thank you Molly 💙 I'm sure that it doesn't happen with each one of these cameras, but this technical issue seems a little too common to just be a one time fluke. wouldn't put my trust in it for high stakes events 😅
@exploring_analog the Sprite II didn't even pass the loading and unloading of film (rewind button failed). I am substituting a Long Weekend (similar camera) for the Sprite II, since it has the tripod socket. I am going to put the Cokin filter mount on that. My results will be posted on 35mmc when complete.
I just shot my first roll of film(Kodak Gold) with this camera. When there’s enough sunlight I was pretty happy with the results. When rewinding the film there was a lot of resistance and clicking. It didn’t sound good and I was afraid it was going to break. Was it smooth rewinding for you? Not sure if I want to chance another roll in the camera. Film is so expensive now!
nope.. the rewinding was not smooth at all, the little mechanism just doesn't hold on to the film well 🥲 I personally won't put another roll in it because I already know it will get ruined... and like you say, it's too expensive to waste. But glad you got some good photos with it! I did too at the start but it's such a hit or miss. and seems to get worse over time, so not picking that one up again unfortunately
Oooh thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ I'm glad you liked the video! And I hope your camera treats you well! If it gives you any trouble I recommend speaking to the store about it, they could replace it for you :) But hopefully it works just fine! Let me know :))
I have this camera and had trouble with the last and current roll where it shows S on the winder part where it usually states how many pictures are left. Does this mean the film has run out or something else? Can’t find any accurate info about it
Witch Film did you use? I was using UltraMaxx 400, but didn't developt yet. I lubricated the rewind knob. So now the problem is gone (film self-rewinding)
I used various films, tried it multiple times. i think it was kodak gold, portra 800 and Lomo metropolis at one point. Good idea with the lubrication! My problem was more so the teeth on the mechanism were letting go of the film so I was rewinding and the film was not moving 🥲 but hope your roll turns out good! If you didn’t have issues when rewinding then you will probably be good:) let me know how it went!
@@exploring_analog i have still the Problem with lubrication. Nothing changed. The Camera Shops are telling the Customers to tape the Film on. So it wont slip. The Problem is with every Camera. I punch the Camera when winding the Film so the filmroll will move.
I would recommend any point and shoot :) If you do go for a reusable camera I heard the Kodak Ektar reusable camera is a good one! It is sold in almost all photo stores, but it is a half frame. Could be nice, since you have double the amount of exposures, but may not be what you want. Otherwise I would buy any used point and shoot from Ebay, or Etsy, and I would go off of the seller reviews to make sure you are buying from a trusted seller :) Any point and shoot will do the job if you're starting out! If you are still hesitating go with a disposable to begin with, they are so easy to use and you will get great photos before you decide on your first camera :) Let me know what you went with!! 🌼 📸
Just got back my first roll from this camera and was disappointed, only about 5 photos turned out sort of alright when the disposable ones pretty much all of the shots were usable as you said. Will try a bit more to give a chance but I’ll probably end up investing in a slr instead, I mean for the amount of ruined shots it’ll be cheaper to buy disposables or an slr for the long run
exactly, the money you waste on ruined shots, and the pain too hahaha, it's a gimmicky camera so yeah, if you want something reliable then go for an SLR, or point and shoot. Best investment ever, will save you a lot of stress and disappointment :)
Thanks for your POV on this. I just want to point out that I did not have a better rate of success with disposable cameras. I did not use this model but I just got back pics from my first roll of film from another toy camera (Kodak Ektar H35). I had a few great hits and a few complete misses, as well as a bunch of "meh" shots. I did not have a better experience with disposables. I did, however, have a better experience with a super cheap camera I had in the 90s. I don't know why. It was really low end, not better than what you can get now.
It's funny isn't it, how great the cameras from decades ago still work and how bad these new "cameras" are today. It's a cash grab, but if you're into photography it is a waste of money and film. And thank you for letting me know about the ektar H35, it was actually one that I wanted to try next, if I was to try the toy cameras again at some point, but I think I prefer saving my money :)
@@exploring_analog just be aware that you might run into issues with developing half frames, unless you do it yourself. My local lab was annoyed that I didn't tell them it was half frame until after I paid because it's more work (but they declined to charge me more). I thought it just 2 pics per print but it's not that simple. I also looked into labs that accept mail in film and many don't have an option for half, but the one that does (The Darkroom) charges $9 more. So it's not really much cheaper in the end, and you will have limited options for developing - unless you do it yourself.
Sorry, I missed this comment! Thank you for the tip, wouldn't have thought of warning them since you would think they would know haha, but makes perfect sense, they don't see it till they start. Wonder if they charge more for half frames here in Paris, will ask next time I'm in the lab. Still cheaper as far as number of exposures on the roll go :)
Absolutely, I've heard good things about other new cameras like the half frame from kodak which I want to try at some point but the ilford sprite really discouraged me from the new cameras over all.
