Cameras can come in all shapes and sizes. The rules that define a functioning camera allow for endless design possibilities. It's no secret that (like many other things) the 1980's were an awkward time for design. But even before the 80's there have been strange cameras; some who dared to be different set new standards for 'what a camera should be', while others faded away into the archives. Call it strange or call it quirky, much of these interesting characteristics are what makes them appealing.

After scouring through over 13,000 images, we count down from A - Z the first half of the top 100 strangest cameras from around the world.

The criteria for "Strange" is simply, a camera with an untraditional look, traditional being the dominant SLR shape of the 1960's through to the 1990's. Scientific and military cameras have been omitted for this article.

Research for this article was made possible thanks to the extensive camera database available at Collection-appareils.fr. Most text provided by their site as well, translated from French and further edited ( so take it with a grain of salt!).

100. Achiever Banga 1994

The Achiever Banga 1994 was a promotional item for a Chinese fruit drink.

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: China
Format: 126 Film
Fixed Focus

99. Adox 66 1950

Camera Type: Box
Country of Origin: Germany
Max Aperture: f/8
Format: 120 Film
Fixed Focus

Agfa Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Cameraplex, strangest cameras

98. Agfa Agfamatic 4000 Pocket 1974

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Germany
Max Aperture: f/6.3
Format: 110 Film
26mm Fixed Focus

Agfa Selectaflex Cameraplex, strangest cameras

97. Agfa Selectaflex 1964

Camera Type: Reflex SLR
Country of Origin: Germany
Max Aperture: f/2.8
Format: 125 Film

96. Agfa Tramp 1982

Agfa Tramp Cameraplex, strangest cameras

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Germany
Max Aperture: f/6.3
Format: 110 Film

In 1982, Agfa revived its range by distinguishing model “a sport” with the Ferrari red and a model fighter “tramp” from khaki color and with marking way US stencil key set Army. Technically, they are the same cameras. Tramp had two versions: Tramp and Tramp 2, corresponding respectively to the 901 motor S and the 901 motor. As on these two models, there is a small external difference. It is the round mark which is located in fronting, close to the lens, which is present only on the motor S, therefore on Tramp.

The two batteries with format AAA are used for the working of the camera (advance of the film and with the cocking of the shutter) like to the supply of the flash. A press button on the back makes it possible to disunite the flash “901 mini flash” of the camera.

95. Altheimer and Baer Photo-Craft 1940

Altheimer and Baer Photo-Craft Cameraplex, strangest cameras

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: USA
Format: 127 Film
Fixed Focus

Inside the door is an engraving that says " Made in USA James Marlyn Co. "

Apple Quicktake Cameraplex, strangest cameras

94. Apple Quicktake 1995

Camera Type: Digital
Country of Origin: USA
Max Aperture: f/2
Format: 124 Bit Digital

93. mArt Power Plastic and Electronic Factory Ltd Signal Unknown

Art Power Plastic and Electronic Factory Ltd Signal Cameraplex, strangest cameras

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: China
Format: 35mm
Fixed Focal Length

Asanuma Acmel License-4 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

92. Asanuma Acmel License-4 Unknown

Camera Type: Instant
Country of Origin: Japan
Format: PackFilm 80
Quad Lens

This device was used by studio photographers to simultaneously take four passport photos . Using a Polaroid back capable of calling those photos to the customer in a very short time.

The four objectives are identical. There is a single common shutter the four objectives .

The viewfinder is very bright and offers a silhouette to facilitate the framing for a photo ID. The focus is fixed. The correct distance corresponds to the framing of the subject in silhouette. The shutter speed is unique, the device is intended for use with a flash.

There is a version with 6 goals. We also find this device under the King brand , a subsidiary of Asanuma.

Automatic Radio Mfg Tom Thum Radio Camera, strangest cameras

91. Automatic Radio Mfg Tom Thum Radio Camera 1940

Camera Type: Unique
Country of Origin: USA
Format: 127 Film
Power Supply: 67 Volt Battery

Very heavy device to operate. Combining a camera with a radio. During the 40s radios still worked with lamps. The result is a monolith of 23 centimeters , made of wood and covered with a decor paper . Power is supplied by several batteries including a 67 volt.

The camera is a pseudo twin-lens reflex, built in the Chicago area. We easily recognize the Monarch family etc. Only the front ornament bezel, held by two screws has been changed. The camera is held inside the radio by means of four simple screws that pierce through the camera inside to file in the wood of the radio. You must open the front cover for each change of view, because no system has been designed to allow for the winding of the film from the outside.

