Author Topic: Black Bird Fly. (Read 8797 times)

Skorj · « **on:** August 13, 2008, 08:09:50 AM »

As per our Cam, the Black Bird Fly (BBF) is a few steps away from release. 135 format TLR, for about 10,000 JPY. Main site HERE.

As part of their release, they have a Magical Camera Tour, just down the street near Laforet in Harajuku: MAGICAL TOUR 2008.

Assume someone here knows who this is too:

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formica · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2008, 09:05:43 AM »

cool! i've been wondering when the exact date of release for this was going to be.

william

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #2 on:** August 13, 2008, 12:07:06 PM »

I'm guessing that's one of Cameron's kids in the photo? Are you guessing too, Skj, or do you know?

Skorj · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2008, 12:37:40 PM »

Quote from: ed.wenn on August 13, 2008, 12:07:06 PM

I'm guessing that's one of Cameron's kids in the photo? Are you guessing too, Skj, or do you know?

I am guessing. He needs to confirm, as we like nepotismness here...

Quote from: formica on August 13, 2008, 09:05:43 AM

cool! i've been wondering when the exact date of release for this was going to be.

Early September it seems. But, the way you're plugged into the scene in Taiwan, you should get them not soon after. I already have two orders, so adding another (and any more after that for other filmwasters) should not be too much trouble. If they do not show up at your end... I estimate the camera, plus express post globally to be about JPY12,000.

Orders please! See ya. Skj.

(Sean, I wonder too what has happened to the TOLNE, as it never showed up. I keep thinking it will reappear as the Fujipet S for some reason.)

formica · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2008, 04:31:16 PM »

Quote from: formica on August 13, 2008, 09:05:43 AM

cool! i've been wondering when the exact date of release for this was going to be.

Quote

Early September it seems. But, the way you're plugged into the scene in Taiwan, you should get them not soon after. I already have two orders, so adding another (and any more after that for other filmwasters) should not be too much trouble. If they do not show up at your end... I estimate the camera, plus express post globally to be about JPY12,000.

thanks. i'll remember that. since the superheadz line is selling here now(but not in my town sadly) i expect it to show up soonish. hopefully, when they call about the sun polga i had wanted to buy this weekend(on order - as the ones they had sold out) they'll have that in too.

Quote

(Sean, I wonder too what has happened to the TOLNE, as it never showed up. I keep thinking it will reappear as the Fujipet S for some reason.)

i could have sworn that i read that they gave up on this camera as they had problems when it was first made.

william

moominsean · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2008, 11:44:20 PM »

the tolne looked interesting, but i hope a new fujipet would be more interesting.

i keep wanting to send this shot to fujifilm.jp, but don't know where to send.

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Kaometet · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2008, 11:54:38 PM »

I.Want.One.
Black or blue.

Stu · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2008, 09:54:52 AM »

Yes please Skorj.
An orange one please!

nicnichols · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2008, 05:31:15 PM »

I am in for one when any one can get the ordering info!
...any sites or stores that have them yet?

edthened · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2008, 07:59:51 PM »

Och dae they hav speshull discoonts fir old poor peeple

Stu · « **Reply #10 on:** August 20, 2008, 05:07:05 PM »

Quote from: Stu on August 18, 2008, 09:54:52 AM

Yes please Skorj.
An orange one please!

Sorry, having serious problems deciding if I want Orange or Blue... If possible, I would love one of each please!
Is that allowed!?

eddie · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2008, 05:46:58 PM »

They are a lovely design, considering they are 35mm its hard to visualise their physical size. What kind of quality can we expect from them.

Fintan · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2008, 07:30:41 PM »

How do I order, I'd like a blue one.

gary m · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2008, 04:52:59 PM »

Needs me an orange one, glad to see new stuff like this still has a place on the market!!!! Keep burning film!

Skorj · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2008, 10:05:46 AM »

OK! When they become available in the shops, I will post a thread asking for orders here. I will take payment by PayPal and will send at cost - which should be about USD125 shipped registered post. Skj.

russmorris · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2008, 01:31:19 AM »

What? $125 US?

Really? For that?

Am I the only person who isn't drinking the kool aid here?

moominsean · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2008, 04:24:32 PM »

nope...we all bought our white sneakers and are drinking the kool-aid. you don't know what you are missing...

russmorris · « **Reply #17 on:** August 28, 2008, 03:15:17 AM »

I've never really been an early adopter. I think I'll wait to see if the price comes down a bit. And I'll wait to read your review, Sean.

