History Of Kodak Advantix Cameras: When Were They Introduced?

The Kodak Advantix camera was made in the 1990s, a questionable era in the film industry. The Advantix was a short-lived film format that thrived during the nineties, with the film being launched on 1 January 1996. The camera was designed to use APS film, which was discontinued in 2011. Kodak ceased production of APS cameras in 2004.

The Kodak Advantix camera used APS film, which was discontinued in 2011

APS, or Advanced Photo System, was introduced in 1996 as an alternative to the 110 format. The film was housed in a single-spool 39mm long plastic cartridge and was available in 40, 25, and 15 exposure lengths. The film surface had a transparent magnetic coating, which allowed the camera to record information about each exposure, such as the date and time the photo was taken, a caption, and exposure data. This magnetic coating also enabled the camera to handle winding and rewinding automatically and offered partial exposure capabilities, meaning that the film could be removed and used later in certain cameras.

The Kodak Advantix camera was designed to work with this APS film. The Advantix camera was part of a range of cameras that used APS film, including Canon, Nikon, and Minolta, who all made SLRs for the film format. The Advantix camera was also released alongside the Contax Tix, which is considered the best point-and-shoot APS film camera. Kodak's Advantix camera was likely released in the 1990s, as this was when APS film was available.

APS film was short-lived, as it was soon overtaken by the rise of digital photography. In 2004, Kodak announced it was ceasing APS camera production, and in 2011, both Fuji and Kodak, the last two manufacturers of APS film, discontinued production.

APS film was introduced in 1996 as an alternative to the 110 format

The Advanced Photo System (APS) was introduced in 1996 as an alternative to the 110 format. Marketed by Eastman Kodak under the brand name Advantix, it was designed to make picture-taking simpler, with lots of automated features. The film was housed in a single-spool 39mm long plastic cartridge and was available in 40, 25, and 15 exposure lengths. The film surface had a transparent magnetic coating, and the camera used this information exchange (IX) system for recording information about each exposure. The camera handled winding and rewinding automatically, and the slot was protected by a light-proof door.

APS film offered three print sizes or image formats: "High Definition" 4 x 7" (30.2 x 16.7 mm), "Classic" 4 x 6" (25.1 x 16.7 mm), and "Panoramic" 4 x 11" (30.2 x 9.5 mm). The "Classic" and "Panoramic" aspect ratios were accomplished by cropping the "High Definition" image. Most APS cameras could record all three formats, and the format selection was indicated on the film by a series of exposed squares or recorded on the magnetic coating.

One of the main selling points of APS film was its ease of use with fully automatic cameras. The film cartridges were designed for fully automatic film loading, and the film was enclosed within the cartridge when not in use. Even after development, the film was returned to the photographer inside the cartridge, protecting it from dust, fingerprints, and damage. Each roll of APS film had a unique six-digit ID code, making it easy for photo processors and consumers to match films with orders and cartridges.

APS film also had several innovative features. It could record information such as the date and time a photograph was taken, store captions, and record exposure data. Additionally, it offered an automatic reject feature that prevented the insertion of exposed or processed film, reducing the risk of double exposures.

While APS film offered many advantages, it also had some drawbacks. The film size was about 60% smaller than 35mm film, and many film labs needed specialised developing equipment. The format was also relatively short-lived, discontinued in 2011 due to the rising popularity of digital photography.

Kodak Advantix APS 200 film was designed for zoom cameras and action shots

The Kodak Advantix APS 200 film was designed for zoom cameras and action shots. The film was first produced in 1996 and was discontinued in 2011. It was marketed by Eastman Kodak under the brand name Advantix. The film is 24mm wide and comes in three image formats: H for "High Definition", C for "Classic", and P for "Panoramic". The film is housed in a single-spool 39mm long plastic cartridge and is available in 40, 25, and 15 exposure lengths.

The Kodak Advantix APS 200 film features T-Grain Emulsion technology, which produces finely grained colour images in low-light situations or where an extended flash range is necessary. The film is scratch-resistant and has drop-in loading, with an automatic reject device that prevents inserting exposed or processed film, reducing the risk of double exposures. The negatives are returned inside the film cassette for easy storage, and index prints make it easier to reorder.

The Kodak Advantix APS 200 film was designed for zoom cameras and could capture fast action. It was perfect for capturing images in sunlight or low light, with action or still subjects. The film's T-Grain Emulsion technology provided excellent performance in low-light situations or where an extended flash range was required.

The Kodak Advantix system offered a unique feature – the ability to choose between one, two, or three-frame photo options. This allowed users to capture images in different sizes on the same roll of film, providing versatility and convenience. The system also provided an automatic film advance and rewind, a mid-roll film change, and a drop-in film cartridge for easy loading. These features made the Kodak Advantix camera and film system a popular choice for photographers who wanted convenience and flexibility.

APS film was available in 40, 25 and 15 exposure lengths

The Advanced Photo System (APS) film was available in 40, 25 and 15 exposure lengths. APS was introduced in 1996 as an alternative to the 110 format and was discontinued in 2011. The film was housed in a single-spool 39mm-long plastic cartridge. The film was 24mm wide and had three image formats:

• H for "High Definition" (30.2 × 16.7 mm; aspect ratio 16:9; 4×7" print)
• C for "Classic" (25.1 × 16.7 mm; aspect ratio 3:2; 4×6" print)
• P for "Panoramic" (30.2 × 9.5 mm; aspect ratio 3:1; 4×11" print)

The "C" and "P" formats were formed by cropping the 30.2 × 16.7 mm "High Definition" image. The full image was recorded on the film, and an image recorded in one aspect ratio could be reprinted in another. The "C" format had an equivalent aspect ratio to a 135 film image.

The Kodak Advantix camera was made in the 1990s, with models such as the Kodak Advantix 4100ix APS film camera and the Kodak Advantix c450. Kodak stopped manufacturing APS film in 2011.

The Kodak Advantix camera was a point-and-shoot camera

The Kodak Advantix camera was designed with several automated features that made it appealing to hobbyists and beginners. One of its unique features was the ability to record information other than the image, such as the date and time the photograph was taken, captions, and exposure data. This was made possible by a magnetic coating on the film, which allowed photo printing equipment to optimise each image during processing.

The Kodak Advantix camera used APS film cartridges that were optimised for fully automatic film loading. These cartridges enclosed the 24mm wide film completely when not in use, and even after developing, the film was returned to the user inside the cartridge. The film was available in 40, 25, and 15 exposure lengths and offered three print sizes or image formats: High Definition, Classic, and Panoramic.

The Kodak Advantix camera had several models, including the Advantix 2000, F350, C400AF, F600 Zoom, and 4100 IX. However, the production of APS film was discontinued in 2011, and Kodak ceased production of APS cameras in 2004. While the Kodak Advantix camera may no longer be in production, it remains a memorable part of the evolution of photography, offering innovative features that influenced camera technologies that followed.

Frequently asked questions