Category Archives: Favourite Cameras

Point-and-shoot cameras are a dime a dozen. And for a long time I simply wrote them off, believing the balance between convenience and control was tipped too far the wrong way. But a couple of cameras gave me pause to … Continue reading →

Some cameras become cult items. Others are much sought after for certain characteristics. But the more cameras I use, the more convinced I’ve become that much of this is simply random. Take the Konica Big Mini. Unless oxymorons have an … Continue reading →

I’ve written about many cameras here on FilmAdvance.com, but one that’s long overdue for review is my Agfa Isolette II. It’s a real workhorse. Indeed, within my modest collection of medium-format cameras, only the Hasselblad has had more film run … Continue reading →

It seems like there are 118,287 different Pentax point-and-shoot cameras bearing the Espio name. Okay, that’s a slight a exaggeration, but there are at least 46. Most are completely unremarkable, but there are a few exceptions, including the Espio Mini … Continue reading →

I have to admit I took a flier on this one. When I found a Chinon CP-5s in a local thrift shop, I couldn’t get it to fire, so I had no idea whether or not it worked. And, I … Continue reading →

One day while scanning the contents of this web site, I came to a startling realization. I had never written up this camera. I’ve been using it for so long, and so productively, I just assumed at some point I … Continue reading →

This is my first Argus camera. Why? Because if there’s one thing that characterizes most Argus cameras I’ve seen, it’s this: they’re ugly. Really ugly. Mind you, if the box-with-stuck-on-dials-and-knobs aesthetic appeals to you, then you’ve found your camera maker. … Continue reading →

Unwanted and unloved. Lying in a tattered cardboard box at a local yard sale, I found a battered little ‘70s Konica rangefinder. It was ugly. There was some kind of black, tarry substance blotting bits of the top panel and … Continue reading →

Ah, the XA. Could this be the ultimate pocketable camera? On paper, it has it all — if by “all” you mean a compact camera with plenty of user control. Rangefinder focus? Check. Exposure control? Check. Self-timer? Check. Exposure compensation? … Continue reading →