KODAK Ultra F9 35mm Film Camera Instruction Manual

Introduction

The KODAK Ultra F9 is a reusable 35mm film camera designed for ease of use, offering a simple point-and-shoot experience. It features a fixed-focus lens and a built-in flash, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your camera to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Safety Information

• Do not expose film to direct sunlight or high temperatures for extended periods.
• Keep the camera away from water and excessive moisture.
• Do not attempt to disassemble the camera, as this may cause damage and void the warranty.
• Use only AAA alkaline batteries for the flash function. Ensure correct polarity when inserting batteries.
• Keep batteries out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
• Dispose of used batteries and film responsibly according to local regulations.

Package Contents

Please check that all the following items are included in your package:

• KODAK Ultra F9 35mm Film Camera Body
• Hand Strap
• Note: 35mm film and 1x AAA alkaline battery are not included and must be purchased separately.

Camera Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your KODAK Ultra F9 camera.

Figure 1: Front view of the KODAK Ultra F9 camera, showing the lens, viewfinder, flash, and shutter button.

Front View

• Lens: 31mm, F9 fixed-focus lens.
• Viewfinder: For composing your shots.
• Flash: Built-in flash for low-light conditions.
• Flash Switch: Slide to activate/deactivate the flash.
• Shutter Button: Press to take a photo.

Top View

Figure 2: Top view of the KODAK Ultra F9 camera, highlighting the film advance wheel.

• Film Advance Wheel: Rotate to advance the film to the next frame after taking a picture.

Back View

Figure 3: Back view of the KODAK Ultra F9 camera, showing the film counter and film door latch.

• Film Counter: Displays the number of exposures taken.
• Film Door Latch: Slide down to open the back cover for film loading/unloading.

Bottom View

Figure 4: Bottom view of the KODAK Ultra F9 camera, showing the battery compartment and film rewind button.

• Battery Compartment: Holds one AAA alkaline battery for the flash.
• Film Rewind Button: Press to release the film for rewinding.

Setup

1. Inserting the Battery

The KODAK Ultra F9 requires one AAA alkaline battery to power its built-in flash. The camera can operate without a battery for daylight photography, but the flash will not function.

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

2. Loading Film

The KODAK Ultra F9 uses standard 35mm film (135 film). Film is sold separately.

1. In a shaded area or indoors, slide the film door latch downwards to open the camera's back cover.
2. Insert a new 35mm film cartridge into the film chamber on the left side of the camera.
3. Pull the film leader across the camera body and insert its tip into one of the slots on the take-up spool on the right side.
4. Rotate the film advance wheel slightly to ensure the film is securely engaged with the take-up spool's teeth.
5. Close the back cover firmly until it clicks shut.
6. Advance the film by rotating the film advance wheel and pressing the shutter button repeatedly (usually 2-3 times) until the film counter shows "1". This ensures the exposed film leader is wound onto the take-up spool.

Figure 5: KODAK Ultra F9 camera with 35mm film, ready for loading.

Operating the Camera

1. Taking Photos

1. Look through the viewfinder to compose your shot.
2. Press the shutter button gently but firmly to take the picture.
3. After each shot, rotate the film advance wheel until it stops, preparing the camera for the next exposure. The film counter will advance.

The camera has a fixed focus from 1 meter (3.3 feet) to infinity, simplifying the shooting process.

2. Using the Flash

The built-in flash is essential for low-light conditions or to fill in shadows in bright daylight.

1. Slide the flash switch (located on the front of the camera) to the "ON" position.
2. Wait for the flash ready indicator light (usually red, located on the top or back of the camera) to illuminate, indicating the flash is charged and ready to fire. This may take a few seconds.
3. Once the flash is ready, press the shutter button to take your photo.
4. For optimal battery life, slide the flash switch to the "OFF" position when not in use.

3. Rewinding and Unloading Film

Once you have taken all the exposures on your film roll, you must rewind the film back into its cartridge before opening the camera back.

1. Locate the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera (Figure 4). Press and hold this button.
2. While holding the rewind button, rotate the film rewind crank (located on the top-left of the camera) clockwise until you feel the tension release. This indicates the film has been fully rewound into the cartridge.
3. Release the film rewind button.
4. Slide the film door latch downwards to open the camera's back cover.
5. Remove the rewound film cartridge from the film chamber.
6. Close the back cover.
7. Take the exposed film to a photo lab for development.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the camera body. For the lens and viewfinder, use a specialized lens cleaning cloth and solution. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Storage: Store the camera in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Remove the AAA battery if the camera will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
• Film Handling: Always load and unload film in subdued light to prevent accidental exposure.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your KODAK Ultra F9, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Camera not taking pictures:
  • Ensure film is correctly loaded and advanced to the first frame.
  • Check if the film advance wheel has been fully rotated after the previous shot.
• Flash not firing:
  • Verify that a fresh AAA alkaline battery is correctly inserted.
  • Ensure the flash switch is in the "ON" position.
  • Wait for the flash ready indicator light to illuminate before pressing the shutter.
• Blurry photos:
  • The camera has a fixed focus from 1 meter (3.3 feet) to infinity. Ensure your subject is within this range.
  • Hold the camera steady when pressing the shutter button, especially in low light.
• Film not rewinding:
  • Ensure the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera is pressed and held down while rotating the rewind crank.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official KODAK website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

For further assistance, you may contact KODAK customer service through their official channels.