Tag Archives: Camera

The problem with second hand reviews & Apols to the XA2

If you’ve been following my blog you’ll be aware I’ve a somewhat love-hate relationship with the Olympus XA2. At times I’ve been amazed and other times underwhelmed. Well it turns out one of the two XA2 I had over the last 2 years whilst superficially working produced naff results (the other in hindsight was pretty good)

Olympus XA2
Olympus XA2 ’80s classic supercompact

And this got me thinking about me and other reviewers of film cameras. What happens if we get a wrong ‘un ?

Continue reading The problem with second hand reviews & Apols to the XA2

Yashica Samurai X4.0 – failure to launch

I don’t really like reviewing cameras that haven’t worked but I recently acquired a Yashica Samurai X4 which had a a sticky shutter. The actual other mechanics of the camera worked (bar flash) so these are my musing on this unique camera half frame SLR despite not actually successfully taking a shot on it

Yashica Samurai X4.0
Yashica Samurai X4.0 half frame AF SLR from late 1980’s

Continue reading Yashica Samurai X4.0 – failure to launch

The Poundland Camera Challenge : Whot I learned

Earlier this year I set out on a challenge to buy cameras for a pound or less (minus postage) from either eBay, Car boots or Charity shops.  But how has it worked out and what have been the highs and the lows as I draw together the last few cameras.

Ilford Sportsman Mark II
Ilford Sportsman Mark II. 35mm 1950’s camera that I got for 99p

Continue reading The Poundland Camera Challenge : Whot I learned

Olympus PEN EE-2 Update – Fixed for Good ?

Earlier this year I got my hands on an Olympus PEN EE-2 half frame compact. I took an instant love to the camera and rushed out a 1 roll review

Papa's got a Brand new Half Frame bag
Olympus PEN EE-2 half-frame 35mm camera

But how is it bedding in and does it still deserve the raving I gave it. Continue reading Olympus PEN EE-2 Update – Fixed for Good ?

Summer Shootout Redux 2015 – 3 Lomography Classics go head to head

It’s that time of year again and we went off to Skegness to Butlins. We also headed onto the Gem of the Yorkshire Coast, Whitby and like last year some film cameras came along for the ride.

3 Lomography Class cameras went to Whitby
Lomo LC-A, Superheadz Wide & Slim (VUWS clone) and Olympus XA2

Size and space was important so everything was pretty compact. Last year’s Olympus XA2 was joined by a Lomo LC-A and the poor man’s Lomo, a Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim (VUWS) clone. But what worked well and did the Olympus redeem itself ?

Continue reading Summer Shootout Redux 2015 – 3 Lomography Classics go head to head

10 Fixed Focus Wonders

Fixed focus cameras have lasted as long as consumer photography has existed and beyond from the Kodak Brownie launched in the 1890’s right up to date with the still in production clones of the Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim. Easy shooters often derided but popular with the public and pre-AF often the choice of the casual snapper.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Taken on Disposable fixed focus Kodak Fun camera (Camera in shot is a fixed focus Olympus XA1)

Over the years we’ve had ones that have no controls right through to fully automatic exposure models. Here’s my thoughts on some Continue reading 10 Fixed Focus Wonders

Yamato Pal Jr/Pax Jr Review : One foot in the 50’s and another the 60’s

I got this little gem a couple of years ago and have recently picked it up again.This scale focus 35mm relatively compact camera looks strikingly like Haking’s  Halina Super 35X and one can guess who influenced who. But how does this early 60’s compact measure up ?

Yamato Pal Jr
Yamato Pal Jr 35mm Japanese camera from 1960

Continue reading Yamato Pal Jr/Pax Jr Review : One foot in the 50’s and another the 60’s

Minolta AF-E II Review – Poundland Challenge Camera No 14

Minolta made some of the most iconic cameras of the 20th Century including the fantastic Hi-matic series that even made it into space. But is this fixed focal length AF compact from the 80’s (aka as the Freedom 200 in the US) launch ready or space junk.

Minolta AF-EII 35mm AF fixed focal length camera
Minolta AF-EII 35mm AF fixed focal length camera

Continue reading Minolta AF-E II Review – Poundland Challenge Camera No 14