those ending in 4 (introduced in 1965) used flashcubes.

File:Kodak Instamatic Reflex (2241986487).jpg SLR model]]

The lineup was soon expanded to include a variety of models from the basic but popular 100/104 to the automatic exposure 800/804, which featured an aluminum chassis, rangefinder, selenium light meter, and clockwork spring wind. The best model made in the USA was the 814, which had a four-element lens and a coupled range-finder.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKRtQ5ap1vQC&pg=PA32 |title=Photo gifts for Christmas |author=Durniak, John |date=December 1969 |magazine=Boys' Life |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |pages=32–33;79 |access-date=2 March 2023}}{{Cite magazine | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N9gDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA193 |title=Meet the sharper shooter (advertisement) |page=193 |volume=132 |number=1 |magazine= Popular Mechanics|publisher = Hearst Magazines|date = July 1969}} The top-of-the-line model was the Instamatic Reflex (1969), a single-lens reflex camera which was made in Germany and could accept a variety of Retina S-mount lenses.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I9gDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA148 |title=The drop-in film cartridge has come to stay |author=Gallagher, Sheldon M. |pages=148–150 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=February 1969 |volume=131 |number=2 |publisher=The Hearst Corporation |access-date=2 March 2023}} Some German-built Instamatic cameras such as the 250 and 500 included fixed lenses made by Rodenstock and Schneider Kreuznach.{{rp|16–17}}

File:Kodak Instamatic 277 X - 4 - with Magicube (retouch).jpg" flashbulb cartridge attached]]

The Instamatic was an instant success; more than 50 million Instamatic cameras were produced between 1963 and 1970. Kodak even gave away a considerable number in a joint promotion with Scott paper towels in the early 1970s to generate many new photographers and stimulate lasting demand for its film business.

Many other manufacturers attempted to capitalize on the popularity of the Instamatic with their own 126 cameras, including Canon, Olympus, Minolta, Ricoh, Zeiss Ikon, and even Rollei. Some of these models were far more sophisticated and expensive than the majority of the Kodak cameras: the Rollei SL26, for instance, featured interchangeable lenses (28mm, 40mm, and 80mm), TTL metering, and a rangefinder, and retailed for $300.

A new series of Instamatics was introduced in 1970 to take advantage of the new Magicube flash technology. Magicubes used mechanically triggered pyrotechnic detonators for each bulb, eliminating the need to carry batteries. Instamatics with Magicube sockets were denoted by an "X" in the model number (e.g. X-15 or 55X).

File:Jaren 80 – 2009-046-249 (9624384680).jpg.]]

In 1972, Kodak introduced the Pocket Instamatic series for its new 110 format.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MdQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74 |title=New from Kodak: World's smallest pocket camera for under $30! |author=Berger, Ivan |date=June 1972 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |pages=74–75 |volume=137 |number=6 |publisher=The Hearst Corporation |access-date=2 March 2023}} The 110 cartridge had the same easy-load cartridge design with an integral take-up spool as the 126 format, but was much smaller, allowing the cameras to be very compact (hence the "Pocket" designation). Many cameras carry a four-character date code inside the film compartment or on the door.{{cite web |url=https://kodak.3106.net/index.php?p=211 |title=Kodak 110 Instamatic Cameras |website=Kodak Classics |access-date=4 April 2023}}

At launch in the United States, there were five models: in ascending order of sophistication, the Pocket Instamatic 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. The top-of-the-line model was the Pocket Instamatic 60, which featured a stainless steel body, rangefinder, and automatic exposure with a four-element 26 mm {{f/|2.7|17}} Ektar lens. Programmed autoexposure selected an appropriate combination of aperture, with shutter speeds ranging from {{frac|250}} to 10 seconds. The 50 shared the same lens and autoexposure system, but dropped the rangefinder for scale focusing. The 40 had a much slower 25 mm {{f/|8}} three-element lens and two-position focusing, and the 30 had an even slower 25 mm {{f/|9.5}} fixed-focus lens; both carried a similar programmed autoexposure system. The 20 shared the same 25 mm {{f/|9.5}} fixed-focus lens as the 30 and offered a single shutter speed of {{frac|100}} second, which automatically changed to {{frac|40}} when a flashcube was inserted.{{cite web |url=https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/02319/02319.pdf |title=Kodak Picture-Taking Equipment and Supplies Price Catalog |date=1972 |publisher=Eastman Kodak Corporation |website=Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library |access-date=4 April 2023}} An entry-level Pocket Instamatic 10 was launched by 1973, with a fixed-focus 25 mm {{f/|11}} lens and operation similar to the 20.{{cite web |url=https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/02433/02433.pdf |title=Kodak Picture-Taking Equipment and Supplies Price Catalog |date=1973 |publisher=Eastman Kodak Corporation |website=Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library |access-date=4 April 2023}}

