KODAK 605 Photo — Features, specifications, performance, and business use
KODAK 605 Photo — Features, specifications, performance, and business use
The KODAK 605 Photo is a roll-fed dye-sublimation photo printer built for kiosks, retail photo labs, event photographers and small commercial outlets that want fast, durable, consumer-quality prints without the footprint or complexity of production machines. Launched as an evolution of Kodak’s earlier kiosk/retail printers, the 605 trades lofty feature lists for a focused promise: dependable thermal dye-sub output, multiple print sizes from a single roll, and a low-maintenance platform that keeps staff time and consumable waste down. Below you’ll find a thorough look at what the 605 offers, how it performs in the field, and where it makes business sense.
Design & positioning
The Kodak 605 is designed specifically for environments that produce a steady stream of small photographic prints—photo kiosks, event booths, tourist sites, wedding studios and retail counters. Its roll-fed media system reduces changeovers (compared with sheet printers) and uses Kodak’s ribbon optimization to reduce waste. The chassis is compact for a lab-class printer (roughly 50 × 33 × 29 cm) and weighs about 18 kg (without media), making it possible to install on a counter or a small service desk. The unit ships with a USB interface and driver support for modern Windows systems, and later firmware updates extend compatibility with newer OS versions.
Key features
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Thermal dye-sublimation printing: The 605 produces continuous-tone images with a 300-dpi thermal dye-sublimation engine—this yields smooth gradations and durable photo prints that are water-resistant when used with Kodak XTRALIFE or equivalent photo media. Dye-sub remains the industry workhorse for fast, lab-quality 4×6 and 6×8 prints.
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Multiple output sizes from one roll: One of the 605’s practical benefits is that a single media roll and ribbon can produce 10×15 cm (4×6 in), 13×18 cm (5×7 in, with border) and 15×20 cm (6×8 in) output sizes—this reduces inventory complexity for busy retail outlets. There are optional conversion kits for borderless 5×7 printing if needed.
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Fast print times: Kodak rates the 605 at ~11 seconds for a 4×6 print and around 18–19 seconds for 5×7 or 6×8 sizes, numbers that translate into a reliable throughput for high-volume consumer traffic. For a staffed kiosk or event window these speeds keep queues short.
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High capacity roll & ribbon optimization: The roll format supports large print counts (e.g., hundreds of 4×6 prints per roll depending on roll length), and Kodak’s ribbon optimization reduces wasted ribbon between prints, improving consumable efficiency and lowering per-print cost.
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Durability-focused media: Kodak recommends XTRALIFE paper and formulations that are marketed as stain-resistant and waterproof for long-lasting prints—an important selling point for retail photo products.
Specifications (practical, procurement-ready)
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Print technology: Thermal dye-sublimation (continuous tone).
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Print resolution: 300 dpi continuous tone.
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Output sizes supported: 10×15 cm (4×6 in), 13×18 cm (5×7 in, with border) and 15×20 cm (6×8 in); borderless 5×7 possible with conversion kit.
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Print speed: ~11 seconds for 4×6; ~18–19 seconds for 5×7 or 6×8 (manufacturer times).
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Media format: Roll (high capacity).
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Dimensions (H×W×D): ~29.0 × 49.8 × 32.6 cm (11.4 × 19.6 × 12.8 in).
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Weight: Approx. 18 kg (40 lb) without consumables.
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Power: 100–240 V ±10%, typical maximum consumption listed near 320 W in some datasheets—confirm regional datasheet for exact electrical specs.
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Interface: USB 2.0 standard; driver support for Windows (with firmware/driver updates available for newer Windows versions).
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Environmental: Operating temperature commonly specified 15–35 °C (59–95 °F); relative humidity ranges recommended in the manual.
Image quality & output characteristics
The dye-sublimation process used in the 605 produces smooth tonal transitions and excellent skin-tone rendering—attributes that are particularly important for consumer photo prints. At 300 dpi continuous tone the device avoids the halftone artifacts typical of lower-end thermal or inkjet lab prints. When paired with Kodak XTRALIFE or similar professional photo paper the prints exhibit strong color saturation and water/stain resistance that customers expect from retail photo products. In short: for standard small-format prints (4×6 and 6×8) the 605 produces lab-acceptable results suitable for retail or event sales.
