"SUBMINIATURE QUALITY", AN OXYMORON?

Many photographers quickly dismiss subminiature cameras as "toys" when they first see them. They automatically assume that a tiny camera cannot achieve acceptable results.

While there are many toy cameras that qualify as subminiature cameras, not all toy cameras are subminiature. And, of course, there are many subminiature cameras that are of poor quality, even though they were not designed to be toys -- just like with larger format cameras.

But there are also many high-quality subminiature cameras that are capable of stellar results. Here is an example print from a tiny 14x14mm negative -- about the size of the fingernail on your "pinky" finger:

Enough said. This is a real picture. And one picture is worth a thousand words.

You will not be surprised to hear that great results do not come automatically. Just as a top-quality 35mm camera will only achieve its best results with proper use, a submini camera requires attention to detail, as well. Properly used, many subminiature cameras are capable of unbelievable results that can be enlarged into prints several feet in size. If you still have doubts, we encourage you to check out the GALLERY where dozens of subbers display their works. Or better yet, check out these results.

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