90. Avant Camera Quad 1964

Camera Type: Instant
Country of Origin: United States
Max Aperture: f/6.3
Format: PackFilm 100
90mm Lens'

This device was intended for the manufacture of badges in American administrations. Its production meets a need of intensive use. The body is made of cast aluminum and seems indestructible. It has four identical targets for the simultaneous intake of four photos. It has a Polaroid back (Movie Pack-100) for instant development. There is a diaphragm each objective, but when you turn one of the rings, the other three are driven. The shutter without weapons is generously proportioned. It is synchronized to the flash with a coaxial jack and a two pin male.

Curiously, the objectives are not positioned images of the center, and in addition to the collimated frame, the viewfinder shows an incomplete framework that must match the common area to four photos.

This device was designed in 1963 by the engineer Samuel Kitrosser HecCorp. He was then made in Concord, Massachusetts.

Bencini Comet III Cameraplex, strangest cameras

89. Bencini Comet III 1953

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Italy
Format: 127 Film

1/50 second maximum shutter speed down to Bulb setting. The big button visible in the photo is the film advance, visible chrome piece on the top left is the trigger . The bolt that holds the side in place ( required to change the film) like the key-wound mechanical camera.

Blair Stereo Hawkeye no2 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

88. Blair Stereo Hawkeye No. 2 1904

Camera Type: Folding Stereo
Country of Origin: United States
Aperture: f/6.3 - f/192
Format: 120 Film

This device, Weno Stereo successor is, like him, branded Blair, without mention of Kodak, which appears only in 1907 ("Blair Camera Division of Eastman Kodak Company"). It was built from 1904 to 1907, followed by other very similar devices:

- Stereo Hawk-Eye Models 3 and 4, from 1907 to 1911 - Stereo Hawk-Eye Models 5 and 6 of 1912 to 1913

Somewere equipped with a spirit level. The iris controlis graduated from 4.6 to 192. The formatis unchanged with two pictures of 8 x 8 cm. A film 118 (8 x 10.5 cm) is left inside the device but it also seemedto be loaded with 101 (9 x 9 cm),the deflection of the coil spring receiving axis and size within the housing of the enabling device. The mixture of mahogany of the flap, copper shutter and red bellows gives it a warm appearance.

87. Canon EOS 1Xe 1996

Camera Type: Digital
Country of Origin: Japan
Interchangeable Lens System

This is an IX 240 SLR camera in the EOS line, making it compatible with EF lenses. It also features Eye Control which enables you to select the desired focusing point with your eye. A Multi-BASIS AF sensor (|+|) is used. The focusing point can also be selected manually. The exterior features a stainless steel alloy finish and the body is shaped as a circle around the lens mount for a futuristic look. Drop-in film loading, magnetic recording of all IX information, and midroll change make the camera a top-notch IX 240 camera. The EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM MS lens marketed at the same time matches the color of the camera body.

Chinon GS-8 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

86. Chinon GS-8 1989

Camera Type: Reflex SLR
Country of Origin: Japan
Max Aperture: f/6.3
Format: 35mm
35mm - 80mm Zoom Lens

The Chinon GS8 SLR, similar to the Olympus AZ 300. Unlike the Olympus, it is a true SLR which back is manual. The extent of exposure, it is not reflex but incorporates an optical system to accommodate the focal length used .The focus is achieved by infrared.

It has also been sold under the name of "Genesis II".

Compagnie Francaise de Photographie Photosphere no1 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

85. Compagnie Francaise de Photographie Photosphere No. 1 1902

Camera Type: Other
Country of Origin:France
Format: Wet Plate

The photosphere # 1 is the smallest of the photosphere series. It can take pictures of 8 x 9 cm . Advertising stresses the all-metal construction of the machine.

Compass Compass Cameraplex, strangest cameras

84. Compass Compass 1937

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Sweden
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Format: 35mm

Based on a request from the businessman / adventurer / pilot / boxer / merchant vessels / politician, Noël Pemberton-Billing, setting road production took three years and ended in 1937. Less than 4000 copies made.

