Kodak Snapic A1: A New $100 35mm Film Camera Designed for Simplicity
Introduction
RETO Project Limited, a licensee of the Kodak brand, makes and markets several Kodak-branded products known for their accessible designs and reliable build quality. Today (November 24, 2025), the company announced the Kodak Snapic A1, a new 35mm film camera featuring auto-load, auto-advance, auto-rewind, a 3-element multi-coated glass lens, built-in flash, and a textured grip.
The camera launches in two colors—Ivory and Gray. Since RETO has historically expanded color options across other models, such as the Kodak H35N, additional colors may be introduced in the future.
A Closer Look at the Kodak Snapic A1
The Snapic A1 enters the market as a straightforward solution for people who want to shoot film without relying on older, unpredictable cameras. Priced at approximately USD $100, it delivers a beginner-friendly experience with consistent results and minimal complexity.
Glass Lens Instead of Plastic
The camera uses a 25mm 3-element multi-coated glass lens, which is a significant distinction in the entry-level category, where plastic optics are standard. A glass lens typically offers:
- improved sharpness
- reduced distortion
- better color transmission
This makes the Snapic A1 a meaningful step above disposable-style cameras.
Fixed Exposure System
The camera employs:
- f/9.5 fixed aperture
- ~1/100s shutter speed
This combination is easy to predict and easy for beginners. While not designed for low-light flexibility, it performs reliably in daylight and indoor settings when using the built-in flash.
Fully Automated Film Handling
The film path is automated end-to-end:
- auto-loading
- auto-advancing
- auto-rewinding
For new users, this eliminates one of the most common points of failure—incorrect loading—and makes the shooting process far less intimidating.
The camera runs on two AAA batteries, which are inexpensive and easy to find in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Simple Zone Focusing
The Snapic A1 uses a two-position zone focus system:
- 0.5–1.5 meters for close subjects
- 1.5 meters to infinity for general scenes
This design balances simplicity with enough control for portraits, group photos, and daily snapshots.
Double Exposure Mode
The camera includes a two-exposure double-exposure switch, allowing one frame to be exposed twice. This creates creative overlays without needing advanced technique, and the feature’s simplicity encourages experimentation.
Lightweight, Practical Design
Weighing roughly 117 grams, the Snapic A1 is easy to carry and built around everyday use. The textured grip improves handling, the built-in flash includes red-eye reduction, and the body keeps to a clean, modern layout.
Color Options and Design Direction
At launch, the Snapic A1 is available in Ivory and Gray, both with a minimal, contemporary aesthetic. RETO’s previous models—such as the Kodak H35N—initially launched with limited colors and expanded later, so additional colorways for the A1 would not be surprising.
How the Snapic A1 Fits Into Today’s Film Photography Landscape
The Snapic A1 is not intended to replace advanced film cameras. It isn’t built for manual shooting, interchangeable lenses, or specialty low-light work. Instead, its value comes from offering:
- a newly manufactured option
- predictable performance
- an approachable learning curve
- compatibility with all standard 35mm films
In a market where vintage cameras vary widely in condition and cost, a stable $100 entry point is significant. It provides beginners and casual film shooters with a dependable way to learn the basics without navigating repair risks or the higher prices of used point-and-shoots.
This makes the Snapic A1 especially suitable for younger photographers, students, travelers, and anyone trying film for the first time.
Recommended Films for the Snapic A1
Consistent with its fixed exposure system, the camera performs best with ISO 200–800 films. You can add internal links on Shopify to products you carry.
Color Film
- Fujicolor 200
- Ilfocolor 400
- Lomo 800
Black & White Film
- Fomapan 100 / 400
- Arista 400
- Kentmere 400
Practical Use Cases
Everyday Photography
The fixed settings and wide lens make the Snapic A1 suitable for general shooting—friends, city scenes, daily moments, and outdoor activities.
Travel
Its lightweight body, simple operation, and zone focus system make it helpful for travel photography where quick shooting is necessary.
Creative Experimentation
The double exposure mode provides users with an easy way to create layered images without technical difficulty.
Who the Snapic A1 Is Best For
- First-time film photographers
- Students
- Travelers
- Casual shooters who want a reliable, new camera
- Anyone looking for an affordable entry point into 35mm
Final Thoughts
The Kodak Snapic A1 offers something increasingly rare: a newly manufactured, straightforward 35mm camera at an approachable price point. With automated film handling, a glass lens, built-in flash, and a compact form, it provides beginners with a predictable, low-barrier way to explore film photography.
For anyone seeking a simple, modern camera without the uncertainty of the vintage market, the Snapic A1 is a practical and thoughtful addition to the current analog landscape.