The Complete History of the Camera, 1987-2000 A.D.
Period 4: the Portable Power Control Age
The Defective Power Control era is the latest and indeed an ongoing section in camera history. It began in Summer 1999 with the purchase of a Praktica AP710 from a (reasonably reputable) catalogue company. For the first time since the early joys of the Mechanical Age, the Author is at one with photography. The camera is said by all to have an expensive look, despite having no bolt-on extras. Built-in features are auto wind-on and focus, red-eye reduction, selectable flash and carrying case.
Despite the dependability of the hardware, some human error has still been responsible for the loss of about 8 shots so far. A favourite trick is forgetting to rewind the film before opening the film removal door, result last few pictures exposed. Doh!
Period X: the Future?
The photographic world is not quite as hyped-up as that of the Net, but there are still plenty of people out there prepared to play Nostradamus where cameras are concerned. Some have predicted the use of transparent shapes to refract light (a "zoom"), or use of sub-light electromagnetic wave detection which might provide thermal images (a so-called "infra-red camera"). Even the idea of a PC-compatible auto-digitising camera has been proposed. All I can say is, change equals risk. Let the Abuse of Power Age stand as a warning to all who think their idea is capable of revolutionising the Market!
Examples of Portable Power Control Age Photography
Some cameras have the ability to reduce the red appearance of people's eyes...this one seems to automatically push people into crazy poses!
A few people at this gathering commented on the camera's expensive look- one look at their clothes might explain why.
This photo was taken in what can only be described as a hazardous environment- a shootfighting match between a friend and a visiting contender. Needless to say, the friend is the one on the left.
The cameraman's job- preferrable any time.