This camera is also known as “The Talker” but it doesn’t say it anywhere on my version as it was only sold as such in some markets. My example does talk though and has the same specs, there are just two different names for different markets.
The reason it is called the talker is due to the 3 voice reminders that might be activated on shutter press. I say might as they don’t always work as they should. When they do, they say…
- Load Film – when the camera detects no film is loaded
- Too Dark – when the camera detects the flash is needed
- Check Distance – if the auto focus detects the subject is too close
Here are two videos of the voices in action.
Of course you can turn the voice off via the switch on the back, if you want to. My voice feature worked most of the time, then randomly, it would stop working. It was produced at the beginning of the 1980s and was the first camera to contain a voice chip. You can read more technical details on Mike Eckman’s website, plus he has lots of examples of commercials for the camera, which are a definite blast from the past.
Inside the camera is a plastic plate which turns it into a quick loader, making it easy to insert the film. So not only does it tell you if it is too dark, it is basically impossible to misload the film. It accepts 25-1000asa films by selecting the appropriate number on the front of the lens. That means you can pull and push films. If the camera thinks there is enough light, there will be a green light in the viewfinder. If there is an issue, like not enough light, then a red light accompanies the green one. Of course, if you have the voice activated, it will tell you that verbally.
I loaded mine with Ilford delta 3200 set at 1000…as that was the maximum setting of the camera. I actually found it difficult to get through the roll. It began to feel like I had been carrying it around with me for ages. I took it to loads of places and was not having a sense of joy when I took it out to use. I also turned the voice off pretty quickly. Of course, I finally did finish the roll, and here are some of the results.
Even though I like contrasty photos, I found these were a little too dark. They are ok, but also a bit meh. This reviewer and this reviewer also felt the camera underexposes its shots. If you have one, I would suggest setting the camera one stop lower than is needed, or two click of the dial.
There is nothing wrong with the camera, it is a typical 80s point and shoot. It has a nice f2.8 lens and the shots are quite sharp. But I didn’t gel with it. It wouldn’t be one I would use again as I have others I prefer.
I have promised this example to a friend and it is winging its way there right now. It will be interesting to hear his opinions.
I have a few of these in various condition — yep, nothing earth-shattering, but they take decent pictures. I don’t think that I have shot B&W film — only consumer color film, and the exposure seemed fine. And yes — sometimes the voice works and sometimes not. One of them had a fall to the pavement — just got a little scuffed up — but, haha, now it speaks Japanese!!! Same woman’s voice, but the phrases are definitely Japanese. An old rumor was that the woman who recorded the phrases was the daughter of the head of Minolta at the time…. Cheers!
I think I would prefer the Japanese voice. I wonder if it can be changed, without a bang of course.
Ah, yes! The era (error?) of chatterbox machines! 🤮 Talking cars (“Your door is a jar!”) and cash registers (“Your total is…” announced to the whole store), and they even had a talking camera? Thankfully, most of those insanities were silenced. No, I do not have a verbally-controlled home controller. To warp the poem,
“Machines should be silent and mute
Like a globed fruit”
Cameras and photos are made to be silent. Though I did enjoy the noise making holga to capture pets. But it made noises not give instructions.