Reto Project has launched the Kodak EC35, a $34.99 reusable 35mm film camera designed for beginners. Available in seven colors, the point-and-shoot features a fixed 25mm f/10 lens and a classic sliding cover. It is currently available as a standalone camera or in a $44.99 bundle with Kodak film.
The Kodak EC35, developed by Reto under a licensing agreement, aims to simplify analog photography for newcomers. By stripping away complex features like zone focusing or double exposure, the camera provides an experience intended to mirror the ease of a disposable, yet it is built to be used repeatedly. According to Reto, the camera is designed to require almost no thought to use, aiming to put the pure joy back into every frame.
Design and Technical Specifications
The camera is built around a fixed 25mm acrylic lens with an f/10 aperture and a constant 1/100-second shutter speed. Its operation is entirely manual, requiring the user to wind and rewind the film by hand. For low-light situations, a built-in automatic flash is included, though it requires a single AA battery that is not provided in the box. Unlike the more advanced Snapic A1, the EC35 lacks features like zone focusing or double exposure.
A notable design element is the tactile sliding lens cover. As reported, this cover serves two purposes: it protects the lens and optical viewfinder when the camera is not in use, and it acts as an automatic shutter lock to prevent accidental exposures while stored in a pocket or bag. The camera weighs 102 grams and measures roughly 119 x 65 x 41.5 millimeters, making it a compact option for daily carry. It also comes with a hand strap to be easily carried around.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Reto has positioned the EC35 as a more accessible entry point into the film market than its previous offerings. The company previously released the Kodak-branded Snapic A1, priced at $99, and the Ektar H35 half-frame camera, which retailed for $50. At $34.99, the EC35 represents a significant reduction in the barrier to entry for prospective film photographers. The camera is available in seven distinct colors: Midnight Black, Vanilla White, Butter Yellow, Lavender, Powder Blue, Blush Pink, and Avocado Green. The lens covers are a slightly darker shade than the rest of the camera body, giving them subtle contrast.
| Product Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Standalone Kodak EC35 | $34.99 |
| Bundle (Camera, Strap, 24-exposure Film) | $44.99 |
The bundle option, which includes a camera strap and a 24-exposure roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 film, is designed to help first-time users save on initial costs while removing the guesswork of picking a film stock for first-time users.
Nostalgic Appeal
The aesthetic of the EC35 draws heavily from the point-and-shoot cameras that were prevalent in the 1990s and early 2000s, such as the Olympus mju lineup. Models with sliding lens covers became especially popular during that era for combining lens protection with a tactile way to power the camera on. By reviving this mechanism, Reto is leaning into the current market demand for retro-styled, simple hardware. Reto is the company behind other Kodak-branded cameras, including the viral Kodak Charmera keychain camera.
With the EC35, Reto continues leaning into a nostalgia-driven approach, betting that simple, colorful, and pocketable film cameras can still find an audience among both newcomers to film photography and longtime fans looking for something easy to carry around. While the camera lacks the advanced features found in manual cameras, its design targets those who prefer a straightforward, pocketable device for casual documentation.
Sources: Itechpost, The Verge.
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