Kodak launches APS product, two cameras aimed at mass

Drug Store News, Feb 12, 1996

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Eastman Kodak has launched its Kodak Advantix system of drop-in cassette film, multiple format cameras and storage products in the new Advanced Photo System format.

APS is a new format of film, cameras and photoprocessing equipment developed by five companies: Kodak, Fuji Nikon, Minolta and Canon. All five, along with 40 other APS licensees, are rolling out product this spring.

Kodak's line ships April 22.

After much industry speculation in recent months, Kodak announced that Advantix will include a single-use camera in the FunSaver line.

In the regular camera line, the Advantix 2000 camera is targeted to the mass market and has a suggested retail of $99.95. It will offer three print formats: classic (regular), H (slightly larger), and panoramic, all of which are available by changing a switch on the camera. It has a clam-shell design and flip-up flash.

The Advantix FunSaver single-use camera will offer the H print format and will come with an index print, which is the thumbnail size proof sheet for easy reprint and enlargement ordering.

Other, more fully featured Advantix cameras, such as zoom, will be available in the $200 and $400 ranges.

Advantix color print film will be available in 100, 200 and 400 speeds in 15, 25 and 40 frames. The film will be priced about 15 percent to 20 percent higher than Kodak Gold 35 mm film. Photoprocessing also will be 15 percent to 20 percent higher. The index print is recommended as part of the photoprocessing package.

The Kodak Advantix line was launched via simultaneous satellite link among London, Tokyo, Eastman Kodak headquarters in Rochester, N.Y., with the originating program at the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences Plaza Theater in North Hollywood, where George Fisher, chairman, president and chief executive, and other executives introduced the products.

The program kicked off at one minute after midnight E.S.T. to comply with the Feb. 1 APS launch date agreement by the five system developing companies. It included a preview of a series of striking TV ads with music by David Bowie, which will be part of what is billed as Kodak's biggest TV and print ad campaign ever.