I was lucky enough to borrow a yet to be available ‘Blackbird, Fly’ camera for some test shots. Since I was dead busy last weekend, I didn’t get to go out shooting, so I had to desperately take some random shots on my way to work and during lunch. Too bad I have to return the sample unit, else I’d love to do a proper roll or two on it soon.
Unfortunately, I screwed up during rewinding and accidentally opened the camera back, screwing up quite a number of shots. Not only that, I was feeling a bit cranky, so I removed the 35mm mask in the camera, trying to get the sprockets exposed … but ended up the frames were sticking so close to each other that I had to manually cut the roll of negative into smaller ones before scanning them.
Overall, it was a great experience using this ultra cute toy TLR. I’d definitely place my order for a unit … ok … three units of different colors when it’s available. I would love it if they could use those icon (1 person, group and mountain symbol) style for focusing instead of having to set my meter. It’s pretty hard trying to gauge and the distance and adjust the focusing ring without being able to focus with viewfinder. Perhaps I’m just too lazy to spend time turning the focusing ring and look at those small numbers. 😛
I also hope they do include a mask to allow shooting with sprocket holes exposed, as it will definitely be more fun. Doing it my way (without a mask) is way too troublesome when it comes to scanning.
Thanks to the guys from 8storeytree for the loan unit. Can I keep it for another few weeks? 😛
They have nice vignetting! What film was that?
Agfa Vista 400
I luv tis antique looks pics. Quite curious to know after u developed da pics end up with those funky vignetting huh? Nice shadow effect as well…
SherryValerie, thanks for the comment. Yeah, the vignetting is pretty obvious in some shots. Not sure if it’s a ‘feature’ in these cams or just coz of the lighting condition that day.
How did you get your hands on one? I just got an email from the company, but no date as to when they are shipping them to the states… any other info on them?
Nic, it’s a sample unit which I borrowed from a friend. Guess by the time I reply this … you’ve got the one flying to the states from Japan … right? 😛
nice pics u got !! Did u Xpro it ?
Rachel, thanks. No, I did not xpro it. It’s a roll of Agfa Vista 400 negatives.
Hello! Your pictures are lovely!
May I know which scanner did ou us to scan your negatives? (: (:
Thanks, Qiaozhi. I use the Epson V500 for my scans.
Question, so you everything you focused on the lens cant be seen on the viewfinder? 🙁
@anony : Nope. The viewfinder is for ermmm … viewing only. It doesn’t show you focusing like normal TLRs
So whatd you have to do? Trial and error? 😐 Sorry for asking too much questions, im just thinking if i should buy either a BBF or Lubitel 166+..
or which one is better..
@anony : No problem at all with the questions. For the BBF, the viewfinder will give you a approximate view of what you will get on the photo … just like the Holgas and Dianas. It doesn’t show you if a photo is properly focused or not. You will need to estimate the distance and then set the focus dial manually. It takes a bit of getting used to but once you can get it right … it ain’t too much a headache at all. Well that’s how most of the toy cameras behave.
As for the comparison between the BBF and Lub+ … it’s hard to really make a comparison. The BBF is a toy camera and the Lub+ is a normal TLR. If you want more control in terms of focusing and settings (apertures & speed) … the Lub+ is definitely a better choice. If you love plastic cameras with plastic lenses and the joy of using toy cameras … the BBF is the better choice then.
Good luck making a decision. 😛
Ohhhh. Thanks, I really appreciate the help. I own a Holga, so I may have a bit idea. Thanks once again. 😀 And I’ve decided on BBF after reading some discussion by users.
@anony : No worries. The BBF is a good choice! Cool.
Hi Bro, lobely shots, was juz wondering, where do you develop the pics? and did u haf 2 inform the of the format u took when developing the pics??
@Fid : Thanks. I get my films developed at TripleD at Burlington Sq. You do not have to let them know the format you use because the 35mm rolls will be developed as per normal. It is only the scanning part that will be different. If you are getting them to do the scanning, you’ll need to let the lab know that you want to scan the sprockets too.
where did you get your Agfa Vista 400 negatives from ? how much were they ?
Also, how much does it cost to develop your films from burlington sq ?
@tmtmtmtm : I don’t recall where I bought it from but it should be from ThirtySix/8storeytree. Developing negatives at TripleD (Burlington Sq) is S$3 and for cross processing slides is S$5.
when we send the negative film to the shop do the output of the pic is same as yours…???
@mira : I don’t quite understand your question. Are you referring to the sprocket holes?