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Dmitri

Betty

35mm rangefinder. Japan 1965.

Canon Canonet QL-25

A Gift From a Family Friend

Canon’s series of Canonet cameras are all fixed-lens 35mm film rangefinders. They are mostly known for the sought-after QL17 GIII, though they tend to differ widely in form and function throughout the line. QL25, isn’t nearly as popular its top-of-the-line rival, GIII, due to its bulkier construction and a slower 45mm lens that opens up to 𝑓2.5.

QL25

35mm rangefinder. USSR 1977.

FED 5b with Industar-61

Made in USSR

ФЭД 5в (Russian в is read as an English v) is a Soviet-built rangefinder film camera with a Leica screw mount lens base, which typically comes with a 𝑓2. 8 55mm Industar-61 L/D. It is a fully mechanical shooter that can fire a silk curtain shutter between 1 and 1/500th of a second.

FED 5b With Industar-61

35mm viewfinder. Austria 2007.

Lomography Diana Mini

A Tribute to the Tiny Plastic Wonder

Diana Mini is a fixed-shutter-speed, dual-aperture viewfinder camera with plastic body and lens. It can shoot at 1/60th of a second, with a choice of 𝑓8 and 𝑓11 at 24mm focal length. The camera has a bulb setting, zone focusing switch, and allows toggling between half-frame and square format on 35mm film at any point.

Lomography SuperSampler

For In-camera cubism

Lomography SuperSampler is a small plastic box with four 20mm fixed aperture 𝑓11 lenses. It is “in focus” from 1ft (30cm) until infinity. Its shutter fires at a fixed 1/100th of a second. There is no viewfinder. The camera accepts 35mm film and is recommended to be used with 800ISO for most situations.

35mm rangefinder. Japan 1979.

Olympus XA

Mini-Review

My well-used Olympus XA rangefinder had an iffy light meter needle and a loose door that kept on getting in the way. But it’s the red shutter button that pushed me to sell the little gem. It comes with a fast 35mm F. Zuiko 𝑓2. 8-22 lens that can focus between 0.

35mm viewfinder. Japan 1982.

Pentax PC35AF

‘80s Retrofuturism

The gadget packs quality optics, and a reasonably-powerful flash into a pocketable, pleasing to hold and operate black plastic chassis. PC35AF is a well-documented “premium” compact point-and-shoot camera. There are dozens of reviews for it online, though, of course, this camera isn’t as famous as something like Yashica’s Electro 35.

Instant viewfinder. USA 1981.

Polaroid 600

A ‘90s Instant Classic

Back in the ‘90s, you either had a flip Polaroid, or you wanted one. At least that’s how it felt in Russia. The imports just began flowing in, satisfying the forbidden cravings for foreign goods. My parents were lucky enough to afford and care about creative tools like Polaroid’s newest instant camera system.

Polaroid Sun 660

Instant SLR. USA 1972.

Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1

Camera Overview, History, and Proper Exposure Instructions

Guide: Polaroid SX-70 Film and Camera

The Most Comprehensive Instant Camera and Film Guide Online

SX-70 is a stunning camera. Along with film, it is one of the most technologically advanced products ever created. This is Polaroid’s finest offering; world’s one and only foldable instant SLR. ✹ Update: In this guide, I refer to the company that produces film for SX-70 cameras, Polaroid Originals — formerly named Impossible Project.

Polaroid Land SX-70

35mm half-frame. Japan 1961.

Ricoh Caddy

My Half-Frame Camera of Choice

My husband and I purchased the Caddy as a set along with a Canon Demi. After some online research, I was initially set on keeping the Demi. It was a cuter and lighter camera… I chose the Ricco Caddy because it allows for more artistic control. Ricoh Caddy is a half-frame Japanese viewfinder camera with a tack-sharp 𝑓2.

35mm rangefinder. Germany 1954.

Voigtländer Vitessa L3

Camera Overview, Shooting, and Repairs

Guide: Voigtländer Vitessa L3

German Precision Optics in a Foldable Rangefinder Camera

Voigtländer Vitessa is a German 35mm film rangefinder camera, manufactured in the mid-1950s. At the top of its line, it boasts a highly-regarded fixed 50mm foldable Ultron lens with an aperture range of 𝑓2-22. Its quiet, vibration-free leaf shutter fires between 1 and 1/500th of a second.

Voigtländer Vitessa L With Ultron 2.0

Film, cameras, and chemistry. Techniques, tips, guides, and references. This list includes material for creative individuals and photographers of all levels, with a fitting mix of modern and age-old advice.

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Film camera reviews and guides, illustrated by Betty and Dmitri. Sorted by brand then model. Listings include focusing mechanism and lens information. Primary shooting modes shown: [A]perture/[S]hutter priority, [M]anual, or auto.

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Photo essays, written about travel, a place, or a destination. Sorted by continent then country. This collection does not include gear-centric articles — just the stories about being or going somewhere.

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This guide is my attempt to provide relevant information and updates for Analog. Cafe readers in light of the global pandemic. Below, you will find an overview of the latest scientific research on pathogen safety, financial aid resources for artists, help with quarantine boredom, as well as updates from film manufacturers and small businesses.

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On Analog. Cafe, you can do a little more than with a typical art-inclined blog. Here you get to own an account that comes with a few perks. Discounts. If you’re interested in getting deals on film, printed publications, cameras, and more, there’s always something special waiting for you at the shop.

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Get Your Article or Essay Featured on Analog.Cafe

Analog. Cafe “A Film Photography Magazine” is a group effort. There certainly is no office; most of us never met. ↬ Shortcut: write/submit your photo essay or article. I’ve had an author send me submission while waiting for a delayed flight at an airport.

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