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  index cameras 126 instamatic single camera
K o d a k   I n s t a m a t i c   R e f l e x
Kodak Instamatic Reflex

Although only apparently in production for two years, this model was on sale until 1974. A relatively unique camera, as there were few other manufacturers who produced a single-lens reflex camera for this format. The "standard" 45mm lens, which is interchangeable with the 'S'-series Retina lenses, is fitted in a battery-dependant Compur Electronic shutter, giving aperture-priority automatic exposure, controlled by the CdS cell to the left of the pentaprism. This is unusual in that it has a mechanical iris of its own which opens and closes as the lens is adjusted. Flash facility is provided both by flashcubes and a standard co-axial socket for electronic flash. Inserting a flashcube automatically sets the shutter to 1/30sec, connecting a flashgun sets it to 1/300sec. The f/2.8 lens does not feature the dynamic depth-of-field indicators of the 'S'-series lenses, although these function perfectly well on this camera, but it does have a special interlock to couple the aperture to the focus for flash exposure. Although the mirror is auto-return and the lens stops down automatically to the chosen aperture when the picture is taken, this does not reopen until the shutter is recocked. This camera was also available 'body-only', for those with 'S'-series lenses from another camera.

With the introduction of this model a 90mm Tele-Arton lens was also announced. This was produced specifically for this camera and does not have the dynamic depth-of-field indicators of the 'S'-series lenses. Similarly, the 50mm lens shown is without these indicators and has a 52mm filter thread, rather smaller than the 58mm fitting on the 'S' lens. Very early cameras, as shown right fitted with the f/1.9 50mm lens, did not have the accessory shoe, in 1969 an all-black version was made available. There was also a 28mm lens without the indicators or integral lens hood that feature on the 'S'-series 28mm lens. The rubber 29.5mm screw-in "Instamatic Reflex" lens-hood is recommended for the 35mm 'S'-Series lens as well as the 50mm f/2.8 and the 90mm lenses, which have no facility for a bayonet-mount lens-hood, possibly because the standard rectangular lens-hood for the 35mm lens, as used on the Retinas, would cause vignetting on this format. The 135mm f/4 Tele-Xenar lens for this model was supplied with a 52mm screw-in metal lens hood, shown fitted, below, that was cleverly designed so that it could be stored screwed onto the lens "back to front".

It should be noted, if you are still using, or anticipate using, one of these cameras, that the meter circuit remains powered the whole time. Once the film has been wound the meter runs at full power, otherwise it has reduced consumption. Given the difficulty in obtaining suitable batteries (PX-825), some thought might be given to not winding the film until you are ready to take a picture, and removing the batteries from the camera when not in use. A few pictures, taken with the lower of these two cameras, can be seen here.

David Francis is currently researching the manufactured quantities of this model. If you could forward him your serial number, (on the bottom of the rear door), to his eMail address, dfrancis@mail.utexas.edu, it would be most helpful.
name: Kodak Instamatic Reflex
produced between : 1968 - 1970
lens : f/2.8 45mm Xenar or f/1.9 50mm Xenon
shutter : Compur Electronic 20-1/500
film type : 126 cartridge
picture size : 28 x 28 mm
original list price (USD): 157 (black body only)
162 (chrome body only)
199 with f/2.8 lens
249 with f/1.9 lens
categories: instamatic
Kodak Instamatic Reflex
Kodak Instamatic Reflex
Kodak Instamatic Reflex


  index cameras 126 instamatic
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