Kodak's weatherproof APS zoom compact — Ektanar 25-50mm f/4.6-8.7, rubberised body, 1999
The Kodak Advantix T700 was a weather-resistant zoom compact for the Advanced Photo System, made by Kodak from 1999. It sat towards the top of the Advantix point-and-shoot range, distinguished by its rubberised, sealed body — the T-series was pitched at outdoor and travel use where an ordinary APS compact might suffer.
It carried a Kodak Ektanar all-glass 2x zoom of 25-50mm at f/4.6-8.7 with autofocus, and used the APS cartridge's magnetic layer to record scene data for the processing lab under the format's information-exchange system. The usual APS niceties applied: drop-in loading, mid-roll change support and the Classic, HDTV and Panoramic print formats.
The T700 suits collectors of the APS era and anyone who wants one of the better-built Advantix bodies; the weatherproofing and grippy shell make it a nicer object than the bare-bones models. As with all APS compacts it is fully automatic, so it offers convenience rather than creative control.
APS film ceased production in 2011, so shooting one today means expired cartridges and limited processing, and many sell as display pieces. On working examples, check the seals and battery compartment for corrosion, confirm the zoom and autofocus actuate, and listen for a healthy motor wind — these cameras are inert without battery power.