Kodak introduces its version of the Instant Camera
Toronto. Have you ever heard of a Kodak Instant camera? No? Not surprising, since Kodak was sued by Polaroid and lost the toss. The Kodak Instants (in any condition) were bought back by Kodak for a small sum after the 1986 loss.
In issue 24-4, collector Peter Venema (Caledon, ON) wrote an article titled, “Kodak Instant Cameras – ‘Made in Canada'” (copyright 1998). Peter’s article is quite lengthy and well illustrated. He begins, “Kodak instant cameras are not a common sight. Born out of a desire to secure a part of the mediocrity market of the instant picture, they appeared on the scene in 1976.
“Kodak had long been aware that Polaroid was doing well with its sales of instant cameras and instant film. The instant cameras were Polaroid’s lifeline with some 90% of its annual gross revenues deriving from it.
“During the period that Kodak was in the instant camera market (entering in 1976 and being forced to withdraw early in 1986), Kodak produced over 16 million instant cameras but its annual revenues from the instant cameras barely made a ripple in its finances. It never represented more than 2% of the company’s annual income.
“Polaroid produced its first instant camera in 1948 and despite rumours that the process was offered for sale to Kodak, nothing came of it. In the 1950s and 60s Kodak continued to do well with its line of films while Polaroid gained a steady increase in its niche market.
“Several events influenced Kodak to alter its decision and jump into the production of instant cameras. By the mid 1960s Polaroid had a stable market in which the sales of its films were higher than the sales of the cameras. This was a good indication of success so it did not go unnoticed in Rochester. As well, market research indicated that an instant camera bearing the Kodak name would be well received by the consumer.
“However, any Kodak instant camera project that might have been in the planning stage at that time fell victim to Kodak’s own success. In 1963 Kodak introduced the Instamatic camera with its 126 film format. Its run-away success shoved the concept of a Kodak instant camera onto the backburner for almost a decade.” …
Members eagerly read all of Peter’s article in the issue 24-4 pdf file on the free member’s only DVD/thumb drive. You can join or renew by following ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above or ‘Membership’ at right. Email any questions to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
