BUYING A SUBMINIATURE CAMERA

If you are looking for cameras to collect, rather than to use, check out the section called COLLECTING SUBMINIATURE CAMERAS. This page deals with selecting a camera that will be put to use. We realize that there is no absolute line between collecting and using cameras. However, there are different foci for each area. A collector, for example, would be more likely to purchase a non-working camera that was in good cosmetic condition. A user, on the other hand, would opt for a functioning camera even if it meant less that pristine cosmetics.

Many shutterbugs start out in subminiature photography through a camera that was a gift or family heirloom. Others buy a "cute" camera at a garage sale or other bargain-bin. Consequently, many submini users end up with a camera that really doesn't meet their needs. No matter if you currently own a submini camera or if you are contemplating the purchase of one, there are several points to keep in mind when you are on the lookout.

First, get a general idea of the type of camera you want and its features. You can do this even without knowing what cameras are "out there".

Decide where your photographic priorities lie. Do you prefer maximum quality for large prints or do you lean toward tiny cameras for clandestine work and toteability? For maximum quality, lean toward the larger formats, such as half-frame cameras. For clandestine work, opt for the tiniest cameras, such as the Minoxes or disguised cameras. If you can't make up your mind, or want the best of both worlds, check out the intermediate formats, such as 16mm and 110 cameras.

Next, think about where and how the camera will be used. If it will be used in low-light conditions, check out cameras with fast lenses. Every format has a selection to choose from, but remember, a fast lens costs more. If you plan on making large prints, look at the cameras listed in the TOP TEN list in the Library. These winners have superior optics and will give the best results for super-enlargements. If ease-of-use is your thing, there are plenty of automatic exposure cameras to choose from in every format. If fast-moving, action pictures are your interest, look for automatic focusing and/or motor drives. Do you want exposure flexibility? There is no shortage of cameras with complete manual operation of the shutter speed and aperture. If you don't have much experience with exposure, select a camera with a built-in meter and auto-exposure. If you want a small, lightweight camera, choose only those features that are essential, since each feature drives up the weight, size and price.

At the same time, keep in mind the availability of the film and processing for the camera. If you plan on doing the processing yourself, you have a much wider selection of cameras to choose from.

When you've finally decided on the general features of the camera that you want, it's time to go to the Library, and the Camera Shop and see what cameras have the items for which you are looking. Since hundreds of different types of subminis were made, you will undoubtedly find several that meet your needs. If your camera selections are common, you can get a hands-on look at local camera shows and used camera stores. Some shops keep wish-lists and will contact you when something you are interested in arrives. If you travel, check out camera shows and shops as you go.

Used equipment magazines, such as Shutterbug, are also excellent resources. Many shops and individuals who advertise will offer you a money back guarantee -- if you don't like the camera, for any reason, return it for a full refund. You'll have to pay shipping, but at least you will know that it's not the camera for you.

Finally, consider cost. ANY camera in mint condition, will demand a premium price. Mint HIT cameras, which sold new for under $1 in the 1960's, sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars today. And RARE cameras, no matter what condition, also have a steep price. A rare AND mint camera is usually off the chart! You will probably want to stay away from both categories and this will prune down your list substantially. If your needs point to an unusual or rare camera, you must either make a second choice or prepare to wait a long time (and pay a hefty price) to find the camera of your dreams. And if you do find it, do you REALLY want to subject such a rare jewel to the rigors of photographic use?

The selection of your perfect submini camera can be time-consuming and frustrating. But it is the only way to find the best camera for your needs. Sure, you can grab whatever happens to be on the shelf or buy what your brother-in-law recommends. But chances are the camera will only end up in the closet collecting dust because you can't get film for it, it's too complicated, the results aren't sharp enough, it's too heavy, etc. Take the time and you will rewarded with a friend for life!

Here are a few tips to get you on your way:

Selecting A Camera

If you are in the market for your first subminiature camera or for your second, perhaps in a higher price range that affords more camera versatility, you will find a wide variety to choose from. With hundreds of models, both new and used, to choose from, you are sure to find a subminiature to fit your personal taste, your budget, and your picture-taking needs.

