The danger of browsing camera sales sites is you often end up with the postman knocking at the door rather frequently! Here are some of the interesting things that arrived recently…

First off - the Canon AS-6 35mm underwater camera with it’s top mounted sports finder. Still covered in sand when it arrived, so it has been used for it’s purpose, and the fabric strap had degraded from the sea water where it obviously had not been rinsed off after use.

Produced between 1986-94 it was capable of diving to 10 meters, and looks very cool. I can’t wait to try it out on the next Mediterranean holiday. With a purchase price in the double figures (well, not much over over £10) it is working perfectly, so should serve me well.

Next is the small brick that is the Ricoh Auto Half EF2 - it is quite heavy for it’s size! It is working except the flash and is currently in my bag with a roll of expired Truprint film loaded. I am not a huge fan of half frame, but liked the styling (and the price!). Bought from Buyee for 1000yen (£5.23) compared to 27,000yen when new in 1979. It features clockwork winder, pop-up flash, a shutter speed of 1/125th and selenium meter for automatic aperture.

I have quite fancied a Fuji HD for a while, but all the ones I could find on eBay looked rough. This HD-R was another 1000yen Buyee purchase, and in great condition plus it is fully working. I like the focus dial on the top, and it’s rugged looks. It was fitting that I have half a roll of Kodak Gold to finish from my Fuji Work Record that I shot in Germany, so keeping it Fuji, it is in this.

With it’s Fujinon 38mm f2.8 lens, I am hoping for some good shots.

Last, but by no means least - the beautiful Petri Pro7.

Based on the very popular Petri 7, but with some styling tweaks and a 45mm f1.8 lens, it is a very good looking thing. Unfortunately it does have an issue - the lens is ever so slightly loose meaning the shutter will only cock and fire if you put a bit of pressure on the front. It is usable with care, but I thought thought I would get another one instead. The second one did not work at all! Hence the third example is in the post with the hope it will actually work properly! The third one was an absolute steal - won for the grand sum of 9yen!! That’s five pence in English money! Even with the Buyee fee and shipping it is still a bargain.

Camera buying on the internet is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you are gonna get! I’m sure that was the Forrest Gump quote anyway!

Interesting stuff bought recently…

Wuppertal…