Heather · « **Reply #18 on:** August 28, 2008, 09:08:47 AM »

Quote from: russmorris on August 25, 2008, 01:31:19 AM

What? $125 US?

Really? For that?

Am I the only person who isn't drinking the kool aid here?

It's okay I was just keeping quiet about it. You can buy a real tlr for that much money (that was predictably going to be said, wasn't it?) then buy one of those brightly coloured leather replacement kits if you wanted the funky colours.
I worry it'd break if i put it in a backpack, the cheesy interlinked lenses using cogs... Doesn't do it for me. Have fun with it, though, those who buy it. I'll stick to my ancient well-made relics.

nicnichols · « **Reply #19 on:** August 28, 2008, 01:52:00 PM »

I think its more of a in-the-collection thing...

I have my trusty Yashika 124, and a Rolleiflex in the collection, but the idea of a 35mm toy TLR is too good... also, as I have noticed a lot of people switching over to the Holga 135- the idea of getting more then 12 images per roll is nice- I will always have the 124 ready, but this is a 'toy' that I can't resist..

Heather · « **Reply #20 on:** August 28, 2008, 01:59:07 PM »

It's a bit expensive for a toy. If it was on the same sort of price level as a normal holga (not lomography holga), maybe it'd be more tempting for me.

beck · « **Reply #21 on:** August 28, 2008, 02:46:57 PM »

I wouldn't mind fetching the oraunge one up myself. I thought I just read somewhere that the BBF shoots square images on 35mm?? Right or wrong? Sometimes I am not big on the 35mm format and would fancy one if it did shoot square pictures. I highly doubt if I do buy one but it looks neat just the same...

Francois · « **Reply #22 on:** August 28, 2008, 03:38:52 PM »

If it does do square 35mm, it has its ups and downs.

On the good side, you get 36 exposures per roll of 24 (cheap on film)

On the bad side, the girl at my local photolab would just freak out seeing all those little square pictures she has to fit into rectangular paper

But there is the old Robo camera that did square 35mm...

nicnichols · « **Reply #23 on:** August 28, 2008, 03:51:12 PM »

Francois- which Robo cam was that?

edthened · « **Reply #24 on:** August 28, 2008, 11:07:12 PM »

Och ma wurkin Rolleiflex cost me less than wun o dem Black Bird Fly Cameras

Skorj · « **Reply #25 on:** August 31, 2008, 03:06:48 PM »

USD125, that included registered shipping from Japan, the camera is less that USD100. Or there abouts anyway. But, the point about Kool Aid is valid. Toys seem to command a price for some reason, in this case it would be because of low volume and reasonable production standards. Add distribution and snappy advertizing, and you arrive at the
'Holga Effect' - a low-end camera, marketed to death and one that costs a lot more than it should.

I will report when I first play with one though, as they may be made as crap as a Diana +, but as always the market will carry whatever, and a plastic 135-format TLR seems to float a lot of people's fune.

I will of course not even mention the ridiculous prices Fujipets sell for...

artpunk · « **Reply #26 on:** September 01, 2008, 04:13:54 AM »

Quote from: ed.wenn on August 13, 2008, 12:07:06 PM

I'm guessing that's one of Cameron's kids in the photo? Are you guessing too, Skj, or do you know?

Yep, that's my youngest!
Thanks for the heads up Skorj, I've been in the Northern Territory for the last few weeks (actually got back last Monday, but have been 'recovering' :-)) so haven't been up to date with all the forums and stuff.

The good news is I have it on pretty good authority that the BBF will be ready for release after September the 3rd, at least that's the date one of my friends at Powershovel told me they would have them in stock ready to go, so fingers crossed it all goes to plan.
I love these cameras!

Quote from: eddie on August 20, 2008, 05:46:58 PM

They are a lovely design, considering they are 35mm its hard to visualise their physical size. What kind of quality can we expect from them.

Hi eddie, just editing my reply and catching up on different aspects of this post inbetween fiddling about at home, the camera itself is quite compact but pretty sturdy considering it's plastic (which is probably is the appeal to a certain market Heather, it's a toy camera TLR rather than a glass and metal one, I have a nice Seagull TLR to use for sharper focused medium format TLR photography, but I really loved playing with the BBF for it's simplicity and toy camera feel and end results)
To get an idea of it's size I made a (rather poor quality) video preview of it here: http://www.theplasticlens.com/blog/?p=73, I'll post a more in depth (and higher quality video) review of it when I get my release model (the one I shot with and previewed was a prototype, so I had to send it back after testing it)

Quote from: beck on August 28, 2008, 02:46:57 PM

I wouldn't mind fetching the oraunge one up myself. I thought I just read somewhere that the BBF shoots square images on 35mm?? Right or wrong? Sometimes I am not big on the 35mm format and would fancy one if it did shoot square pictures. I highly doubt if I do buy one but it looks neat just the same...

