“I” is for Instamatic

“I” is for Instamatic, Kodak’s camera for 126 cartridge film

Instamatics arose with the advent of 126 cartridge film. The cartridge made loading and unloading the camera very easy.

A few of our Instamatics
A few of our Instamatics
The Instamatic 400 - with the flash open and ready to accept the peanut bulb.
The Instamatic 400 – with the flash open and ready to accept the peanut bulb. 1963-1966
The Instamatic 704 took flash cubes
The Instamatic 704 took flash cubes. 1965-1969
Instamatics with 'X' in their name used the special 'Magicube' flash.
Instamatics with ‘X’ in their name used the special ‘Magicube’ flash. 1970-1976
This Instamatic (the Instamatic 60) was made for 110 cartridge film. This one has a coupled rangefinder.
This Instamatic (the Instamatic 60) was made for 110 cartridge film. This one has a coupled rangefinder. 1972
Most Instamatics were rather cheaply made in the USA, but the Instamatic 500 was made in Germany with high-quality glass.
Most Instamatics were rather cheaply made in the USA, but the Instamatic 500 was made in Germany with high-quality glass. 1963-1966
Another view of the Instamatic 500
Another view of the Instamatic 500.
Almost all Instamatics were simple view-finder cameras, but the Instamatic Reflex was an SLR.
Almost all Instamatics were simple view-finder cameras, but the Instamatic Reflex was an SLR. 1968-1974

 

Reference: McKeown’s Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th edition, ISBN 0-931838-40-1

The other cameras featured in this A to Z Challenge are linked on this page.

Published by paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

1 Comment

  1. PammyPam says:
    April 10, 2014 at 9:58 am

    yes! i had the instamatic with the X in it and the magiccube!
    Hi, this is Pam and I’m a challenge co host. I wish you all the best as you blog through the challenge.
    Feel free to let me know how I can help you further!

    Pam, An Unconventional Librarian
    http://www.unconventionallibrarian.com
    Co-host, Blogging from A to Z April Challenge
    http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

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