35mm compacts with 'harsh' built-in flash

Forrest Conifer · Oct 17, 2014

I'm looking for a 35mm compact camera with a 'harsh' built-in flash, like the flash on a disposable. I've heard the Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 fits this description quite well, but the flash on mine isn't functional so I haven't had the chance to test that theory yet.

Any input would be much appreciated.

bvy · Oct 17, 2014

It's can be a fun look. The Olympus XA models, with either A11 or A16 flashes, allow you some control over the flash. So if by harsh, you mean overpowering, load 400 film and set the flash to 100. Or, with the XA, set the flash to Full and shoot wide open.

TheFlyingCamera · Oct 17, 2014

Most compact 35mm cameras have a "harsh" flash by virtue of it being so close to the lens. But to guarantee the "harsh" look, what bvy said is true.

Les Sarile · Oct 17, 2014

Since negative film has so much overexposure latitude, try slide film instead.

snapguy · Oct 17, 2014

Harsh?

By harsh do you mean a hard, non-flattering light or a light that is too close to the lens and causes terrible shadows? If you really want a harsh light point the flash from under the subject's face. That's what they used to do to police suspects to make them look guilty. A green filter will make men look rugged and women not so hot.

Forrest Conifer · Oct 18, 2014

Thanks everyone for the responses thus far. To clarify, here are some examples of the look I'm after:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/spiegeleule/8408907887/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/35mmirador/5465759711/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jarrodjones/8223350808/

darinwc · Oct 18, 2014

The trick on those is to get up close.. the light intensity drops off quickly. just about any point n shoot will give those results. Also a slow lens will rely less on ambient light than a fast lens. -Or stopping down.

Michael W · Oct 18, 2014

Hard light is from a small source, so any small flash will do. Pop up flash does this all the time.

benjiboy · Oct 18, 2014

It's very hard to find a compact with a pop up flash that doesn't make people look like rabbits caught in your headlights, this is the first time I ever heard of someone actually seeking this effect.

bvy · Oct 18, 2014

It's the Terry Richardson look, and it's no secret that his camera of choice is (or was) the Yashica T4 Super. Put your subject close to a wall or some other backdrop to capture the shadow and, as has been said, get in close. A wide lens is helpful if not required. The T4 Super/T5 has a fixed 35mm Carl Zeiss lens. It's a great camera for more reasons than this -- even at the somewhat inflated prices they go for.

Forrest Conifer · Oct 20, 2014

Michael W said:
Hard light is from a small source, so any small flash will do. Pop up flash does this all the time.

I have a few cameras with pop-up flash units so I'll try some of them out. I have a little photoshoot thing coming up in the next month so I think I'll do some experiments then.

bvy said:
It's the Terry Richardson look

Thanks for this, I've heard his name but haven't looked at any of his work before. I like it.

AgX · Oct 20, 2014

TheFlyingCamera said:
Most compact 35mm cameras have a "harsh" flash by virtue of it being so close to the lens.

Many early compacts have flashes that flip up an Inch or so when activated.

Would be interesting to test whether that actually makes a difference compared to "static" ones.

L.J.SILVER · Oct 22, 2014

Hey, the Weegee version in a 35 point 'n shoot!

M Carter · Oct 24, 2014

On the opposite side of this equation... I've been known (when out for a cocktail) to tear a strip of bar napkin, wet the ends, and sort of stick in it a curving loop over a phone flash... instant diffusion...

Forrest Conifer · Nov 4, 2014

AgX said:
Many early compacts have flashes that flip up an Inch or so when activated.

Would be interesting to test whether that actually makes a difference compared to "static" ones.

I'd be very interested to see the results of such a test. Who knows, maybe I'll do some experiments myself...

35mm compacts with 'harsh' built-in flash

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