Performance in real deployments
Kodak’s stated print timings (11 s for 4×6, ~19 s for larger sizes) are achievable in routine operation, although actual throughput depends on image processing, connectivity, and operator workflow. The roll-fed mechanism and high output tray reduce user interaction compared with sheet-fed systems, allowing staff to run continuous print jobs during events or peak retail hours. Reviewers and user videos demonstrate the printer’s consistent operation and straightforward ribbon/paper loading, making it suitable for environments where non-technical staff manage the device.
Maintenance is straightforward: dye-sub printers like the 605 have relatively simple mechanical architectures (fixed print head, single transport path), user-replaceable ribbons and media, and defined cleaning procedures in the manual. Kodak’s documentation emphasizes cleaning the exterior and air filters and replacing consumables on schedule to avoid downtime—advice that translates to high uptime in retail settings.
Business use cases — where the 605 makes sense
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Retail kiosks & mall photo counters: The combination of fast 4×6 output, high-capacity roll media and rugged prints makes the 605 a strong back-of-counter printer for kiosk operators selling instant prints. Reduced inventory complexity (one roll supports multiple print sizes) simplifies stock management for small teams.
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Event & wedding photographers: For photographers offering same-day prints at events or pop-up studios, the 605 provides lab-quality small prints quickly. Its compact size and predictable throughput make it a practical second unit alongside tethered workflow laptops.
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Tourist attractions and photo booths: Attractions that sell souvenir photos or photo-card souvenirs benefit from the printer’s speed, waterproof media options and relatively low service overhead. The thermal process tolerates continuous runs better than many consumer inkjets in dusty or high-throughput situations.
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Front-of-house labs & one-hour shops: Small retail labs that want to offer fast turnaround without the investment in large minilab equipment can use the 605 for core small-format product lines while outsourcing larger formats.
Deployment considerations & best practices
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Consumable logistics: Although ribbon optimization reduces waste, labs must plan for timely replenishment of ribbons and rolls. Stock rotation and easy access to Kodak (or certified) media simplify operations and avoid counterfeit media risks. Many distributors still offer Kodak 605 consumable kits (ribbon + roll) tailored to the printer.
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Driver & firmware management: The 605’s drivers have received updates over time to keep pace with Windows versions; verify you’re running the recommended firmware (some Kodak support notes reference required firmware levels to use newer drivers). Purchasing organizations should archive the approved driver/firmware for consistent deployments.
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Physical placement & environment: Install the printer in a relatively dust-free, temperature-stable area (manufacturer recommends 15–35 °C). Good ventilation around the unit avoids overheating during continuous runs.
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Service & warranties: The 605 was commonly sold with a 12-month warranty; for commercial deployments, consider extended support or a local service agreement to reduce downtime. User-replaceable parts keep many service events low cost, but critical outlets often prefer a formal SLA.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
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Fast, lab-quality small prints ideal for retail and event use.
Roll feed and ribbon optimization lower consumable handling and waste.
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Durable, water-resistant prints when used with Kodak’s recommended media.
Limitations
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Fixed small-format focus: the 605 is not designed for large or specialty print formats (choose a different minilab or wide format printer for those).
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As a device from an earlier generation, more modern kiosks and lab printers may offer newer connectivity options (network/web APIs) and faster raw throughput—evaluate if your business needs the latest integration features.
Conclusion
The KODAK 605 Photo is a focused, practical choice for businesses that need reliable, fast small-format photo printing with low operational fuss. Its dye-sublimation chemistry produces attractive, durable prints; roll media and ribbon optimization reduce inventory complexity and waste; and the machine’s compact footprint and straightforward maintenance make it suitable for kiosks, event photographers and small retail labs. If your operation sells many 4×6 or 6×8 prints and values predictable throughput and print longevity, the Kodak 605 remains a sensible investment—especially when paired with Kodak’s recommended media and a disciplined consumables plan.
Operating System
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Download
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KODAK 605 Photo Printer - Color Profile – (Mon, 07/01/2019 - 12:00)
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| KODAK 605 Photo Printer Firmware - WINDOWS Operating Systems – (Thu, 10/26/2023 - 12:00) | |
| WINDOWS Printer Driver for the KODAK 605 Photo Printer – (Wed, 12/07/2022 - 12:00) | |
KODAK 605 Photo Printer - User's Guide – (Mon, 05/09/2011 - 12:00)
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