Date and Time Problem
One slight caveat I found is that you can’t set the date and time on this camera. There are no menu options for this, however with every digital file you write to a memory card there’s always a date and time associated with it. In this case it’s sometime in 2009.
Other cheap plastic cameras usually accept a TIMESET.TXT file that you write to the root folder of your memory card. When you switch the camera on, this file gets read and the time gets set. Not so in our case. I’ve sent the guys at Superheadz an email but doubt that I’ll ever hear back.
The Future of Harinezumi
It is with a slight shock and severe sadness that I have to give you some bad news though: Superheadz have decided to discontinue this wonderful camera.
Even though the Harinezumi 3 was already in the mental making, the company they used to supply the 4:3 LCD screens don’t manufacture those anymore. They’ve simply run out of parts. Even though there is another company that make 1.5″ LCD screens they are too big and won’t fit into the current camera body. A redesign would be necessary but that’s too pricey – so they’ve scrapped the project altogether.
Superheadz mentioned that they will make these until they run out of screens and then it’s the end of Harinezumi as we know it. Guess it was a short love affair after all – better get my hands on another one before they run out.
Read Superheadz’ full statement here.
Conclusion
The cult following around the Zumi shows that many of us don’t want to shoot perfect pictures. Look at the success of Lomography: LO-FI is what we want, and excitement is what we want from taking pictures. It’s the boundaries of conventional photography we want to explore, and cameras like the Harinezumi allow us just that.
Other manufacturers are on the same mission: the Lytro camera looks VERY interesting, the Neingrenze tilt-and-shift is another exotic one, and of course countless iPhone apps are trying to do the same thing: push the boundaries of conventional photography.
Harinezumi was one of the first to bring lo-fi to the age of digital without the need for Photoshop & Co. It will certainly be remembered for its fun design, ease of use and something else that can only be felt by looking at its output.
Yes it’s pricey, yes the menu is clunky and yes you can get better cameras with more features for less money. But that’s not the point: I was extremely creative with my Zumi in a very short amount of time and I love what it gives me. There’s a feeling of love between this puppy and me that money can’t buy.
Heros die at the end of a story, yet they live on forever. Until then, grab a Harinezumi while you still can.
My vote: 147 thumbs up!
And Superheadz: go look for new LCD screens π
Fantastic article. Really enjoyed reading it. I recently purchased a Harinezumi 2++ and take him everywhere with me. It’s highly addictive. Where did you purchase your harinezumi 2+++? Was thinking of buying this model as well. Thanks.
Thanks Charlene, I’m glad you liked it π
I bought my Harinezumi 2+++ at the Photographer’s Gallery which is currently near Warren Street tube station in London. They do mail order though too – see if they still have one available at http://shop.photonet.org.uk/page/3169/Digital
Be quick as they’ve stopped making them last I heard, so stocks are limited.
Good luck π
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. I have now ordered the camera from the photographers gallery and going to pick it up on Wednesday. Thanks for the heads up. This camera looks amazing. I have the H2++ but the colour changes on the new model look fastastic. I think i’m going to keep my H2++ just in case i can’t get hold of any in the future. The first Harinezumi is supposed to have a better a camera though in terms of getting the best super 8 film feel. It’s so sad they are discontinuing these cameras. I’ve filmed on super 8 before and processing cost a bomb so this is a fastastic alternative.