Is That A Camera In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me

Back in the day, 110 sized film cameras were the bomb.  Everyone had one, and everyone processed the film.  These camera were easy to use, rarely a battery and mostly point & shoots.  The film was self contained with no mess or fuss.

If people still shoot film it's mainly 35mm, 120mm or instant film format.  There are several large format film shooters, but rarely do you find 110 film being used.   That doesn't mean you can't shoot these cute little cameras.  I still do for giggles.  I probably have 5 110 sized cameras.  Lomography produces the film that I'm using, Lomography Tiger 200 Color is actually quite good.  They also produce Orca B&W.  

I found this Keystone Pocket-Matic 101 110 sized camera the other day at Goodwill, and loaded it up.  Just finished the roll tonight and will be sending it to The Darkroom over the weekend to see how it turned out. Should be groovy.  I'll report back.

Kodak Ektralite 10

Picked up a Kodak Ektralite 10 from Goodwill some time ago.  This is a cool little 110 sized film camera.  Super easy to use.  And yes, they still make 110 film.  I used Lomography Color Tiger 200 110 film.  Just open the film door in the back, and drop in a 110 film cartridge.  Close the film door, point & shoot.  Very groovy.  

I have several 110 cameras, and I shoot them just for a goof.  Not very practical since the cameras have little if no controls.  Just point & shoot.  The only control this camera has is an on/off switch for the flash.  No light meter, you just have to guess when you use the flash.  With 200 ASA film basically you use the flash indoors or in shadows.  No flash when outside.

My local camera store doesn't process 110 film, so I sent it away to The Darkroom.  They do a great job.  Here a a few shots while walking around Indianapolis

Hey look it's ME

Riley Tower

Back Alley

Bottomline, the Kodak Ektralite 10 is a fun pocket sized camera.  Super easy to use.  No controls, just point & shoot.  Enjoy!

Photos I've Taken - Kodak Pocket Instamatic 20

Tested another 110 camera.  This time the Kodak Pocket Instamatic 20.  I'll write a more detailed post later, but this camera was a 110 sized pocket camera.  I used a roll of Lomography 200 Tiger II film and had the images developed at the Darkroom.  Riding through the corn fields during a bike ride.

Photos I've Taken - Kodak Star 110

I've bought several 110 sized cameras over the past year.  I hadn't used them because I didn't know where to get the film developed.  Found out The Darkroom in California developed 110 size, so I dusted a few of the 110 cameras off.  One was the Kodak Star 110.  I bought 110 sized film from Lomography through The Film Photography Project store.  Tammy the cat is the subject of my test shot.

Electronic Strobe Pocket Camera 110 - My Dad's Camera

My Dad was an avid photographer.  He had a wide range of film & digital cameras in all formats.  I was going through a box of his effects and found this Electronic Strobe Pocket Camera.  This is a 110 film sized camera.  Actually, I'm not sure who manufactured the camera or  the camera's real name.  I checked everywhere on the body and couldn't find a manufacture or a model type.  The only thing I found was on the top near the strobe was the words "Electronic Strobe Pocket Camera", so there you go.  I did a bit of research and it might be a Focal brand sold through K-Mart, but not sure, again no markings.

When I found the camera in a box I was surprised to find a roll of developed 110 film in it.  A roll of Fotomat 110.  The film expired on 12/91, so who knows when the film or camera had been purchased, when the photos were taken, or what was on it.  I didn't even know if the film was good because it had been stored in a box in a basement and then in a storage room for I'm guessing at least 15-20 years.

I was excited about the film, but a bit nervous thinking about what was on it.  Were there pictures of my brothers & sisters when we were younger, pictures of my Mom, or just photos around the house? I don't remember my Dad using this camera, so I'm guessing he purchased it after I had left for school or moved away.

Before I developed the 110 film my Dad took I loaded the camera with a fresh set of batteries and a roll of Lomography 200 Tiger II 110 film that I bought from the Film Photography Podcast store.  I took photos around town.  The camera is heavy which surprises me for such a small camera.  Also, the moving parts are showing their age.  The shutter release button was sluggish and at times stuck or really needed to be pushed hard to release the shutter.  This created a bunch of camera shake. 

Anyway, after I finished the roll I sent them off to The Darkroom along with other assorted rolls.  I put a note in the mailer to the Darkroom just letting them know that I had no idea what was on the roll and that it was somewhat special.  Corny I know, but I felt it important.

The film came back and the camera worked.  Here is a photo from the roll that my Dad took.  Most of the photos appeared to be from around their house.  The photo is of my Dad's CB radio that he had & used regularly.  Kind of cool.  Kind of a 60's or early 70's vibe.

The other photos are from around my studio downtown Indianapolis, at Crown Hill Cemetery and during a drive around the town taking photos.  The colors are much richer and the camera gives a really soft focus / feel. 

Not a practical camera anymore, but lots of fun to shoot.  And the best thing, is that this is a camera my Dad used.  How cool.