Everyone say MONEY!!

This is what I remembered of my favourite Uncle Anthony saying whenever he attempts to take a pic of us all during one of those extended family gathering. Indeed, all of us will obliged and how effective is this word (money) to literally bring a smile on everyone's face (of coz the thought of it brings an even wider smile I will say!!)

But those were the days when we took pictures with film cameras. How photography had evolved. The DSLR, the digital compact.. then there's the lomos and remake of 60s cameras. My dad was a huge fan of cameras. He was like a semi-pro, carrying a full set of gadgets like tripod, external flash, timer.....and then there is his prized possession, the Hasselblad camera (more on this baby in the next entry). But you know that you are a vintage junkie, when you have 2 out of 5 of the best 60s-style cameras. An article on Modculture.com reviwed on the following cameras:

1) Olympus Pen E-P1 micro four thirds camera

This is remodelled after the Trip 35. Using digital technology, I'm not quite wooed by this chap here. Ironically, coz there is so much to photoshop that we can use in post processing. I do prefer its predecessor, the Olympus Pen EE-2.

"It offers a 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor, TruePic V image processing, a 3-inch LCD screen with live view, image stabilisation, 20 shooting modes, 720p HD video recording and art filters, not to mention a pile of accessories - everything from lenses to leather cases and external flash units. Not cheap, the starter kit comes in at £699. But if you want something that's both cutting edge and cool, the E-P1 is worth checking out." (modculture.com)

Olympus Pen EE-2

This is the Trip 35. Also a great eye candy!

iwantiwantiwant....

2) Minox DSC spy camera

This is so funny. Its probably used by James Bond or Max in Get Smart... I can't stop imagining myself having so much fun with 1 of these.

"It was first introduced in the 1930s, but the Minox spy camera will forever be associated with James Bond, Harry Palmer and the 1960s. Now it's back in digital form as the Minox DSC (digital spy camera).

At first glance, not much has changed, but the new version now offers up digital photos via a 5-megapixel sensor, video recording and storage via microSD card. An add-on unit throws in a flash and 1.5-inch LCD screen if you want to make sure you capture those secret documents with extra detail. Shop around if you want one, you should be able to find a DSC for under £200." (modculture.com)

3) Blackbird Fly film camera

Now this is exciting. I have placed an order for a pink BBF (Blackbird Fly) and eagerly waiting to collect it (huge thanks to Cindy baby). I love the look of twin lens camera, and this is the 'in-thing' for me now. It was love at 1st sight.

"Fancy transporting yourself to the age of Absolute Beginners? Well, you could buy an authentic Rolleiflex for a serious wedge of cash or you could buy this rather cool reproduction from SuperHeadz, the Blackbird Fly.

Limited editions out of Japan, the cameras are a modern take on the classic twin lens reflex camera, but adapted to use 35mm film. Just look down the top to frame your image, then take an old-fashioned square photo. Various colours available, but unlikely to be around forever - expect to pay just under £70 for one." (modculture.com)

4) Lomo Diana camera

My very first Lomo. I was seduced by the thought of being able to take vintage looking pics. Just when I'm only beginning to get used to this they now introduced the MINI DIANA!!.... Mini uses 35mm film whereas the Big Diana uses 120mm (aka medium format). I will still love my Princess Di.

"Originally produced in the 1960s by the Great Wall Plastic Factory in Hong Kong, it was 'famous' for producing distinctive, slightly out-of-focus images. The new version still does that via 120 film, offering two sizes of photo, two shutter speeds and a host of add-ons, filters and accessories to experiment with and collect." (modculture.com)

5) Leica M8 rangefinder camera

The last of Modculture's review is the Leica M8 camera. I have heard much rave about Leicas, and is on many of my photo fantic friends' wishlists. Curious why it generated so much interest in photo-fantics, I did a quick search and was stunned by the price of it. Reminds me of a particular model of Kodak Brownie.

"An update to the classic Leica rangefinder (which has been around since the 1930s), the digital version packs the 1960s styling as well as a 10.3-megapixel sensor, 6-bit coding, a 2.5-inch screen, an all-metal body and the option to use classic M-series lenses from days gone by on the digital version.

It's probably one of the most stylish cameras to be seen with, but ultimately this is an enthusiast's camera with a price to match. Expect to pay between £2,500 and £3,000 for one, up to £4,000 for the updated M8.2" (modculture.com)