May 11, 2018Square instant photography too limiting? Want a camera that fits nicely on The Love Boat set? You have a preference for the Polaroid integral instant film? There is one camera that fits this bill, it is the Polaroid Spectra! The Spectra uses the same film formula as the Polaroid 600 cameras but is in a wider format rather than the…
April 27, 2018Very often it is considered a form of flattery to be copied. It means you have achieved something causing envy amongst others and they would like to also have it, but not necessarily have the means to get it. That is the case with Leica cameras. Whilst not everyone covets them, there is many people that do. This spurred on a…
April 6, 2018Summer means sunshine, longer days, heat, sun screen, swimming and fun. During this time, a camera that can be used at the beach, the pool, on land and is not overly expensive or complicated is quite a wish list. The Canon Sure Shot A1 aims to fulfil this, all the time maintaining quality in both the water and on land. …
March 16, 2018In the realm of Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) cameras, many people chase the Rolleiflex, the shining light at the top of the mountain. This is in a landscape of TLRs of which there are more brands and types than I could possibly list. The Rolleicord is its smaller brother. While understandably a lower spec and not many people would argue…
March 2, 2018Box cameras are without a single doubt the longest line of a particular type of camera ever produced. It can be argued that they ran for 140 years, possibly longer depending on how loose the interpretation is. There is even a new one being produced now in 2018! The Kodak Brownie Six-20 Model D is considered one of the more…
February 16, 2018The Minox 35 GT is a very convenient camera, mainly due to its diminutive size. At one point it was the world’s smallest 35mm camera, a title which was only relinquished to one other camera before digital took the mainstream. It would very easy to dismiss this as being its one and only differentiator amongst the world of compacts and…
February 3, 2018Film Digital Index (DX) Coding can be very convenient for 35mm. No need to worry about setting the film speed (ASA, ISO etc.) on the camera settings to ensure it meters correctly, just insert film and shoot away. This function is especially prevalent on 80s and 90s compact film cameras, some of which are very popular and getting expensive…
January 20, 2018Box cameras are boxes with a lens. Simple. In Italy, Ferrania had other ideas and created one which just oozes style. The Ferrania Rondine was created when workmanship was still a priority, and even tools like a camera had to have a great aesthetic to them. In the wild, this camera brings out comments from “Isn’t that so cute!!” to…
January 12, 2018Square format, instant(ish) images, iconic and fun. No, not insta-social media, but a camera developed at the pinnacle of a company’s history. The Polaroid Sun 660 Autofocus Land Camera was sold at the time when Polaroid was a powerhouse in the photographic industry and was considered one of the most innovative companies across the world. There must be something hardwired…
December 7, 2017In the last couple of years there has been a resurgence in film manufacture. Several kick-starters have been successful and even the traditional manufacturers have announced some new emulsions with the balance being there have also been a few discontinuations. Before this resurgence though, Lomography had filled the gap to renew interest in film. The interesting approach Lomography took has…
November 18, 2017There is a saying that a camera is just a light tight box to capture the image. Box cameras are the best example of this, only one step more technologically advanced from a pinhole camera. In the early 1900s Kodak was introducing box cameras in all shapes and sizes for a range of different film sizes. The Kodak No. 2…
November 5, 2017Everyone knows that red cars go faster. Ok, they feel faster. Does this translate to cameras? It sort of does with this one, as the Olympus XA3 does meter for faster film than the camera it replaced, the XA2. The argument does break apart though, as they did come in black, blue and white as well as red, but as…