The result is an open anastigmat 35mm 1: 3.5, the shutter goes from 1 / 500th to 4.5 seconds. The focusing is done, either with the rangefinder coupled with the frosted and his magnifying glass or using the distance scale and the abacus calculation depth of field, beautifully installed on the lens cover. To the diaphragm is slightly less improved, no iris but rotary valves of various diameters. A series of filters is placed on a second barrel symmetrical with that of the diaphragms. There is also a possibility of transforming the normal viewfinder angle viewfinder by moving a tiny zipper. A special foot which is also used with the right accessories, allows for panoramic photos (5 successive shots at 45 ° difference used to reconstruct a 225 ° landscape) or stereoscopic images (2 images taken by 2 positions apart from ~ 6cm) For both applications, the level on the instrument becomes important.

David White Stereo Realist (model 1041) Cameraplex, strangest cameras

83. David White Stereo Realist (model 1041) 1947

Camera Type: Stereo
Country of Origin: United States
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Format: 35mm

The Stereo Realist is a highly original stereo unit.

When lifting the cover which also serves as sun shade, we discover that it masks three lenses and not two ! The middle one is used for framing. The collar , around the latter , selects the shutter speed (T , B , and 1s to 1/150 ). Around taking lenses, two coupled are used to select the diaphragms aperture ( 3.5 to 22 for this model) .

The focus adjustment, a rangefinder (both rangefinder windows are at bottom of the unit ) is done by turning the knob on the vertical side ( under the forefinger of the right hand). The objectives are not affected by the focusing . The plate support them remains stationary , no element moves inside the optical units. This is the film itself, inside the housing, which moves forward or backward to find the correct distance from the lenses.

A cocking lever is located under the lenses and trigger comes under the index finger of the left hand .

A depth of field table is printed under the cover / sunshade . More wanted is the Model 1042 which is fitted with f2.8 lenses.

Ecole Aviation de Pau Photo-Mitrailleuse Campagne-Barbé (Prototype) Cameraplex, strangest cameras

82. Ecole Aviation de Pau Photo-Mitrailleuse Campagne-Barbé (Prototype) 1916

Camera Type: Special
Country of Origin: France

This unit took the place of a Hotchkiss machine gun on trainingaircraft. The shootingwas done either by relaxing by the gunner, or by a handle and a Bowden cable by the pilot. The chargers contain four plates 6.5 x 9 and allow loading in daylight. The shutter-type valve with adjustable speed by spring tension. Pressing the trigger releases the shutter, the shop turned a quarter turn to set up a new plate and reset the shutter. Unfortunately, theobjective is missing. A cross wire, between the shutter and the plate allowed to see on the imagethe position of the aircraft "enemy"in relation to the shooting line. In this prototype, the target is via a framework and a peephole falling back on the barrel, but this systemwill be replaced on the serial devices via a fixed tubular viewfinder. It seems that the goalwas set back in the tube, then serving assun visors, and hewas protected, outside periods of shooting, by a tilting flap, controlled through the slot from below.

81. Eiko Miller Lite 1983

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: Japan
Format: 110 Film
Fixed Focus

Fabrication artisanale Name Unknown Cameraplex

80. Fabrication Artisanale (Homemade) 1950

Camera Type: Homemade
Country of Origin: France
Max Aperture: f/2.8
Format: 35mm
50mm Fixed Lens

The construction is massive (aluminum part used for the construction of the housing); other mechanical parts are made of brass. The most successful part concerns the telemetric part, still perfectly functional. Height of refinement, the use of tinted lenses to enhance the contrast of images to be superimposed even been implemented here.

As often in this type of construction, the designer has used an optical block / shutter manufacturer storefront. Here there is a Schneider-Kreuznach lens 50mm 1: 2.8 on Compur-Rapid shutter at 1/500 which is found on Retina devices fifties. Incidentally, this gives us some information about the date of possible realization of this object.

For me the least successful part concerns the mechanism related to monitoring the progress of the film. Here it is very rustic and exposes the distracted photographer disappointments. Indeed; this device is a 24 X 36 and the spools of film are devoid of protective paper on which the number of viewsis printed. So a window tomonitor the progress of the filmcan not be implemented. The designer has created a set of gears that cause a metal disc segmented into twelve sectors identified from 1 to 12. After each shot, the photographer should turn the knob to advance the exposed part of the film while watching the disc rotation for passthe graduation from one sector to the next. The choice of 12 sectors graduate in the frame counter disc is highly relevant toexhibit films 12, 24 or 36 views. Of course for the coils 24 and 36 views we had to keep in mindthe fact that the disc had alreadyrespectively one or two full turns and complete the information provided by the disc by adding 12 or 24.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA, strangest cameras

