Photographer KenŽ (Canada)~2000 and Photo Student KenŽ (KB Toy SSE)~2001

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Photo Student Ken showed up at KB Toy stores for $9.99 in 2002.  This 2001 (box date) version appears to be a domestic USA version of the 2000 (box date) Photographer Ken that was available only in Canada in 2001.  Photo Student KenŽ doll is a variation.  Trademarks of variation dolls have subtle box/doll changes made after the initial production period.  Examples may include misspelling corrections on box text, or addition or deletion of accessories.  A variation is defined as a "change from the original product".  It is not a "true" variation however, since the box dates are different years.  

Because Photo Student KenŽ did not see a general release in the USA with limited production, you'd have to have made a trip to specific KB stores that carried him.

There are quite a few differences between Photo Student KenŽ and the "original" Photographer KenŽ dolls.  The "original" Photographer KenŽ was much better.  I have pointed out the differences below.  I highlighted (in red) the items or features that are included with Photographer KenŽ, that are not included (or in some cases different) than the variation Photo Student KenŽ.

Left:  Close-up of Photo Student KenŽ.

 

Photo Student Ken

M#:  55263    BD:  2001 HC:  Painted Brunette.  C:  Khaki shorts.  Red t-shirt with off-white ribbon across chest s/s.  Black tennis shoes.  Black 35mm camera attached to left hand.  A:  Two black camera lens extensions.  Black tongs.  Gray film developing tray.  Three pictures that "magically" develop.  Tan golden retriever dog.  NOTE:  Pictures develop in warm water and disappear in cold water.

 Photographer Ken

M#:  29903  BD:  2000  HC:  Rooted Two-Tone Brown.  C:  Khaki jam length shorts.  Red t-shirt with off-white ribbon across chest s/s.  Black/white tennis shoes with new thicker sole.  Black 35mm camera with strap attached to left hand.  Black camera case with strap hanging from left shoulder.  A:  Two black camera lens extensions.  Black tongs.  Gray film developing tray.  Three pictures that "magically" develop.  Tan golden retriever dog with red messenger bag with white dog bone in strap around dog's neck.  NOTE:  Pictures develop in warm water and disappear in cold water.  Camera will flash when button is pressed.

 
As you can see there are a lot of differences, making the variations interesting.  The head molds used are obviously also different.  One note of interest is the tiny lines painted underneath Photo Student KenŽ doll's eyes, which make him appear slightly older.  Also, the box text for Photo Student KenŽ is more informative.  It says:

"Photography 101 is the coolest class at my school.  I enjoy taking pictures of people and animals! I can't wait to show BarbieŽ the latest photos I developed of her and my dog!" 

(NOTE:  The pictures are the same Hip To Be Square and Jewel Girl BarbieŽ dolls and friends...sorry no pictures of the dog.  Interestingly, there IS a photo of Jewel Girl BarbieŽ and the dog pictured on the back of the Photographer KenŽ box).  Unfortunately, the camera doesn't flash like Photographer KenŽ doll's camera.  (I think this camera was one of the coolest accessories ever made for KenŽ).