A special gift... Digital Harinezumi 2

A momentous and "extravagant" gift from my dear hubby!! Isn't it adorable? It's an extraordinary digital camera that looks like an Ikimono 110 camera loaded with 110 film. Although it has a LCD screen, it won't let you use while snapping (only for reviewing), instead forcing you to frame the shot with a plastic viewfinder. It even shoots videos that harkens to old-fashioned 8mm film!



[ my 3-year-old son at the playground ]



I love the black-and-white shots most coz it really produces retro-looking pictures. The colour shots are almost unpredictable, somewhere between normal- and cross-processed, but that's another unique feature I like about this camera!

About the Digital Harinezumi 2

The Digital Harinezumi 2 is not the most advanced digital movie camera out there. But it might be the movie camera that will film reality just as you remember it from your childhood memories or from a dream. Superheadz, the creators, have worked for over a year in fine-tuning this machine to render images in a way that will remind you of the wonderful Super 8mm movies, and the result is stunningly good. It is tiny, ultra-portable and unbelievably easy to use. It does not only take great movies, but it also can take very unique, colour boosted and highly contrasted photographs, in the best toy camera tradition. The creators have on purpose removed the live-view from its LCD when taking pictures, to bring back the anticipation and unexpected results of analog phootgraphy. They have also left out the ability to record sound, to give you more room for your creativity and bring it closer to Super 8mm cameras. It is another great camera in the Superheadz collection, a camera that will inspire filmmakers from around the world. You will always have it with you. It uses microSD cards and replaceable batteries.

Specifications

• Pixels: 200 pixel CMOS, Recorded Pixels: 1600×1200, 320×240; Still images: 1600×1200, 320×240, Sensitivity: 100/800, 100/800; Lens: Normal: Approx 1m~10cm; Macro: approx 10cm; Exposure: Auto; White Balance: Auto
• Self-timer: 10 seconds
• File Format: Still image: JOEG
• Video: AVI (25fps)
• Memory: Micro SD card: up to 2GB (not included)
• Size: 95.5mm × 26.5mm × 54.5mm
• Display: (Width) 3.3cm, (Vertical) 2.5cm, (Horizontal) approximately 9cm, (Height) about 3cm, (Width) about 3.5cm
• Weight: 85g (body only)
• Batteries :CR2

Blackbird Fly... higher... and further!

Film : Kodak Professional EliteChrome 100

Date Taken : December 2009

Here are some outdoor sceneries at the Cityhall area, before the Blackbird actually flew all the way to Hong Kong for a 3-day trip! Not many nice pictures taken in this roll as some of them were either under- or over-exposed.

Holga 135BC... 3rd roll

Film : Lomography X-Pro 200 

Date Taken : December 2009

I went on a hot afternoon "date" with Holga and the Blackbird! :)

My 2nd toy camera... Blackbird, Fly

I found myself "sinking deeper" into lo-fi photography after playing with the Holga for about 2 months. Very soon, I laid my eyes (and hands) on my next toy... Superheadz Blackbird, Fly! I love it for its cool and unique appearance! It's both a 35mm, as well as a TLR (twin-lens reflex) camera!

Film : FujiChrome Sensia 100

Date Taken : December 2009

These were the debut shots of the Blackbird Fly (check out the sprocket holes!!!), and also my first try on cross-processing positive film!

About the Blackbird, Fly

The Blackbird, Fly is in short a Twin-Reflex 35mm Plastic Camera. It is unique for several reasons:

ONE

It’s a successor to a classic! It seems the Blackbird, Fly is considered the Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) version of the classic Holga, which is in turn a successor to the Diana, both of which have a real cult following. Some call the Holga a "toy" camera, which is of course a bit of a misnomer. Many have relied on it to take beautiful photographs. Yet the Holga is also known for its unpredictability, as every one is just a little different. Most have light leaks, and those leaks are not going to be the same between any two Holgas. This unpredictability contributes to much of their charm, and was taken to the extreme by some photographers as it became a popular camera for “shooting from the hip”. Many Holga mods have also become very popular.