File:Kodak tele instamatic 608 (51888750268).jpg

By 1977, the initial lineup had been replaced by the Trimlite Instamatic and Tele-Instamatic lines for the United States. The Trimlite Instamatic 48 was a rebadged Pocket Instamatic 60, carrying the same features as the previous top-line model, and other Trimlites included the 38 (similar to the Pocket 40), 28 (Pocket 30), and 18 (Pocket 10). The Tele-Instamatics featured a sliding teleconverter switch. That line included the 708, which offered a new "multi-element" (three-element 25 mm {{f/|5.6}} or four-element 43 mm) lens with scale focusing and programmed autoexposure, similar to the prior Pocket 50, and the 608, which switched the single-element lens from 25 mm to 43 mm, both {{f/|11}}, with a fixed shutter speed similar to the prior Pocket 20; engaging the teleconverter also would switch the viewfinder.{{cite web |url=https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/02433/02433.pdf |title=Kodak Picture-Taking Equipment and Supplies Price Catalog |date=June 24, 1977 |publisher=Eastman Kodak Corporation |website=Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library |access-date=4 April 2023}}

Kodak introduced a mass-produced aspheric lens for still photography in October 1978 with the Ektramax 110 camera.{{cite journal |doi=10.1364/AO.24.001682 |author=Ruben, Paul L. |title=Design and use of mass-produced aspheres at Kodak |journal=Applied Optics |volume=24 |issue=11 |pages=1682–1688 |date=1985|pmid=18223774 |bibcode=1985ApOpt..24.1682R }} The lens is a four-element, 25 mm {{f/|1.9}} design with scale focusing.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i88DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32 |title=11 new snapshot cameras |author=Sahagian, Tom |date=January 1979 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |pages=30;32 |volume=151 |number=1 |publisher=The Hearst Corporation |access-date=4 April 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1978/10/27/new-cameras-faster-films-handy-books/dfa757e8-73c4-4336-ae89-b2e0cea29253/ |title=New Cameras, Faster Films, Handy Books |date=October 27, 1978 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=4 April 2023 |quote=The Ektramax takes 110-size, 400 ASA film and has a fast shutter speed for action and a slower shutter speed and wide f/1.9 lens aperture for available-light photography. The lens, a newly designed, four-element lens incorporating one aspheric-shaped element, achieves improved quality at a high aperture with fewer lens elements, according to the manufacturer.}} Three of the elements, including the aspheric one, are molded plastic.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HgEAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30 |title=Through the Viewfinder |author=Ortner, Everett H. |date=October 1978 |magazine=Popular Science |page=30 |volume=213 |number=4 |access-date=4 April 2023}}

Over 25 million Pocket Instamatics were produced in under three years, and the 110 format remained popular into the 1990s. However, the small negative size (13×17 mm) limited quality when using the film emulsion of the period; in practice, most prints were small, so the poor quality was not apparent unless the prints were enlarged beyond postcard size.

