Not much to say about this camera, apart from the fact that it is the only one in my small collection to have a panoramic switch. I have bought it from Boots, 1994 or 1995, I believe. The store in Watford was pretty well stocked up with film and some 3 models of point and shoot cameras (they even had a 110 model).
An interesting camera, although I have heard nothing but bad reviews. It would appear that people bought this camera expecting it to be on the par with a Nikon or a Canon, which they’re obviously not. This is a simple point and shoot thing, drop a film in, snap around, take the film to the lab, get some decent photos to show for your pains and repeat during your next holiday. That’s it. Anything more than that, you will need a different camera. So, why the disappointment? I mean, it’s this type or a disposable one.
Anyways, I do recall the main reason why buying it: the panoramic function. Never had a camera that could do this, so I was intrigued. For the price I paid, I got a decent thing, with some really good options: red eye reduction, an automatic winder / rewinder of the film, drop-in cassette and auto loading the film leader, a very good flash and (barely) readable frame counter. Nice in the hand, and good plastic. A viewfinder with a center-spot, and a really usable one it is.
The frame format could be changed between normal and panoramic, by means of a switch on the top side. The panoramic thing was made possible by a horizontal extra frame inside the film lens housing, sliding in front (for the panoramic) and going back right under the lens (for the normal). I hope this makes sense.
This lens is not a Summitar, but it’s no meniscus either; a Ricoh 34mm, at 1:4,5, with automatic shutter and DX code reader. A mid-roll rewind button, together with the self timer, both on top plate. Made in Taiwan (ROC), if you really must know this. And as already said, really sturdy thing it is too.
Never shot any film with it, no idea why. Which is a pity, because now I would like to but I cannot. Reason is the light seals have become gooey and need replacing. I cannot be bothered with this right now, so it’ll have to wait.