Exploring the Kodak Charmera Blind Box Camera Trend: Why the Hype?

Move over Labubu, the peculiar grinning doll that has gained a following for reasons unknown. There’s a new collectible sensation making waves.

Introducing the Kodak Charmera, a US$30 miniature digital camera that fits on your keychain. It boasts a retro aesthetic and comes packaged in a blind box with a variety of designs, including six standard options and one elusive secret version.

This innovative product is a collaboration with Reto Production, inspired by Kodak’s disposable Fling camera from the 1980s. The Charmera allows users to capture both photos and videos, with the secret edition showcasing the internal mechanics through a transparent casing.

At just 30 grams, the Kodak Charmera delivers 1.6MP images and lets you personalize them with Kodak frames, filters, and a date stamp—a nod to classic film photography. It saves images on a microSD card, which isn’t included, and you can easily transfer files using the provided USB-C cable.

SO WHY IS THIS CAMERA SO POPULAR?

According to Shawn Low, the founder of Camera Assembly, “There’s a significant interest because it’s much simpler to use than traditional film, which can be expensive due to film and development costs.”

Despite this, Low adds, “As someone who appreciates film photography, I believe they are tapping into the hype around blind boxes, as the Charmera feels more like a toy and lacks the true film shooting experience.”

The Kodak Charmera’s popularity surged on social media, particularly due to unboxing videos, echoing the earlier buzz surrounding the Labubu trend, recently parodied on a episode of South Park.

THE “LABUBU OF CAMERAS”?

“Labubu of cameras.” This surge in popularity for these blind box cameras has significantly elevated Kodak’s presence on social platforms, particularly as the 133-year-old company faced financial challenges and warned investors it might struggle to meet its US$500 million debt obligations.

Similar to Fujifilm, which has successfully transitioned into pharmaceutical and cosmetics, Kodak is attempting to revive its fortune with a US$765 million government loan obtained in 2020.

As of Kodak’s second quarter 2025 financials, the company reported a net loss of US$26 million, contrasting sharply with a net income of US$26 million in the previous year’s same quarter.

Nevertheless, the Kodak Charmera’s consistent sellouts hint at a possible resurgence for the brand through more clever product offerings. Should Kodak cease operations, the Charmera might quickly turn into a sought-after collectible.

WHERE CAN YOU PURCHASE ONE?

You can find the Kodak Charmera online at the official Reto store, along with select authorized third-party retailers like 8storeytree. However, securing one can be quite a challenge. The second preorder launched on September 30, selling out within moments. Currently, there’s no update on the next preorder date. For a list of official retailers, check their website.