True! but only when close up. Once you get further it is not great either. But with my first roll on this camera I shot some flash photos and those were great. Wish it was more reliable.
Lately you can see these things everywhere. I really don't see the point of such cameras at all. They're not cheap. For 30-50 dollars or Euros one can easily pick up a vintage German or Japanese 35 mm camera at a yard sale, a thrift shop or a used camera fair. Or you even get them for free when people clean out their attics. You can easily see whether shutter, diaphragm and film transport are still working, so you will likely end up with one that works. I have had my fair share of cameras that never were high-end, such as an Argus C3 or a Zeiss Ikon Continamatic. All of those have a glass lens composed of several elements and allow choice of focus, exposure and f-stop, which puts them way ahead of this thing in terms of features, but they didn't cost me 30 bucks. They produce consistently acceptable quality, which a plastic toy simply cannot.
I absolutely agree, you can really find great bargains on quality cameras, and even low quality point and shoots are better than these. These toy cameras are easily accessible so a lot of beginners chose to buy one (like I did) and this could have a bad impact on their first experience. I guess, technically, these could be good if you want to take a camera to a beach or something and not worry about it getting damaged... but why not just get a cheaper disposable at that point.
yup, low light is definitely not your friend with these. Best shots I got on these were in bright sunshine. But never actually tried this with a BW roll, I can see how that could give you a cool result, will have to try that
Great review, I also researched this camera and then took the gamble of buying a second hand Olympus trip 35. Very happy that I took the gamble 😄
Thank you glad you liked it 😌🙏Very good decision ! You will get much more value for your money with the Olympus trip!
Did this camera ever ruin a full roll of film for you because of the winding thingy?
I just bought a Sprite 35-ii and it is too flimsy. I would buy the Holga 135 variant instead, as it has 2 apertures and zone focus.
Never tried the Holga but your comment made me go look at it, looks much much better than the sprite for sure!
It seems the F9 / SS 120 is good for overcast days. I have seen a lot of overexposed pictures from bright sun.
thanks for the honest review! I've never tried this camera so it's good to know! Nice video again, love to see them :)
thank you Molly 💙 I'm sure that it doesn't happen with each one of these cameras, but this technical issue seems a little too common to just be a one time fluke. wouldn't put my trust in it for high stakes events 😅
I just added a tripod bracket and a Cokin A series filter holder to my Sprite. Going to test it against a Lomo Apparat and Holga 135BC.
Ohh you have to let me know how that went! I hear Lomo apparat is great!
@exploring_analog the Sprite II didn't even pass the loading and unloading of film (rewind button failed). I am substituting a Long Weekend (similar camera) for the Sprite II, since it has the tripod socket. I am going to put the Cokin filter mount on that. My results will be posted on 35mmc when complete.
Will check it out on 35mmc!!
I just shot my first roll of film(Kodak Gold) with this camera. When there’s enough sunlight I was pretty happy with the results. When rewinding the film there was a lot of resistance and clicking. It didn’t sound good and I was afraid it was going to break. Was it smooth rewinding for you? Not sure if I want to chance another roll in the camera. Film is so expensive now!
nope.. the rewinding was not smooth at all, the little mechanism just doesn't hold on to the film well 🥲 I personally won't put another roll in it because I already know it will get ruined... and like you say, it's too expensive to waste. But glad you got some good photos with it! I did too at the start but it's such a hit or miss. and seems to get worse over time, so not picking that one up again unfortunately
This review was AMAZING! I love critical reviews like this. I still bought the camera, but I'm so happy i could do it with both eyes open 😊
Oooh thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ I'm glad you liked the video! And I hope your camera treats you well! If it gives you any trouble I recommend speaking to the store about it, they could replace it for you :) But hopefully it works just fine! Let me know :))
I have this camera and had trouble with the last and current roll where it shows S on the winder part where it usually states how many pictures are left. Does this mean the film has run out or something else? Can’t find any accurate info about it
that's weird, yeah there are so many problems with the winding when it comes to this camera. and do you feel it turning when you wind the wheel ?
@@exploring_analog i do not which makes me think the film is out, but when i open it seems to still have film available
Best would be to take it to a camera store, they can take a look for you and make sure you don't lose the photos you have already taken on it.
Thanks for your review, helped me make up my mind! Enjoy your day
Thank you I'm so glad 🤗
Witch Film did you use?
I was using UltraMaxx 400, but didn't developt yet.
I lubricated the rewind knob. So now the problem is gone (film self-rewinding)
I used various films, tried it multiple times. i think it was kodak gold, portra 800 and Lomo metropolis at one point. Good idea with the lubrication! My problem was more so the teeth on the mechanism were letting go of the film so I was rewinding and the film was not moving 🥲 but hope your roll turns out good! If you didn’t have issues when rewinding then you will probably be good:) let me know how it went!
@@exploring_analog i have still the Problem with lubrication. Nothing changed. The Camera Shops are telling the Customers to tape the Film on. So it wont slip.
