Category Archives: Cameras

Broad Category for camera reviews or discussion

The Aussie Lomo ? – Hanimex 35 Micro Flash

When Cosina launched the the CX-1 & CX-2, little did they know they would become more famous as the cameras that inspired the Lomo LC-A. But that spark was not limited to the (in)famous Russian copy. Several other makes produced similar designs and here’s Hanimex’s take.

We’ve trod this ground before with the Halina 35 Micro (aka the Hong Kong Lomo) which was disappointing due to lack of focus, exposure control and any over-riding of an overly sensitive auto flash. The Hanimex instantly won me over as it resolves all 3 of those. But is it any good and is it a lomo rival ?

Continue reading The Aussie Lomo ? – Hanimex 35 Micro Flash

Lo-Fi Stand Off – The Halina 1000 v The Yashica Y35

When the Yashica Y35 arrived last year it got a bit of a pounding. Much of that was to do with overvalued expectations about this retro styled digital shooter. It’s essentially a lo-fi beast that has does do a slow film style shooting well. It has imitations mainly the hefty current price tag and limited optics. But often it’s compared to much more technically able digitals. So how does it if fare against another retro inspired but analogue lo-fi favourite the Halina 1000.

Continue reading Lo-Fi Stand Off – The Halina 1000 v The Yashica Y35

The Analogue Week -2- Lomo-Doo & the Missing Nikon

I’m writing this a bit late into the day but this column is meant to be a bit more flexible. This week the postie brought a few more Poundland challenge 2019 cameras, a vintage classic and something for the weekend from Lomography. Meanwhile there’s some serious modding going on in film land and there the curious case of the missing F6. Pull up a chair and have a drink !

Continue reading The Analogue Week -2- Lomo-Doo & the Missing Nikon

A SLR for 99p ? – Pentax MZ-5/ZX-5 Technical Review

One of my targets in my Poundland Challenge of getting cameras for a quid or less was to get a SLR body. I knew this was still likely and I’d come close with a Mamiya camera with a non interchangeable lens (some sneaked in at last minute with a £1.20 bid. I’d also passed on a Nikon F55 (already own) and a Praktica BM series body that went for 99p. Still I was bit surprised when the MZ-5 (ZX-5 in US), a 1996 Pentax prosumer AF SLR arrived for just 99p.

Continue reading A SLR for 99p ? – Pentax MZ-5/ZX-5 Technical Review

Voigtländer Vitoret – 99p for Fungus

When I decided to relaunch the Poundland Camera Challenge, I was pleasantly surprised when 2 Voigtländer turned including this quite stylish but basic viewfinder. But sadly this wasn’t going to be a camera that even got to the test bed. The lens was Fungus central

Continue reading Voigtländer Vitoret – 99p for Fungus

The Analogue Week – 1 – It’s Cold up north !

I’ve been running the reading room for over 6 months but I’ve decided to bring it to a close for several reasons so welcome to the Analogue week which my little update of what I’ve been up to with film gear and what else I’ve come across. Expect some sneak peaks for future posts, some ramblings and some good reads.

Continue reading The Analogue Week – 1 – It’s Cold up north !

THE READING ROOM – NEWS & THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED (WEEK 31: MARCH 1ST-7TH 2019)

Lent is upon us but there’s no famine of good film photography articles out there. Here’s my pick going from vintage to brand new. There’s even a APS review ! We also here a voice differing to the herd, a bit of honesty and question of form over use. Pull up a chair and relax.

Continue reading THE READING ROOM – NEWS & THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED (WEEK 31: MARCH 1ST-7TH 2019)