79. Feinwerktechnik Mec 16 SB 1960

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Germany
Format: 16mm Film

The brand manufactured only one device available in several variants, of various colors, using 16 mm film in a special perforated tape. The SB, presented below is a much more elaborate variant , as equipped with a TTL Gossen cell ( the first such post Mc Keown ). This model , the last of the brand seems pretty neighbor Model 1; but it is not. Everything is different . Only his philosophy remains ...Highly sophisticated, it has a built Gossen cell behind the lens (TTL) This is unfortunately forgot ... But MEC- 16 SB was all formats , the first device to have a measuring light TTL! Technical differences with the Model 1:

TTL cell Gossen Setting the cross manual exposure Heligon Rodenstock lens f 2.0 / 22 mm on this copy , the focus distance is graduated in meters. The minimum distance is 0.3 meters (1 foot ).

Fex Indo Cortamatic 126 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

78. Fex Indo Cortamatic 126 1970

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: France
Format: 126 Film
Fixed Focus

The Cortamatic is, in fact, a Viva 126, the name of which has been changed for a specific distribution, out of France. Other variations of the Cortamatic exist on this site. It exists also under the name of Mondika distributed by La Redoute (French retailer)

Fex Indo Safari 127 Le Journal de Mickey Cameraplex, strangest cameras

77. Fex Indo Safari 127 Le Journal de Mickey

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: France
Format: 127 Film
Fixed Focus

At the beginning of the 70s, the “Journal de Mickey” used Safari 127 for its promotion. It is about a camera very simple in its forms and its handling. It is made of moulded plastic. Its finder is oversize, the button of advance of film is easy to turn, and the shutter release is broad.

Fisher-Price Perfect Shot Cameraplex, strangest cameras

76. Fisher-Price Perfect Shot 1997

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: China
Max Aperture: f/6.8
Format: 35mm
35mm Fixed Focus

Foto-Quelle Revue 35 FC Cameraplex, strangest cameras

75. Foto-Quelle Revue 35 FC 1983

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Germany
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Format: 35mm
38mm Fixed Focus

Foto-Quelle Revue Ministar Cameraplex, strangest cameras

74. Foto-Quelle Revue Ministar 1968

Camera Type: Sub Miniature
Country of Origin: Germany
Max Aperture: f/6.3
Format: 9.5mm Film
18mm Lens

The Mini-Star Revue is a Yashica Atoron renamed for the needs of the mail order company Quelle (Germany). Apart from the name, it is no different. The Yashica Atoron is strongly inspired by the Minox system. It also uses the film cartridges. But one thing's away from it. This is the type of arming which consists of a pull to the right hand, on the side of the device. It is distinguished in photo (left) folded.

Fotochrome Fotochrome Cameraplex, strangest cameras

73. Fotochrome Fotochrome 1965

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Japan
Format: Special

The part which is horizontal is large as the body of SLR of the 70s. The film is positioned there horizontally. A mirror returns the image of the lens towards the film plan. It has only one speed. The aperture is coupled with the selenium cell which surrounds the lens. An enormous deflector of flash caps the camera. This flash functions with a bulb AG-11. The shutter release is the rectangular white button. Behind of the camera a sliding door masks housing with batteries. It seems that this camera, manufactured in 1965 per Petri in Japan for the American market, was sold by door with door (to be confirmed). Its purchase was the beginning of a great unhappy adventure…, since it could be charged only with special cassettes “Fotochrome”, containing a specific film being able to be developed only by Fotochrome.

Fuji 350 Zoom Cameraplex, strangest cameras

72. Fuji 350 Zoom 1976

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Japan
Max Aperture: f/11
Format: 110 Film
25mm - 45mm Zoom Lens

Fuji FZ-3000 Zoom Date Cameraplex, strangest cameras

71. Fuji FZ-3000 Zoom Date 1991

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Japan
Format: 35mm
38mm - 115mm Zoom Lens

In the early 90, came a fashion for flat cameras (so-called cubic structure) with a shape of flying saucer. There were for example the Minolta Riva Zoom 105I, the Canon Epoca or Ricoh Mirai Zoom. It is without doubt an influence from the first digital cameras like the Canon Ion and others.

