Point and Shoot Pity Party Part 3: The Kodak Cameo Motor EX

This is Part 3 of a recurring series on basic point and shoot consumer cameras, the details of which can be found here.

It is the kind of camera that was typical for most of us "Newbies" to try out the world of photography in the 1980's and 1990's: a fixed focus 35mm compact with a flash.  But the 1996 vintage Cameo Motor EX is a tad splashier than the Kodak Star that I picked up in 1989.  For one, it is small, streamlined, and easily portable.  The design actually reminds me of the a Bantam f/4.5 in some ways since the lens actually springs out when you open the clamshell.  A "bonus" camera that I picked up in a bulk lot that had a desired rangefinder model, the Cameo Motor EX offered just enough rounded 1990's styling to encourage me to give it a try.  

Front Views: Collapsed (above) and Opened (below)

Top View

View through the reverse-Galilean viewfinder.

Name: Kodak Cameo Motor EX (Olympic Edition)

Format: 35mm

Type: Fixed Focus Point and Shoot 

Year: 1996

Features: A Flash that you can't turn off but can force on should you choose, Self-Timer.

Lens: 34mm f/5.6 3-element lens typically shooting at f/11 in daylight.
Battery: 2 AAA Cells.
Manual: http://wwwca.kodak.com/global/en/service/cameo/motorEx/ownerManual/toc.shtml

Cost: $3.87
Cost When New (and adjusted): $99.99 but often discounted ($155.00)

Where I found it: Came in a batch lot with a more desired camera.

Why I got it: I wanted the other camera in the lot and this came along for the ride.

What film: Fuji Color 100. 

What I liked: 

• It reminded me of a Kodak Bantam with its clamshell design.
• It is one of the smallest most discreet and easily totable cameras I've ever seen, and actually fits quite comfortably in a jeans pocket.

What I didn't like: 

• Tiny viewfinder
• No way to turn the flash off

Results:

Admittedly, this doesn't look like the typically fuzzy result I was expecting from a late model mass produced entry level camera.  So far, so good! 

Shadow detail is not the best, but sharpness is again quite commendable from this little triplet lens camera.

Souvenir shot of the annual Christmas Tree dilemma. 

Bright Sun, Great Results.  Sure this is among the easiest of photo situations, but not all cheap cameras get it right.  

Good color rendition through the Kodak's lens.

The built in flash seemed usable to about 8-10 feet using this 100 speed film.  Beyond that, there was noticeable drop off. 

Lots of details that could have been rendered in a mushy fashion, but this little Kodak comes through.

It managed to stop action in OK light.  Believe me, he is VERY active! 

Note the drop off in the flash. Here the camera looks like the typical cheap flash camera.  Still, it's not bad to have a flash.

I believe the flash went off with this one, but it managed to stop the action to capture him at the height of his enthusiasm!

Thoughts:

Prior to shooting and scanning this roll, I managed to find some reviews written for this model that expressed a lot of liking for how it produced some surprisingly sharp and colorful images. I maintained some jaded cynicism about these claims, but admittedly after seeing this roll, I have to concede that this is a perfectly capable little machine within its limitations.  

So under what conditions might I turn to packing this camera again?  Likely a lovely day when I want to hike or bike and want to carry along a film camera that will fit comfortably into a pocket and not require its own bag.  The portability of this model is a major asset that is only helped along by its image quality.  I'm quite glad this seemingly pitiful little camera charmed me into giving it a try!