The Camera

There are difficulties inherent when photographing with the little toy camera, of course. It is not very adjustable. The focusing, for instance, is approximate. There are four settings on the lens--one person, a couple, a crowd, and mountains. You do not get to see the focused image in the viewfinder, so you must remember to reset the lens. Sometimes, it is not so accurate.

The camera also has light leaks, so the film sometimes has bright streaks around the edges of the images. This, of course, is part of its "charm." I've modified my camera quite a bit to reduce the leaking, but I have not eliminated it totally. It does give the pictures, though, the feeling of being taken with one of the old Brownie cameras by someone who wasn't quite sure how to load it.

The camera has no settings for exposure, either. You must simply match the film to the conditions. I take a variety of films with me and figure out which one I need to use when I get there.

I think, however, that the simplicity of the camera with all of its limitations and flaws adds to the appeal of the final product. Camera. Film. Analog. Looking at the images is like remembering something forgotten.