This fist camera was the high-end of the Fuji compact cameras. It has a zoom Fujinon 38 - 115mm autofocus, with quick access to three focal lengths (38, 75 and 115mm). The driving of the film is fully motorized. The flash is equipped with automatic modes and fill-in. A macro position, whatever the focal length, can lower the minimum distance of focusing between 0.8 and 1.3m. The datatimer function is delivered as standard. Pre-winding function is a security against the opening of the back. Upon the loading of the film, the film is fully gone out of the roll film, and each exposed frame goes back into the cartridge.

Presented at Photokina 1990, it was available on the French market from July 1991. The camera was delivered with an additional flash. This is coupled with the built-in flash, which plays the role of anti-red eye device.

Fuji Nexia Q1 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

70. Fuji Nexia Q1 2001

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Japan
Max Aperture: f/8
Format: APS Film
22mm Fixed Lens

Fuji G617 Professional Cameraplex, strangest cameras

69. Fuji G617 Professional 1985

Camera Type: Panoramic
Country of Origin: Japan
Max Aperture: f/8
Format: 220 Film
105mm

The device, released in 1983 under the name "Fujica G617" was renamed "Fuji G617" in 1985. The latter model that is presented here.

Impressive size at around a foot wide, it is part of the professional range of the manufacturer and is dedicated exclusively to the panorama shooting with a width height ratio of almost 3: 1 and a horizontal viewing angle of 77.3 °. 105 mm suffers from vignetting to f16 and a special gray gradient filter accompanies the machine. The viewfinder is considered quite imprecise but lets see the spirit level on the crossbar of the frame and control the horizontal position for freehand pictures. Using a ground to adjust the composition and development is recommended by users, but since there is no detachable magazine, it is assumed to use a full film composition, film 120 does to take four views, it's not a big problem. It is fully manual. Its successor is the GX617 with interchangeable lenses and viewfinders.

68. Galileo GaMi16 1955

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Italy
Max Aperture: f/1.9
Format: 16mm Film
25mm Lens

Rightly regarded as the Rolls-Royce miniature cameras, this Italian unit, extremely well finished and manufactured, appears on the market in 1955. Its features include:

Fixed lens with possibility of adding two supplements telephoto 4x and 8x, through appropriate slide Developed by moving the film plane. 16 mm film without perforation in special cassette. Shutter metal guillotine allowing ½ s speeds 1/1000 s longer poses B. Sliding yellow filter. Rangefinder with parallax correction and diopter adjustment. Photometer extinction similar to that fitted to the Eljy Club, sensitivity B & W 6-100 ASA and color 10-801 ASA. Hinged front cover for both of cocking lever for the integrated spring mechanism (three successive views) and handle. High number of securities; for example the shutter does not release if there is no film in the camera, or if the film is completely used.

67. Genos Fix 1950

Camera Type: Box
Country of Origin: Germany
Format: 127 Film
Fixed Focus

The Genos Fix has a resemblance to the contemporary Bilora Boy: same material, same sarcophagus shape, same strange forms. There are no settings except instant and time exposure, but there is a cable release socket. Unlike other models of the brand are all box, on the Fix, the viewfinder is at eye level, unfortunately, it is so small that it is difficult to distinguish what is targeted.

Ginfax FF937S Fresh Cameraplex, strangest cameras

66. Ginfax FF937S Fresh 1998

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: China
Max Aperture: f/9.5
Format: 35mm
28mm Fixed Focus

Ginfax FT120S King's Cameraplex, strangest cameras

65. Ginfax FT120S King's Unknown

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: China
Max Aperture: f/9.5
Format: 35mm
27mm Fixed Focus

This device still looks a bit more like a pack of cigarettes or the Marlboro Mild Seven. Unlike these two other devices, the target is in the other direction. This is explained by the use of a film 135 and not more than 110. The trigger really looks like a cigarette filter. It is possible to block (to avoid inadvertent tripping) by rotating it.

Its lens is 27 mm, opening to 9.5. The shutter has only one speed: 1/100 th. This combination of real use to take pictures "spy" style.

Goerz Autriche Minicord III, strangest cameras

64. Goerz Autriche Minicord III 1958

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Austria
Max Aperture: f/2
Format: 16mm Film
25mm Fixed Focus

Haking Halina Roy Cameraplex, strangest cameras

63. Haking Halina Roy Unknown

Camera Type: Box
Country of Origin: China
Format: 127 Film
47mm Fixed Focus

Hasbro Action Man Cameraplex, strangest cameras

62. Hasbro Action Man 1998

Camera Type: Toy
Country of Origin: United States
Format: 110 Film
Fixed Focus

Paving the way for 'Barbie Video Girl', the Action Man character is here cameraman with a real camera. A very original way, the camera as a viewfinder to a real camera hidden in the character abdomen. The goal is in the midst of a breastplate.

