This $35 Pocket Film Camera Packs a 25mm Lens and a Clever Sliding Shutter Lock

Kodak EC35 brings easy 35mm film photography to beginners for just $35

Film photography is having a major comeback, but getting started can still feel overwhelming. Vintage SLR cameras often come with confusing controls, aging parts, and rising prices, which can make the jump into analog photography intimidating for first-time shooters. The Kodak EC35 aims to make that first step much easier.

Introduced by Reto, the Kodak EC35 is a compact 35mm point-and-shoot film camera priced at $35. It is designed to deliver the simple, fun feel of a disposable camera while offering the benefit of a reusable body. Instead of buying a single-use camera every time, users can reload the EC35 with standard 35mm film and keep shooting.

One of its most practical features is the sliding front cover. This cover protects the lens when the camera is not in use and also mechanically locks the shutter. That means you can toss the EC35 into a bag, pocket, or jacket without worrying about accidentally taking a photo and wasting a frame of film.

The Kodak EC35 keeps things intentionally simple. It comes with a fixed 25mm lens, an f/10 aperture, and a 1/100-second shutter speed. There are no manual exposure settings, no focus adjustments, and no complicated menus. Just load the film, frame the shot, and press the shutter.

For indoor photography or low-light scenes, the camera includes a built-in flash powered by a single AA battery. This makes it more versatile for casual use, especially for parties, travel, street photography, and everyday snapshots.

Reto is offering the Kodak EC35 in seven color options: Midnight Black, Vanilla White, Butter Yellow, Lavender, Powder Blue, Blush Pink, and Avocado. The playful color lineup gives the camera a more personal, lifestyle-friendly appeal, especially for users who want a film camera that looks as fun as it is to use.

For complete beginners, there is also a $45 starter bundle that includes a roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 film. That makes it possible to start shooting right away without needing to shop separately for film.

Reto has also introduced another affordable camera option, the Kodak Charmera. Unlike the EC35, which is a true analog film camera, the Charmera is a tiny digital camera small enough to fit on a keychain. It measures just 58 x 24.5 x 20 mm and features a 1.6MP CMOS sensor with a 35mm f/2.4 lens. It saves 1440 x 1080 JPEG images to a microSD card and uses a built-in 200mAh battery that charges through USB-C.

While the Charmera is aimed at users who want a miniature digital camera with a nostalgic feel, the Kodak EC35 is built for anyone who wants the authentic 35mm film experience without the cost or complexity of traditional film gear.

At $35, the Kodak EC35 could become an appealing entry point for new film photographers, casual shooters, travelers, and anyone curious about analog photography. It strips film photography down to its most enjoyable basics: load a roll, take your time, and enjoy the surprise when the photos are developed.