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I find that it’s not as easy to create good results with this thing as it is with other point and shoot cameras. Framing is weird, the camera is bulky, and focussing really needs to be correct.
However, once you’ve mastered that, the Blackbird Fly TLR ’ll be a very create picture taking tool. For me it’s all about the experience and the excitement of how to get different shots – and my new friend here delivers that and more.
Here are a few links to Blackbird Fly enthusiasts:
- Nic Nichols collection of experiences and tutorials about the BBF at Four Corners Dark
- BBF Groups on Flickr here and here
- Buy the BBF from Holga Magic (Hong Kong), The Photographer’s Gallery Shop (London) or the Japan Trend Store
I think you mean the image in the viewfinder is flipped horizontally not vertically 😉 That would make them really tough to use lol. Surprisingly I just found out about these today (I've got a mean collection of TLRs) so I had to pick one up (orange btw). Anyway nice review, can't wait to get mine in the mail.
Haha,
I meant horizontally indeed – thanks for pointing that out. Have fun with the Orange Blackbird 😉
Blackbird Camera. I am very tempted to go to film with something a bit clunky. Used to use a Mamiya at art college and quite like it’s (mine) unpredictable shots. You can purchase the Blackbird at Ikon Gallery (its in Google) for about £70. They also do something called a Holga. Check out the Ikon, I have a bit of an interest as I used to work there and was connected with the last exhibition This Could Happen to You. Some pics on my website. Regards RS
Thanks for the tip Richard, I’ve head of the Ikon Gallery but I’ve never been there. I didn’t know they had a little camera shop – very good to know. Especially now that the Photographer’s Gallery is closed for refurbishment until 2011.
Here’s the link: http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/
Hi,
I was thinking of getting one of these but I’ve read elsewhere that you don’t actually focus through the viewfinder.. is this true?
Hi Martin,
yes that’s true – the viewfinder is only for framing purposes but doesn’t actually show you what you’re focussing on. In the viewfinder, everything appears in focus. It’s not a “real” TLR in that respect.
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the reply!
Bit if a shame really, i read that the Gakkenflex (the kit tlr) does allow focus but it looks nowhere near as well made as the blackbird.
Still i’ve seen the Blackbird drop in price on a few online stores these last few months so maybe i’ll bight when it gets to £50 (currently at £60 with one Amazon seller)
Thanks again!
33mm F7 – F11!?!
Not much should be out of focus then!
I noticed you did some indoor shots… were they with floodlighting?
I wish they’d offer a version at double the price with an F4 lens and visual focus ability.
A modern 135 TLR is such a good premise…
Thanks for the best review I’ve seen on it.
Thanks Fred!
You’re right about the focus range: only things very close to the camera – at the right distance setting – produce a blurred background. Other than that, it’s more of a “framing exercise” than a proper TLR I guess.
If you’d like the focussing ability too, how about a Lubitel 166? You can shoot both 120 and 35mm with it (however it’s a bit heavier and of course more expensive).
hi!
is it possible to shot horizontally?
thanks!
Yep, that’s no problem: all you need to do is turn the camera by 90 degrees. You’ll have to frame up using the sports finder rather than the top-down viewfinder. It’s not as accurate but will give you a guide of what will be in the picture.
Hope this helps 😉
I was wondering what film does it use?
Hi Nitz,
The Blackbird Fly uses standard 35mm film. Developed and printed at every mini lab on the high street. Without a gate it exposes sprockets too.