Compared to other models in the series, this character has limited movement in order to allow the use of the camera.

Houghton Ful-Vue Cameraplex, strangest cameras

61. Houghton Ful-Vue 1953

Camera Type: Box
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Format: 120 Film
Fixed Lens

Inconnue Kidy Cameraplex, strangest cameras

60. Inconnue (Unknown) Kidy Unknown

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Unknowm
Fixed Focus

Discovered on a museum shelf at the Musee Photo Gracay in France, nothing is known about this device other than any conclusions that can be drawn from the letter "P" on the front of there camera, and the word "KIDY" debossed on the back plate.

Iso Duplex Super 120 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

59. Iso Duplex Super 120 1956

Camera Type: Stereo
Country of Origin: Italy
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Format: 120 Film
35mm Lenses

Quality, workmanship and originality of this camera are exceptional. It is the high-end version of the Duplex 120 which, for example, has fixed targets f 6.3 / 25mm and does not disengage the stereo. Viewfinder clear full frame Image 24x24 mm film 120 (6 x 9) 6 Shutter speed: 1 second to 1 / 200th Bulb + Objectives ISO IRIAR f3.5 / 35mm. Closest Focusing Distance 1 meter. Depth of Field Table on the left lens. Minimum aperture to f 22. Synchro M and X Selector taking mono or stereo view. A variant of this model sold on the French market confidence as the Kinax 3D, is extremely rare.

Keystone Wisard XF1000 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

58. Keystone Wisard XF1000 1976

Camera Type: Instant
Country of Origin: United States
Max Aperture: f/8.8
Format: SX-70 Film
115mm Lens

Made of rigid plastic and stocky, this device has a geometry of the relative positions of the film and the very similar target to that of the Polaroid SX 70. It is equipped with a "Electric Eye" to adjust the speed. It has two positions "Dark / Lighten". Cleverly, the instructions of the main operations is screen printed on the device that also has a tripod socket.

The Berkey-Keyston Company had entered into agreements with Polaroid Land to build devices using instant packs 100. The XF1000 used by SX against the film 70.According to sources, whose McKeown's, it seems that Berkey-Keystone has not disposed of the Polaroid Land permissions to develop devices with SX film 70, which would have ended the relationship between the two companies and the Keystone Production . The XF1000 have been marketed in Europe by What / Journal under the name Porst Magic 500.

57. Kiev 303 1990

Camera Type: Miniature
Country of Origin: Russia
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Format: 16mm Film
23mm Fixed Focus

This is an evolution of Kiev 30 with a lower quality finish. The plastic replaces metal and allows gentler and more rounded shapes. To adjust the focus, you must put the device in position to shoot, estimate the distance to which is the subject and refer this distance the dial located near the shutter release button (see first photo).

This device was proposed in 6 colors: black, green, gray, blue, white, red.

Kodak Brownie Starluxe Cameraplex, strangest cameras

56. Kodak Brownie Starluxe 1961

Camera Type: Box
Country of Origin: United States
Format: 127 Film

Kodak EK 260EF Cameraplex, strangest cameras

55. Kodak EK 260EF 1981

Camera Type: Instant
Country of Origin: United States
Format: Other

The EK 260EF is an evolution of EK160EF. With a cursor in front, an additional lens is placed before the camera for distances of 0.6 m to 1.2 m.

54. Kodak EK8 1977

Camera Type: Instant
Country of Origin: United States
Max Aperture: f/11
Format: Kodak PR 10
137mm Fixed Focus

In the order of presentation, the EK8 was the third model with instantaneous developing system expansion offered by Kodak. The official launch was done in Cologne, at the time of Kina of 1976, whereas Polaroïd had already started, in Boston, some prosecution against Kodak for failure to respect of the patents. Contrary to the first two models, this one is folding and reminds, by its shape, some very former folding cameras. The kinematics of the deployment of the bellows is like the camera is equipped with a handle for the taking of views.

Focusing is done thanks to a coupled rangefinder. The exposure is automatic and is regulated by a Silicon exposure meter. A red signal turns on in the viewfinder when the lighting conditions are insufficient. It is then necessary to use a flip-Flash. The ejection of the photograph is automatic, insured by an electrical motor. The size of the photographs is 9.7 x 10.2 cm, but the image measure only 6.7xX 9. Its sensitivity of film is approximately 23 DIN.