File:Kodak Instamatic X-15 2015-11-28 penultimate roll of 126 film.jpg

In 1976, the Instamatic X line was updated for use with the new Flipflash system. These cameras were designated by the addition of the suffix "F" to the model number of the corresponding Magicube model. The basic X-15F was the last Instamatic sold in the United States, remaining on sale until 1988.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r9C54oBQRLgC&pg=PP150 |title=Eastman Kodak marks 25 years of foolproof film loading |author=Lothrop, Eaton S. Jr. |date=January 1988 |magazine=Popular Photography |page=14 |volume=95 |number=1 |access-date=2 March 2023 |issn=0032-4582 |publisher=Diamandis Communications Inc. |location=Los Angeles, California}}

File:PhotoSession-Johnson-Instamatic.jpg, 1984)]]

In 1984, Photo Session, a group of four bronze statues created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr., was installed in Queen Elizabeth Park of Vancouver, British Columbia. The statues depict three people posing in front of a mountainous backdrop, with a fourth photographing the group using an Instamatic X-35.{{cite web |url=https://miss604.com/2016/04/photo-session-statues-in-queen-elizabeth-park.html |title=Vancouver Icons: Photo Session Statues in Queen Elizabeth Park |author=Bollwitt, Rebecca |date=April 21, 2016 |website=Miss 604 |access-date=2 March 2023}} One of the three statues posing for the photograph was stolen in June 2008;{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/life-size-statue-stolen-from-vancouver-park-1.755460 |title=Life-size statue stolen from Vancouver park |date=June 20, 2008 |work=CBC News |access-date=2 March 2023}} it was recovered without damage two months later.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/police-find-life-size-bronze-statue-stolen-from-vancouver-park-1.724863 |title=Police find life-size bronze statue stolen from Vancouver park |date=August 13, 2008 |work=CBC News |access-date=2 March 2023}}

Hipstamatic, an automated photograph post-processing application for mobile devices released in 2009, used an interface inspired by the Instamatic to produce similar toy camera-like images and was meant to evoke "a simpler-is-better past, an age where cheap, mass-produced plastic cameras were built to last".{{cite web |url=https://thebaffler.com/odds-and-ends/disposable-hip |title=Disposable Hip |date=March 2012 |website=The Baffler |access-date=2 March 2023}} It was named as one of the top iPhone application "award winners" by Apple in 2010.{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/12/09/apple-top-apps-2010/ |title=Apple's Apps Of Year: Hipstamatic, Plants Vs. Zombies, Flipboard, And Osmos |author=Siegler, MG |date=December 9, 2010 |work=TechCrunch |access-date=6 March 2023}} A few years later, the Instagram social media network included filters "designed to make digital photographs look like snapshots taken with the toy cameras of yesteryear: the Kodak Brownie, the Instamatic, the Polaroid".{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/sunday-review/everyones-lives-in-pictures-from-instagram.html |title=Everyone's Lives, in Pictures |author=Rosenberg, Karen |date=April 21, 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=2 March 2023}} The simple, geometric physical Instamatic camera design and square image format captured on 126 film directly inspired the updated Instagram logo and aesthetic.{{cite web |url=https://debugger.medium.com/these-are-the-analog-cameras-that-inspired-instagram-867f2accd86b |title=These Are the Analog Cameras That Inspired Instagram |author=Smith, Thomas |date=February 8, 2021 |work=Medium |access-date=2 March 2023}} Like Hipstamatic, Instagram was named the "iPhone App Of The Year" by Apple in 2011.{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/12/08/apple-picks-instagram-as-the-iphone-app-of-the-year/ |title=Apple Picks Instagram As The 'iPhone App Of the Year' |author=Perez, Sarah |date=December 8, 2011 |work=TechCrunch |access-date=6 March 2023}} The two services were combined by Slate in 2012 as the inadvertently circular portmanteau Instamatic.{{cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/03/05/in_defense_of_instagram_news_photography_goes_well_with_vintage_cats.html |title=In Defense of Instagram: Why News Photography Goes Well With Vintage-Filtered Cat Pics |author=Murphy, Heather |date=March 5, 2012 |website=browbeat |publisher=Slate |access-date=2 March 2023 |quote=I was there five months ago, telling friends to shut up about "Instamatic." (I assumed the app Instagram was the same as another popular photo app, Hipstamatic.)}}

; Notes

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• List of defunct consumer brands

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{{Commons category|Kodak Instamatic}}

• {{cite web |url=https://kodak.3106.net/index.php?p=207 |title=Kodak 126 Instamatic cameras |author=Koning, Mischa |website=Kodak Classics}}

{{Eastman Kodak}}

Category:Cameras introduced in 1963

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Category:Products introduced in 1963