TWO

It's a TLR! The Blackbird, Fly, is a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera, meaning that there are two objective lenses: One for taking the photograph, and one for the waist-level viewfinder. Behind the viewfinder lens is a mirror at a 45-degree angle (hence the term “reflex”), which reflects upwards through a matter focusing screen surrounded by a hood/enclosure used to block some light and reduce reflection on the screen. This creates an image on the screen identical to what will be captured on film through the photographic lens.

THREE

It uses 35mm film! Most TLR cameras use 120 format film. Although 120 film is very cool, it can be much harder to find and even harder to get developed. With 35mm film you can just drop it off at the nearest 1-hour photo!

FOUR

3 formats! You can shoot in 3 formats (using provided masks): normal 35mm (24mm x 36mm), square format (24mm x 24mm), and large square format (36mm x 36mm).

FIVE

It’s VERY reasonable! Many TLRs are hundreds of dollars, and although some of them are worth it, the Blackbird, Fly is just $100+. It’s an amazing TLR for hobbyists to creative professionals to everyone in between.

SIX

Colors, colors, colors! Seriously, how many cameras have multiple color options?

Specifications

• Apertures: f/7 (cloudy) and f/11 (sun)
• Shutter speeds: 1/125 and B (Bulb mode — to let in as much light as you want)
• Lens: Wide-angle 33mm lens
• Focus: Visual distance estimates 0.8, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 10, ∞
• Additional features: Yes, you can take multiple exposures!, attach optional flash

Holga 135BC... 2nd roll

Film : Kodak BW400CN

Date Taken : December 2009

This is the first time I tried black and white film. Most of the pictures are taken at Pulau Ubin. 

My 1st toy camera... The Holga 135BC (Snow)

Film : Kodak Gold 200 and Kodak Max 400

Date Taken : September 2009

These are the debut shots of the Holga 135BC, taken in the vicinity of my workplace and home. I developed the negatives in hardcopies and later scanned them into my computer, hence the resolution of the pictures did not reflect the exact of what the camera produced. My amateur photography skill only enabled me to take a few "OK" shots out of the 2 rolls of film.

About the Holga 135BC

This 35mm Holga Black Corner is master of the shadowy vignette. It specializes in creating mysterious images with dramatic effect. The combination of the otherworldly mystique of the plastic Holga lens and the Black Corner’s unique masking effect – radiates an atmosphere of Hitchkockian suspense. Build on this effect by experimenting with the unlimited long and multi-exposure feature. Like the 35mm Holga it has two shutter and aperture settings and uses standard 35mm film and processing.

Overview

• Size: 4.5"x3"x2.5" (11.5cm x 7.5cm x 6.5cm)
• Weight: 6oz (170g)
• Format: all 35mm film (colour negative, slide, b&w)
• Lens: Plastic 47mm, f/8
• Focus: manual zone focus with four distance settings
• Approximate 35mm format equivalent focal length: 38mm
• Aperture settings: f/8, f/11
• Shutter speeds: 1/125, "B"
• Flash: standard hotshoe
• Rear mask for enhanced “Black Corner” Effect
• Uncoupled advance & shutter release for multiple exposures
• Standard tripod & standard cable release threads
• Standard 35mm processing that can be done at any lab, supermarket, etc.

Holga 35mm Features

Black Corner Mask

This unique mask creates a shadowy vignette in the four corners of the photo. The effect draws your plane of focus to one point and then lets you discover the rest of the shot. It is precisely this masking effect that produces the Black Corner’s intriguing atmosphere.

Plastic 47/8 Optical Lens

Without this unique plastic lens the Holga would undoubtedly lose her mojo. Simple as it may be this little plastic gem is responsible for radiating the Holga’s signature, otherworldly essence.

Uncoupled Advance and Shutter

This feature allows you to shoot limitless times on the same frame – thereby multi-exposing the shot. Try this feature to create a layered air of mystery with the Black Corner.

Variable Shutter Speeds

You get two to choose from. “N” - the standard daytime speed of 1/125 second or the exotic long-exposure "B" setting – where you can hold the shutter open for as long as you want. Use "B" to capture dazzling night images without a flash. Pair the "B" setting with a flash shot to freeze your sharp, flashed subject in front of a streaming, glowing background. Team the "B" setting with a tripod (via the bottom tripod thread) for a sharp night portrait.

