I posted about this camera in June, 2023. Have finally finished the first roll, presented, warts and all, below. Images from Birdsboro, PA, and Lewes, DE.
img208 by Scott, on Flickr
img209 by Scott, on Flickr
img210 by Scott, on Flickr
img214 by Scott, on Flickr
img213 by Scott, on Flickr
img216 by Scott, on FlickrThe good: It's completely thoughtless to use, process-wise. Just have to make sure to hold the camera steady when tripping the shutter, a feat that took me a couple iterations to learn. It's incredibly fun to look through the wonky, distorted viewer. It's light as hell. It's kitschy and cool. And, most importantly, produces surprisingly good images with arguably less than minimal equipment. It's a true point-and-shoot. As long as there's decent enough light, all good.
The bad: Film flatness is, well, fleeting at best. The camera is very easy to shake while exposing (I think something like 1/50 sec, so...). The back assembly isn't incredibly tight, or lightproof. Which can probably be improved. But why? These are apparently popular with the hipsters who think they're somehow innovating by using film in vintage cameras. The look from this camera is why. It's just really cool, and authentic. If I wanted razor sharp, or better resolution, there are other tools for that.
The really bad: Shanghai GP3 sucks. Like, worst handling film I've ever used. Ever. I think it came out of the package scratched. I don't necessarily coddle film while processing, but I didn't do this level of damage to it. It's pretty contrasty and grainy, even in HC-110 dil H, which handles Foma films nicely. And it's expensive - I think I paid a little over $15 a roll after shipping on eBay. Have one more roll, then will see what other options there are.
This obviously will not be an everyday shooter, but will be fun to haul out on occasion, and Maddie will be super happy that I finally used it.
Thanks for looking.
Scott
Brownie Reflex by Scott, on Flickr