I'm led to believe it comes with a couple of frames that are removable Beck, for different exposure sizing - the prototype I shot with only had one frame but when removed I got 'squarish' (not completely square but close) exposures with the sprockets

beck · « **Reply #27 on:** September 01, 2008, 08:51:46 AM »

Cameron, are you out of your orbit?!

I think Mr. Spacely of Spacely Sprockets would agree....

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Skorj · « **Reply #28 on:** September 20, 2008, 08:44:23 AM »

OK! The BBF goes on sale in limited edition White, Yellow & Brown next Friday (August 26), at a special event opening at Parco Part One Shibuya. The event runs to October 8, when they go on sale in regular colors - Blue, Black & Orange.

I spoke to Superheadz last week and they indicate the price may have crept over \10,000. So no idea what it will be. However, I will pick up a few and ship to our man in Phoenix for review and comment asap. When I confirm supply, I will check here again for those that want to ante up the pretty green for one (or two).

I also went to the Camera Cabaret shop in Shibuya and played with their well fondled demo models, and as Artpunk has indicated they are moderately well-made, and quite a complex little device with a great in-the-hand feel. Are these yours Cam?

See ya! Skj.

artpunk · « **Reply #29 on:** September 20, 2008, 12:39:43 PM »

Hiya Skorj!
Thanks for the updated info. These photos are from the promotional poster yes? If you have that poster (for those that don't I'll attach a scan) I can tell you that - the little girl laughing in the chrome chair is the daughter of a friend of ours. There's also my daughter smelling flowers, holding a tennis racket and looking manic and there's also one of her sitting with her friends (our dogs in there too somewhere) One of our chickens is on the poster. The stencil art of the woman looking through a viewmaster is in a Melbourne alleyway. The shot of the red & yellow fibreglass rods is a detail of a kinetic sculpture in Melbourne called 'The Red Center' The white hose is used for watering the local football oval. The tree trunks are near my home. Then there's my daughter's teddy bear saying hello from an Ikea toy storage hanger. Oh...and the red paint on the ground near the daisies, that's mine too...
Ummm... it seems they liked a few of my shots, I'm rather flattered!
:-)>

P.S. The others I can't remember taking they must be someone else's but I am still waiting for Superheadz to return my shots from the test camera to me, so I can't be entirely sure, but they sure don't ring any bells.

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Francois · « **Reply #30 on:** September 20, 2008, 02:31:22 PM »

Quote from: Skorj on September 20, 2008, 08:44:23 AM

OK! The BBF goes on sale in limited edition White, Yellow & Brown

White, I can understand.
Yellow, as long as it isn't a 1970's refrigerator yellow.
Brown... no comment.

Skorj · « **Reply #31 on:** September 20, 2008, 02:49:12 PM »

Basic colors above, special colors below;

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formica · « **Reply #32 on:** September 20, 2008, 03:34:08 PM »

Quote from: artpunk on September 20, 2008, 12:39:43 PM

I am still waiting for Superheadz to return my shots from the test camera to me, so I can't be entirely sure, but they sure don't ring any bells.

when they sent out all those holga 135BC cameras they were, i think, a month late in sending the prints out, but they did send them along with the negatives with a letter apologizing for it taking so long. i'm sure you'll get yours in the end, in case you were wondering.

william

ps. thanks for the updates skorj!

ndroo · « **Reply #33 on:** September 24, 2008, 09:30:11 AM »

I'm gonna go rob a bank, then buy the 3 basic color ones. Hehe. Somehow I find the brown one ugly

Francois · « **Reply #34 on:** September 24, 2008, 03:33:04 PM »

Quote from: ndroo on September 24, 2008, 09:30:11 AM

I'm gonna go rob a bank, then buy the 3 basic color ones. Hehe. Somehow I find the brown one ugly

They were probably going for that retro look

We once had a brown fridge that looked just about the same... it was in the 70's

cmdrray · « **Reply #35 on:** September 24, 2008, 05:57:55 PM »

What? No Avocado or Burnt Orange?

Francois · « **Reply #36 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:48:51 PM »

Quote from: cmdrray on September 24, 2008, 05:57:55 PM

What? No Avocado or Burnt Orange?

Just what I was thinking of...
They should have made one in Harvest Gold...

nicnichols · « **Reply #37 on:** September 25, 2008, 07:32:45 PM »

Will somebody post ordering info as soon as anyone finds out?

Thanks!