Konica Aiborg Cameraplex, strangest cameras

53. Konica Aiborg 1991

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Japan
Format: 35mm
35mm - 105mm Zoom Lens

Its design very original and refined, less ergonomic unfortunately there appears, seems to be inspired by a science fiction movie. The performances of the Aiborg are just as amazing as it looks. It can be used in "simple" mode; the powerful autofocus and the automatic built-in flash deliver then correct pictures in most circumstances. The ability to record the date and time does not differentiate it more than the other small 24 X 36 cameras with zooms of its generation. The exploration of the menu for the advanced features gives more surprises, including:

• Possibility to shift the reference area of the focus on both sides of the centre of the view;

• burst mode

• Night mode, with or without flash

• "clear background" mode (white wall, snow,…)

• Double exposure burst mode

• "spot" metering, correction + or - 1.5 IL

• "B" set from 1 second to 100 hours (!)

• Programming of the releases but with adjustable interval. It is equipped with a 35 - 105mm zoom.

The optical quality and finish of the Konica cameras are there: the Aiborg is certainly worthwhile for photographer-collector.

Konica BM Zoom TR Cameraplex, strangest cameras

52. Konica BM Zoom TR 1995

Camera Type: Compact
Country of Origin: Japan
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Format: 35mm
28mm - 70mm Zoom Lens

The most original feature of this camera is its integrated tripod. That makes it possible to take photography of friends, of family by putting it on a table. Its infra-red remote leaves you time to install yourself to be on the photography. It is about a tripod with two feet/stalk, the third support being the flap, which protects the lens.

This compact zoom camera has some qualities. Its focal distance starts to 28 mm to extend to 70 mm, which makes it possible to meet the needs for the majority of the amateurs. Its viewfinder is very luminous. The autofocus system can be blocked on the infinite. A slight over-exposure prohibits the slide to him.

The principle of the integrated tripod is also used by Konica on Z-Up 135 of 1995, but with three genuine crutches.

51. Konica Koni Omegaflex M 1968

Camera Type: Reflex TLR
Country of Origin: Japan
Interchangeable Lens System

This unit looks a little odd (this is also the case with other appliances in the range), but which does not leave indifferent, was placed on the market in 1968; it disappears catalogs in the mid 70. It is marketed by KONICA which is associated with the brand OMEGA brothers Fred and Rudolph Simmon few years ago.

This rather for professional photographers device is a bi-objective 6X7 cm format. It includes part of the brand boxes elements previously marketed particularly the "KONI OMEGA M" such as removable back the shutter button, the handle (optional accessory) ...

In addition to its large volume accuses a weight of about 2.5 kg in running order with its basic objective. This device has the feature of not being a reflex camera (TLR). When you look on the frosted, the image being reversed from right to left (as in all TLR) but in addition it is overthrown. Only accustomed to using a view camera will not be confused. For greater ease of use an external mirror can be put in battery to obtain a non inverted image. With this accessory, the unit can be considered a reflex that is not through base construction. As the 6 × 6 TLR manufactured by Mamiya, the plate is removable door objectives. The handling is easy and two fingers are sufficient to lock or unlock the turntable.

Krasnogorsk F-21 Cameraplex, strangest cameras

50. Krasnogorsk F-21 1951

Camera Type: Subminiature
Country of Origin: Russia
Max Aperture: f/2
Format: Other
28mm Fixed Focus

This little camera is without apparent marking, but identified like “F-21” and “Ajax-12” in the book “The authentic guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras” of Jean-Loup Princelle. Intended for the special services of beyond-wall, it is characterized by its discretion of function. Envisaged to be ordered by a long flexible cable (Diaphragm and release) it has an autonomy of 22 exposures thanks to a mechanical motor. A cassette receives some 21 mm large film which was to be cut out in film movies 35 mm. The exposure counter is graduated up to 18 views. The shutter has two metal sectors behind the lens, which makes it possible to change it without fogging film. It gives speeds 100, 30, 10 and B. No viewfinder nor of flash shoe, but it has two side pins making it possible to fix it in various devices of camouflage. The lens has not brand It is only engraved“F=28 1:2 30470”. The first two numbers of n° 71750 indicate the year of manufacture.

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