Variable Aperture

A two-option weather guide helps you to select the right aperture size. The ‘sunshine’ icon represents f/11 – or switch to ‘cloudy’ f/8 for dull and nighttime shots.

Iconic Zone Focus

The lens has four focus settings. An easy-peasy iconic focus indicator allows you to opt for portrait, small group, big group or infinity.

Standard Tripod & Shutter Release Threads

Take the shake out of your shot with these tricks for long exposures! Fit a tripod into the bottom and a cable release into the top, and you’re set for solid, shake-free shots of a few seconds to a few hours!

Standard Hotshoe

There is no need to be in the dark with the Black Corner – its hotshoe means standard electronic flashes will shoot in sync with the shutter release.

Normal 35mm processing

Cheap and cheerful – easy and convenient! Whether you opt for colour, B&W or slide – developing your shots will not be a problem!

About the Holga 135BC

This 35mm Holga Black Corner is master of the shadowy vignette. It specializes in creating mysterious images with dramatic effect. The combination of the otherworldly mystique of the plastic Holga lens and the Black Corner’s unique masking effect – radiates an atmosphere of Hitchkockian suspense. Build on this effect by experimenting with the unlimited long and multi-exposure feature. Like the 35mm Holga it has two shutter and aperture settings and uses standard 35mm film and processing.

Overview

• Size: 4.5"x3"x2.5" (11.5cm x 7.5cm x 6.5cm)
• Weight: 6oz (170g)
• Format: all 35mm film (colour negative, slide, b&w)
• Lens: Plastic 47mm, f/8
• Focus: manual zone focus with four distance settings
• Approximate 35mm format equivalent focal length: 38mm
• Aperture settings: f/8, f/11
• Shutter speeds: 1/125, "B"
• Flash: standard hotshoe
• Rear mask for enhanced “Black Corner” Effect
• Uncoupled advance & shutter release for multiple exposures
• Standard tripod & standard cable release threads
• Standard 35mm processing that can be done at any lab, supermarket, etc.

Holga 35mm Features

Black Corner Mask

This unique mask creates a shadowy vignette in the four corners of the photo. The effect draws your plane of focus to one point and then lets you discover the rest of the shot. It is precisely this masking effect that produces the Black Corner’s intriguing atmosphere.

Plastic 47/8 Optical Lens

Without this unique plastic lens the Holga would undoubtedly lose her mojo. Simple as it may be this little plastic gem is responsible for radiating the Holga’s signature, otherworldly essence.

Uncoupled Advance and Shutter

This feature allows you to shoot limitless times on the same frame – thereby multi-exposing the shot. Try this feature to create a layered air of mystery with the Black Corner.

Variable Shutter Speeds

You get two to choose from. “N” - the standard daytime speed of 1/125 second or the exotic long-exposure "B" setting – where you can hold the shutter open for as long as you want. Use "B" to capture dazzling night images without a flash. Pair the "B" setting with a flash shot to freeze your sharp, flashed subject in front of a streaming, glowing background. Team the "B" setting with a tripod (via the bottom tripod thread) for a sharp night portrait.

Variable Aperture

A two-option weather guide helps you to select the right aperture size. The ‘sunshine’ icon represents f/11 – or switch to ‘cloudy’ f/8 for dull and nighttime shots.

Iconic Zone Focus

The lens has four focus settings. An easy-peasy iconic focus indicator allows you to opt for portrait, small group, big group or infinity.

Standard Tripod & Shutter Release Threads

Take the shake out of your shot with these tricks for long exposures! Fit a tripod into the bottom and a cable release into the top, and you’re set for solid, shake-free shots of a few seconds to a few hours!

Standard Hotshoe

There is no need to be in the dark with the Black Corner – its hotshoe means standard electronic flashes will shoot in sync with the shutter release.

Normal 35mm processing

Cheap and cheerful – easy and convenient! Whether you opt for colour, B&W or slide – developing your shots will not be a problem!