Basic Cameras

[Pj]

After years of using advanced cameras I am now enjoying using some very basic fixed focus cameras, the simplicity they offer is creatively liberating. I have got hold of a Chinon Pocket and a Porst Pocket.

I have managed to find out a lot about the Chinon, but there's very little information about the Porst, except that it's the same as a Magnon, there's even less information about the Magnon. I know Porst didn't make this camera, it's a clone. Does anyone know made this camera? I can't find an instruction manual or a repair manual for the Porst. Does anyone have one?

Thanks

P

[john59]

For the Magnon, it was made by Hiroyuki Ogino & Company Ltd., Nogemachi, Nakaku Yokohama. not much help regarding manuals though, sorry

[super8man]

Wasn't Porst like a noname brand version of Bauer, etc? They never sold AFAIK under that name in the USA. In the heyday though, there were tons of one-off brands or rebranding of cameras going on.

If you can, stick to the known varieties. I have some posted on my website (see my link below). At this point in time, there is really no need to limit yourself to "really" inferior glass when for even just a few bucks you can typically pickup a Canon, Olympus, or Bauer with decent glass.

Good luck!
Mike

[Pj]

Thanks for that, I have been on your website and find it very useful. In the past I did stick to well know brands and varieties such as Nizo, Bauer, Beaulieu and have recently used some Canons. When I first started using Super 8 I had very simple Kodak and Cinerex cameras. Recently I've been looking at the footage from these cameras and have been surprised that these cameras took very sharp and steady images.

I picked up an Afga Family camera and used it just as a bit of fun, I wasn't expecting much, but I was surprised. The Chinon Pocket and Porst only have one fixed lens while the glass is not great, I am guessing the one fixed lens should increase sharpness even if it's not a great lens.

P

[super8man]

Agreed. I often favour the simpler camera over the complicated Canon 814XLS or Nikon R8. My point was that at some point, with film being as expensive as it is, for newcomers it really can be a mistake to use the simplest cameras. A middle of the road camera is my recommendation for folks in that situation.

Good luck to you in your filming!
Mike

[Andersens Tears]

Agreed. I often favour the simpler camera over the complicated Canon 814XLS or Nikon R8. My point was that at some point, with film being as expensive as it is, for newcomers it really can be a mistake to use the simplest cameras. A middle of the road camera is my recommendation for folks in that situation.

Good luck to you in your filming!
Mike

I think the same is true even for old hands - after years of shooting with some of the best lenses I decided to sell all my big high end cameras in exchange for more modest mid range cameras and lots of stock!

What is the point of owning lovely cameras if you cant afford to feed em?

I can get really good images from a Canon 514xl-s - so much so that I dont really miss my 1014xl-s (apart from the manual interface)!

Jamie

[john59]

Do you know what lads, just reading through this thread and thats reminded me I have an agfa family cine camera in the loft. Two AA batteries and away I go
I had forgot all about that little gem.
Will it take the Ect 100D?

[Pj]

Don’t forget the separate battery for the light meter. I just used battery from a calculator [LR44] and it worked. Apparently this camera will underexpose the 100D by ½, but this is supposed to be okay. I filmed on a fairly dull day and the 100D came out perfect.

Based on my personal experience with the Agfa Family cameras, they are quite good; in my case the picture has been very sharp and incredibly steady. At the front of this camera in the lens ring there’s a clear bit of plastic, placed to protect the lens. I got much clear picture after I brike this off. I placed a UV filter on the cameras filter thread instead.

P