The Kodak Advantix 4100ix Zoom---It's a Ph.D. (Push Here Dummy)
Written: Aug 15 '01 (Updated Aug 17 '01)
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Pros: Great pictures, drop in loading, tells you everything you need to know
Cons: expensive film and processing
The Bottom Line: This incredible camera has truly been a life-saver: I've become a great photographer, with little or no efforts!
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| foodallergy's Full Review: Kodak Advantix 4100 IX APS Film Camera |
About 2 years ago, we were desperate for a new camera. You see, our genius photographer (me) was not doing such a great job at taking pictures. I kept forgetting to remove the film after it rewound... and I would re-use the film. Whoops! Obviously, those pictures didn't work out so well.
Then there was the exposure problem... I would try to remove the film before it was finished, thus ruining the pictures again.
No, I'm not a dummy, I promise!!! But I had two little ones, and I really didn't have much time to worry about the camera. I was too worried about other things.
And that's when my husband proposed a Ph.D. camera: "Push Here Dummy".
Yes, I felt like an idiot, but I agreed. And, let me tell you: this is a GREAT camera. It's easy to use, quick to load, and you really can't mess it up. At least I couldn't... and that's saying something.
Here's the details:
This is a pocket-sized camera. It's approximately 5 inches x 3 inches x 1 inch. It has a nice easy strap-like handle that you slip over your wrist. The buttons are easy to use: the on/off switch clicks either clockwise or counterclockwise, and it's appropriately labeled.
There's a C/H/P slide button. By sliding this from C to H to P, you can chose the size of your picture. "C" pictures are the normal sized pictures, "H" are about 7 inches long and "P" take a panorama shot. Simply push this button into place, and it will stay there until you change it.
You can widen or tighten the shot, simply by holding down the W/T button. As you push this button, look through the eyehole. When it gets to exactly the right spot, just lift your finger, and it will stay right there. COOL NOTE: When you turn the camera off, it will reset itself.
The battery goes in a neat little corner, tucked into the back of the camera. You simply flip the lid, and the door swings open. The battery will stay in place until you pull it out. Right now, we have an "energizer" photo battery EL123AP. I can't remember the exact price, but I think they were about $10; we buy these at Walmart and Radio Shack.
And the best part: THE FILM. This camera needs SPECIAL film. It's actually pretty cool, because this is the best part about the entire camera.
This uses APS film (Advanced Photo System). The box looks a lot like regular film, so you have to make sure it says APS on it! Yes, this is more expensive than regular film, but I think it is worth it. Why? Well, here goes:
The film cartridge looks similar to regular film, except you don't see that extra bit of brown film hanging out the end of the roll. The cartridge is a little odd shaped--with a little hook shape at the end. This hook shape is really cool: You HAVE to put the film in the right way... there's no other way to do it.
There is no special way to load the camera. You just pop it in and the camera does the rest.
When the film is done, a little LCD screen will tell you (it will also tell you when you are low on batteries). Just pop out the film, and you're ready to go.
Now what if you don't know whether you've used the film or not? Well, never fear! This has been taken care of as well. The top of each film cartridge has 4 little holes next to the numbers 1,2,3 and 4. If you see a white space in hole #1, that means you've never used the film. #2 means that the film has been half used. #3 means that the film has been completed, but not processed. #4 means that the film has been processed.
So how exactly do you process this? Just take it to any place that processes APS film (I send it through the mail via Clark Film). They'll do the rest.
When you receive the pictures, you will also receive the entire film cartridge back (remember, #4 will have a white space in the hole). Now, you will see a barcode number on both the film cartridge and the film. This will help you compare the pictures with the cartridge. If you ever need reprints, just send the cartridge back. TIP: Pay extra for the "index" page: this picture sized card shows tiny little pictures of all the photos in that cartridge.
So what's the bottom line? Well, if you're an incredible photographer, definitely go with something else. But if you just want a camera to do a great job on ordinary occasions, then this is the camera for you! The extra money is definitely worth it---I haven't lost any pictures, because the camera figures everything else out.
Oh, and how expensive is the film? Well, here in the DC suburbs (which is more expensive than other places), a three pack of 24 exposures, 200 film costs about $11.99. Processing costs about $8.99.
Enjoy!!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 130
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Epinions.com ID:
foodallergy
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Location: USA
Reviews written: 44
Trusted by: 6 members
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