The Slide Cover Returns: The $35 Film Camera Kodak EC35 | Release #866

There are many reasons to choose a film camera beyond just the images it produces. The act of taking it out of your bag, the slight tension before pressing the shutter, the tactile feedback when winding the film after shooting—Kodak EC35 is a 35mm film camera that lets you rediscover the joy in these small rituals.

This new model from Reto Project features a 25mm lens, F10 aperture, and a fixed 1/100s shutter speed. By stripping away complex settings and combining a retro slide cover with seven color options, it offers a lighthearted photographic experience for everyday moments.

The standout feature of the Kodak EC35 is its slide cover, which protects both the lens and the viewfinder. Opening the cover to shoot and closing it when putting the camera away—this simple movement becomes a small ritual, distinct from launching a smartphone camera.
Imagine walking through the city and catching the moment when shadows fall on an evening wall. You slide open the cover, look through the viewfinder, and capture the shot without hesitation. With minimal controls, your attention naturally shifts to the distance to your subject and the quality of light.

From a practical perspective, the cover also serves as both lens protection and shutter lock. It reduces the risk of the lens getting dirty or the shutter being accidentally triggered while in your bag—an appreciated feature for a camera designed to be carried daily.

The specifications are refreshingly simple: compatible with 35mm film, a 25mm fixed-focus lens, F10 aperture, and a 1/100s shutter speed. Film advance and rewind are manual, and the built-in flash operates on a single AA alkaline battery. The camera weighs approximately 102g and measures 119×65×41.5mm.

This is not a camera for fine-tuning settings. Instead, it's a tool for quickly capturing scenes—on a sunny stroll, at a café with friends, or exploring a market while traveling. Step back a little and include the atmosphere in your frame to make the most of the 25mm wide angle.

With a smartphone, you can check your composition and retake shots as many times as you like. But with the Kodak EC35, there's a gentle limitation to each frame. This constraint sharpens your eye for selecting images and gives more weight to the act of pressing the shutter.

The camera is available in seven colors: Midnight Black, Vanilla White, Butter Yellow, Lavender, Powder Blue, Blush Pink, and Avocado Green. Unlike the utilitarian feel of a black camera, this lineup invites you to choose one as an extension of your wardrobe, bag, or accessories.

The price is around $34.99 for the camera body alone, or about $44.99 bundled with a 24-exposure roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 film. While film and batteries may need to be purchased separately, this is an accessible entry point for those new to 35mm film photography.

The Kodak EC35 is not designed for those seeking a high-performance compact film camera. Its fixed settings and plastic body limit its capabilities. Yet, its lightweight design—easy to slip into a pocket or bag—encourages you to take more photographs.
A recommended approach is to choose a theme once you've loaded your film. Whether it's "yellow objects," "evening light on the way home," or "friends' hands," having a loose rule as you walk helps you notice subtle moments and atmospheres. With no settings to fuss over, you can focus on the nuances right in front of you.

Continuing with photography doesn't always require complex equipment. Each time you slide open the cover, you consider what part of your daily life you want to capture. Carrying that small question with you is the true charm of this camera.