Man, this was from the heady '80s (1980s...) when everyone was introducing tiny and excellent compact 35m cameras. This was Chinon's entry - the Good Friend aka the Bellami.
And is it? Well, if you want a tiny camera that takes decent shots and you can operate it (open, close, cock shutter, aim, shoot, wind on ) with one hand only - say as you ride your bike, this is the camera for you. Just put that wrist strap on and you are set. Try doing that with an XA! (well I'm sure you can but it will be a little harder).
I replaced the light seals - which is the thing that any old film camera would need and frankly why I've stopped buying old 35mm cameras! I hate doing it, but I've done this one for you.. Lens is decent. Exposures are ok - just shot a roll of Kentmere through it this weekend. Flash works but initially takes a while to charge up if left sitting for months... After the first few charges, it takes a normal for the era mount of time.
This is a fun, cute camera. It's not a Leica. Or a nice Nikon film camera. But it's tiny and charming.
$70 shipped/pp.
And is it? Well, if you want a tiny camera that takes decent shots and you can operate it (open, close, cock shutter, aim, shoot, wind on ) with one hand only - say as you ride your bike, this is the camera for you. Just put that wrist strap on and you are set. Try doing that with an XA! (well I'm sure you can but it will be a little harder).
I replaced the light seals - which is the thing that any old film camera would need and frankly why I've stopped buying old 35mm cameras! I hate doing it, but I've done this one for you.. Lens is decent. Exposures are ok - just shot a roll of Kentmere through it this weekend. Flash works but initially takes a while to charge up if left sitting for months... After the first few charges, it takes a normal for the era mount of time.
This is a fun, cute camera. It's not a Leica. Or a nice Nikon film camera. But it's tiny and charming.
$70 shipped/pp.
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