Kodak Eastman: Handle 2

Notes related to specific cameras
bill339
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Kodak Eastman: Handle 2

Postby bill339 » Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:32 am

Although the Handle 2’s exposure is automatically controlled via an electric eye located above the lens, there’s still a rudimentary exposure compensation dial on the front barrel. Missing on the front of the barrel is a battery test button that was located in the corner of the faceplate on the Handle and this activated a red light on the top of the nose. This battery test button and the Handle 2’s metal (plastic on the handle) shutter release was the only differences between the Handle and Handle 2. On the top of the lens assembly is a socket for adding a flash attachment and on the side of the barrel is the chromed metal shutter release button for the electronic shutter. After making an exposure, a black winder that folds out of the side is used to press the frame between two rollers, (just like the Polaroid), starting the developing proses. This action also advanced you to the next frame, a mechanical feature to an otherwise electronic camera. The camera used Kodak PR-10/PR-144 cartridge plus Spectra film and Size J 7K67-BPK J type/4LR61 six volt alkaline battery still being sold for home medical equipment. The camera sold for about $40.00 (about $150 today) when new in 1979 (production stopped in 1981) and could be fitted with a Kodak Instant Flash Model A attachment. Other features are a 100mm f/12.7 lens, eye level optical viewfinder, print number view window in the back cover, and 2 second to 1/300 of a second shutter speeds.
The Kodak Handle was produced during Kodak’s brief and ultimately doomed attempt at instant film. Polaroid took Kodak to court for patent infringement in 1981 and, (in spite of some crucial differences in Kodak’s approach to instant film and instant cameras), Polaroid eventually won the suit. Defeated, Kodak was ordered to cease production of all instant film and related products (including the Handle) as well as pay Polaroid $925 million (around $1.5 billion in today’s money).

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