The Complete History of the Camera, 1987-2000 A.D.
Period 2: the Abuse of Power Age
This point in history was categorised by the ill-guided action of manufacturers to release inspiring "new" camera technology on the public. The mutant spawn of the APA Period was none other than the disc camera, a cross-breed between film and children's ViewFinder toys, cased in smooth aluminium (see below).
In a further attempt to be unique, the disc camera had capacity for 15 photos. The disc film was auto-indexed with an unsettling "shlick-clack" sound, and an auto flash was featured. The electronics were powered by a five-year lithium battery, which might actually have been a good development if it had been widely accepted. The wafer-like film made the disc camera very thin, a lot more pocketable than other camera types.
Curiously, the manufacture of the disc camera predates the Abuse of Power photographic samples below by around 14 years. This is believed to be because the disc camera spent a dormant period in the houses of the old folk who bought them before being passed onto the Young, who then had the challenge of trying to use them. Truly the "Camera Obscura"- try getting disc film and lithium batteries nowadays.
Examples of Abuse of Power Age Photography
Here's to the brave new future of photography! The disc camera caused quite a stir when introduced to friends- like turning up to a party driving a Sinclair C5. Perhaps people thought that financial hardship had driven the Author to hunt out this jumble-sale style piece of appartatus, but in fact the disc camera was a significant step out of the Mechanical Age. Indeed, apart from times of film processing/ purchasing, the disc camera brought much joy to one who had fumbled long and hard with towers of exploding flashes.
The photo: a friend enjoying some of the Author's home-made booze products.
The on-board flash of the disc camera was probably the most powerful of any camera the Author has experienced to date.
Pictured here: great minds ponder the meaning of law and order after the Constabulary had made their presence felt at an evening water fight.