The Problem is with every Camera.
I punch the Camera when winding the Film so the filmroll will move.
Thanks for the video! Which analog-automatic camara would you then recommend instead for beginners? 🌻
I would recommend any point and shoot :) If you do go for a reusable camera I heard the Kodak Ektar reusable camera is a good one! It is sold in almost all photo stores, but it is a half frame. Could be nice, since you have double the amount of exposures, but may not be what you want.
Otherwise I would buy any used point and shoot from Ebay, or Etsy, and I would go off of the seller reviews to make sure you are buying from a trusted seller :) Any point and shoot will do the job if you're starting out!
If you are still hesitating go with a disposable to begin with, they are so easy to use and you will get great photos before you decide on your first camera :) Let me know what you went with!! 🌼 📸
Just got back my first roll from this camera and was disappointed, only about 5 photos turned out sort of alright when the disposable ones pretty much all of the shots were usable as you said. Will try a bit more to give a chance but I’ll probably end up investing in a slr instead, I mean for the amount of ruined shots it’ll be cheaper to buy disposables or an slr for the long run
exactly, the money you waste on ruined shots, and the pain too hahaha, it's a gimmicky camera so yeah, if you want something reliable then go for an SLR, or point and shoot. Best investment ever, will save you a lot of stress and disappointment :)
Not sure why, but the Kodak works for me. Rewinding is tricky
I'm glad it does!! I want to try the kodak half frame reusable at some point, but my trauma is still too fresh haha!
Thanks for your POV on this. I just want to point out that I did not have a better rate of success with disposable cameras. I did not use this model but I just got back pics from my first roll of film from another toy camera (Kodak Ektar H35). I had a few great hits and a few complete misses, as well as a bunch of "meh" shots. I did not have a better experience with disposables. I did, however, have a better experience with a super cheap camera I had in the 90s. I don't know why. It was really low end, not better than what you can get now.
It's funny isn't it, how great the cameras from decades ago still work and how bad these new "cameras" are today. It's a cash grab, but if you're into photography it is a waste of money and film. And thank you for letting me know about the ektar H35, it was actually one that I wanted to try next, if I was to try the toy cameras again at some point, but I think I prefer saving my money :)
@@exploring_analog just be aware that you might run into issues with developing half frames, unless you do it yourself. My local lab was annoyed that I didn't tell them it was half frame until after I paid because it's more work (but they declined to charge me more). I thought it just 2 pics per print but it's not that simple. I also looked into labs that accept mail in film and many don't have an option for half, but the one that does (The Darkroom) charges $9 more. So it's not really much cheaper in the end, and you will have limited options for developing - unless you do it yourself.
Sorry, I missed this comment! Thank you for the tip, wouldn't have thought of warning them since you would think they would know haha, but makes perfect sense, they don't see it till they start. Wonder if they charge more for half frames here in Paris, will ask next time I'm in the lab. Still cheaper as far as number of exposures on the roll go :)
Solid. I bought one to support new cameras but was very disappointed. I recommend literally any old point and shoot over this thing
Absolutely, I've heard good things about other new cameras like the half frame from kodak which I want to try at some point but the ilford sprite really discouraged me from the new cameras over all.
They are only great at one thing. Bright flash close up. This is where they shine.
True! but only when close up. Once you get further it is not great either. But with my first roll on this camera I shot some flash photos and those were great. Wish it was more reliable.
Lately you can see these things everywhere. I really don't see the point of such cameras at all. They're not cheap. For 30-50 dollars or Euros one can easily pick up a vintage German or Japanese 35 mm camera at a yard sale, a thrift shop or a used camera fair. Or you even get them for free when people clean out their attics.
You can easily see whether shutter, diaphragm and film transport are still working, so you will likely end up with one that works.
I have had my fair share of cameras that never were high-end, such as an Argus C3 or a Zeiss Ikon Continamatic. All of those have a glass lens composed of several elements and allow choice of focus, exposure and f-stop, which puts them way ahead of this thing in terms of features, but they didn't cost me 30 bucks. They produce consistently acceptable quality, which a plastic toy simply cannot.
I absolutely agree, you can really find great bargains on quality cameras, and even low quality point and shoots are better than these. These toy cameras are easily accessible so a lot of beginners chose to buy one (like I did) and this could have a bad impact on their first experience. I guess, technically, these could be good if you want to take a camera to a beach or something and not worry about it getting damaged... but why not just get a cheaper disposable at that point.
those toy cameras work best with simple b&w film on bright sunny days
yup, low light is definitely not your friend with these. Best shots I got on these were in bright sunshine. But never actually tried this with a BW roll, I can see how that could give you a cool result, will have to try that
"I believe, for the moment, none of these new analog cameras have good quality. A Yashica MF1 is still better, unfortunately."😢
Agree 100%... maybe one day, but for now the classic point and shoots are better value