Kodak M38 35mm Film Camera Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your Kodak M38 35mm Film Camera. Please read these instructions carefully before operating the camera to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Product Features

• 35mm Reusable Film Camera
• Accepts 1 x AAA Battery
• Fixed-Focus Wide-Angle Lens
• Built-In Flash
• Optical Viewfinder

3. Camera Components

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your Kodak M38 camera:

4. Setup

4.1. Inserting the Battery

1. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera.
2. Slide the battery compartment cover open.
3. Insert one AAA alkaline battery, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

4.2. Loading 35mm Film

1. Open the camera back by sliding the latch on the side of the camera downwards.
2. Lift the film rewind crank.
3. Place a new roll of 35mm film into the film chamber on the left side.
4. Push the film rewind crank back into place to secure the film roll.
5. Pull the film leader across to the take-up spool on the right side. Ensure the film perforations engage with the teeth of the take-up spool.
6. Rotate the film advance wheel slightly to ensure the film is properly tensioned and flat against the film gate.
7. Close the camera back cover firmly until it clicks shut.
8. Advance the film by rotating the film advance wheel and pressing the shutter button repeatedly until the film counter displays '1'. This ensures the first frame is properly positioned.

5. Operating the Camera

5.1. Taking a Photo

1. Look through the optical viewfinder to compose your shot.
2. Press the shutter button located on the top of the camera to take a picture.
3. After each shot, rotate the film advance wheel until it stops to move to the next frame. The film counter will indicate the current frame number.

5.2. Using the Built-In Flash

The Kodak M38 features a built-in flash for low-light conditions.

1. To activate the flash, slide the flash switch on the front of the camera to the 'ON' position.
2. Wait for the red flash ready indicator light (usually on the top or back) to illuminate, indicating the flash is charged and ready to fire.
3. Compose your shot and press the shutter button.
4. To conserve battery life, slide the flash switch to the 'OFF' position when not in use.

6. Unloading the Film

Once all frames on the film roll have been exposed, it's time to rewind and remove the film.

1. Press the film rewind button located on the bottom of the camera.
2. Lift the film rewind crank and rotate it clockwise until you feel the tension release and the film is fully rewound into its canister.
3. Open the camera back cover.
4. Remove the rewound film canister from the film chamber.
5. Close the camera back cover.
6. Take the exposed film to a photolab for developing.

7. Maintenance

• Keep the camera clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid touching the lens directly. If cleaning is necessary, use a lens cleaning cloth and solution.
• Store the camera in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Remove the battery if the camera will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.

8. Troubleshooting

• Camera not powering on: Check if the AAA battery is inserted correctly and has sufficient charge. Replace if necessary.
• Film not advancing: Ensure the film is loaded correctly and the film leader is properly engaged with the take-up spool.
• Flash not firing: Make sure the flash switch is in the 'ON' position and the flash ready indicator light is illuminated. Allow time for the flash to charge.
• Photos are blurry: Ensure you are shooting within the camera's fixed-focus range (typically 1 meter to infinity).

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official KODAK website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For more information, visit the KODAK Store on Amazon.