Criteria of Selection

What to Look For in a Camera

Before you read the general check lists given below, ask yourself these questions:

1. What do you want in a camera? Do you just want to take snapshots at the beach or in the backyard or flash pictures in the house? If so, one of the lower-priced cameras may do very nicely. For precision quality, as well as flexibility under a variety of existing light conditions, you may want one of the more expensive cameras with a wider range of shutter controls, including provisions for slow speeds and time exposures. You may, however, prefer one of the fully automatic cameras, which do all your exposure thinking for you.
2. Do you want a camera you can use in photo documentation, photomicrography, telephotography or medical photography? For such work, you will need one of the more expensive cameras, with variable controls.
3. Will you be satisfied with good snapshots of 3 x 4 inches or 4 x 5, or do you want quality exhibition size prints? Only the lenses and focusing control of the more costly cameras can be depended on to yield choice negatives for gallery sized prints of pictures taken at any distance. Remember, the larger the negative, the better the image.
4. Is extreme portability important? Although most of the cameras can be carried easily in a pocket, do you want the smallest of the small to carry all the time?
5. Is your camera to be used for "undercover" photography? Then, you will need one that, by itself or with the help of accessories, will let you take pictures without being observed.
6. Finally, how much can you afford to pay, even though you'll probably stretch a point or two?

General Features to Consider

1. Over-all construction and performance: Is the camera rigidly constructed? If working parts have play in them, it suggests a lack of critical tolerance in lens positioning and focus. Are quality materials used to assure against breakdown or loss of critical focus? Is the camera reasonably dustproof when closed? Do the parts close together precisely? Is the inside of the camera accessible for cleaning with a dusting brush?
2. Lens: What is the speed of the lens? Most of the cameras have an f3.5 lens, but one has an f2 and another an f1.9. Will you be taking many pictures under adverse light conditions, when you may need the faster lenses? The lenses with greater correction for color and optical aberration usually have four or more elements. In addition, the better lenses have greater resolving power-ability to produce sharp images. You can check out the LIBRARY for the TOP TEN list of subminiature lenses.
3. Film loading: How easy is it to insert a film load? In the case of 16mm cameras, are the cartridges easy to load from bulk film, and to disassemble? Are the cartridges reasonably secure against accidental exposure of film to the light?
4. Film transport: All major subminiatures have mechanical means for controlling film transport to bring the next frame exactly into position. Almost all of them have automatic shutter cocking and double exposure prevention. The important thing is how easy it is for you to operate the film transport on the given camera.5. Shutter: Can the shutter release be reached easily when taking pictures? Can the shutter be pressed into action without moving or vibrating the camera? Are the shutter speeds adequate? Only the more expensive cameras have both slow and fast shutter speeds.
6. Focusing and viewing: Is the camera a fixed or variable focus type? The fixed focus cameras, with 25mm lenses, are in critical focus at full aperture only from about 6 or 8 feet to infinity. Focusing cameras can get close enough for copying. Only two of the more costly cameras combine focusing and viewing in the same eyepiece. Some are optical types, rendering a brilliant view of the image covered, while others simply frame the subject. Is the viewfinder corrected for "parallax" so you won't chop off the top of a head when you move in for a close-up?
7. Flash synchronization: Is special flash equipment required? Not all submini cameras have flash contacts, but most have a plug permitting the use of any standard flash attachment and connecting cord. Can the flash attachment be connected or detached readily?
8. Accessibility of controls: Can the scales and dial markings be read easily when the camera is held in normal operating position? Since the cameras have so little room within which to position the working knobs, scales and levers, do your fingers get in the way? Do you think you could operate the controls by "feel" without removing the camera from your eye? Another test is whether you could operate the controls in very cold weather, when your fingers get stiff or in the dark when you are working "under-cover".
9. Size and weight: Any of the cameras can be a companion, with variations in pocket or purse, burden and inconvenience. It's a matter of preference and of what else you carry with you.

Special Features

If you want more than just a camera, or if you want special features, you must narrow your choice to either the very few that have integrated accessory systems or you must buy more than one. This is the same choice you have with the larger cameras. For example, it is possible to interchange telephoto lenses with several subminiature cameras. Others uses auxiliary long-range telephoto converters. Several can be coupled to binoculars for telephotography. Some have wide angle converters.

Personal and Intangible Factors

If you have a free choice, after satisfying yourself on other questions, the thing which will decide for you is "feel". This is personal. You must feel at ease with the camera. It must become part of you.

Finally, check on the dependability of the film supply. You don't want a camera which will not be backed up by a adequate sources of film.

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments about these pages, please contact the Sub Club at the FRONT DESK.

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