Sometimes it almost seems as if some cameras, other photographic items and even subjects like certain photographers come to your attention, and if you don’t act will reappear until you do react.
I noticed a rather unique camera at a thrift store for a rather reasonable price. I think it was a Keystone branded FunShooter 70 (with an “Everflash” badge we will return to soon). The Keystone Camera Company, a division of the Keystone Manufacturing Co., was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1910. I waited until a day it might be cheaper and of course the gods punished me by having it taken away by someone else.
I wasn’t that upset because the camera isn’t something I had to have. It was attractive because—
- it had “barn doors” (although to be fair they were more like bomb bay doors) covering the lens. The doors popped open when you pressed lightly on the shutter release.
- it had a rather unique “film load indicator” on the film compartment door
- cleverly you turned on the built-in flash by sliding it out horizontally
- the lens has two waterhouse stops for two film types. There isn’t any attempt to set an exposure—the camera always shoots at 125 sec. This is basically a modern “box” camera
- although there is a tripod socket there is neither a self-timer or a cable release socket
I found my new camera had a broken front door. It was also missing its battery compartment door. I found the camera has no “Keystone” markings, but does have “EVERFLASH” boldly printed across the front. Keystone was an American camera manufacturer who had—as a major feature—most of their cameras had built-in electronic flash. They used the term “EVERFLASH” as branding. They made cameras that used instamatic film, polaroid film, disc film…you name it. Eventually they were sued out of business by Polaroid.
I suspect this camera was from the short period between Berkey (the American distributor who had bought the Keystone company and marketed their cameras as “Berkey/Keystone”) going down and having some cameras left over to try to peddle around the world to pay lawsuits. Keystone had a camera called the Flashshooter—80 (another branding slogan) that looks exactly the same as this FLASHSHOOTER 80.
I found the instructions were very detailed, particularly for so simple a camera. I will include them at the end of the blog.
The case was remarkable too. The pouch hasn’t a zipper, just a slit that closes over the camera while allowing the strap to still hold the camera.
I suspect this camera was from the short period between Berkey (the American distributor who had bought the Keystone company and marketed their cameras as “Berkey/Keystone”) going down and having some cameras left over to try to peddle around the world to pay lawsuits. Keystone had a camera called the Flashshooter—80 (another branding slogan) that looks exactly the same as this FLASHSHOOTER 80.
I found the instructions were very detailed, particularly for so simple a camera. I will include them at the end of the blog.
Now on to the Instructions—
A. Loading the Camera‑Automatic Film Loading
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing your new 35mm camera. With this camera, picture‑taking will become an exciting and uncomplicated experience. Features such as automatic film loading, automatic film advance, and automatic rewind will help you to take pictures you will be proud of.A. Loading the Camera‑Automatic Film Loading
1. Open the film compartment door by sliding up the door latch (photo a) and insert a roll of 35mm film into the film chamber as shown.
2. Grab the film leader and lay it FLAT across the film compartment with the edge of the leader resting on the take‑up spool. Make sure the film lies flat and evenly between the guide rails. Close the film compartment door. The FILM LOAD INDICATOR dot on the back of the film door will still be in the EMPTY position.
3. Make sure the shutter release button is unlocked. Then press the shutter release button once—the FILM LOAD INDICATOR dot on the back of the film door should move to the READY position. Continue to press the shutter release button repeatedly until the film advances to the first picture and the arrow in the film counter window points to number 1
Loading this camera is virtually foolproof. IF THE FILM IS NOT LOADED CORRECTLY, THE FILM LOAD INDICATOR DOT WILL STAY IN THE EMPTY POSITION. Open the door and check to see that the film leader is laying flat to the edge of the take‑up spool. (You will not expose the film at this time.) Then close the door and press the shutter release button repeatedly. The film should now advance to number 1 and the FILM LOAD INDICATOR dot will be in the READY position.
Loading this camera is virtually foolproof. IF THE FILM IS NOT LOADED CORRECTLY, THE FILM LOAD INDICATOR DOT WILL STAY IN THE EMPTY POSITION. Open the door and check to see that the film leader is laying flat to the edge of the take‑up spool. (You will not expose the film at this time.) Then close the door and press the shutter release button repeatedly. The film should now advance to number 1 and the FILM LOAD INDICATOR dot will be in the READY position.
Note: Each time the film door is opened, the film load indicator dot will move to the EMPTY position and the film counter automatically resets to S (start).
B. Setting the Film Speed
C. Film Counter and Shutter Lock
This camera accepts films with exposures up to 36 per roll. The film counter is located on top of the camera and contains an arrow which points to the number of the exposure. The counter reads S●●1●●4●6●8, etc. Each dot after 1 and each number represents one exposure. Your camera is equipped with a shutter lock located at the shutter release button. Keep the shutter release button locked whenever you are not taking pictures or when storing your camera to prevent accidental exposures.
This camera accepts films with exposures up to 36 per roll. The film counter is located on top of the camera and contains an arrow which points to the number of the exposure. The counter reads S●●1●●4●6●8, etc. Each dot after 1 and each number represents one exposure. Your camera is equipped with a shutter lock located at the shutter release button. Keep the shutter release button locked whenever you are not taking pictures or when storing your camera to prevent accidental exposures.
Move the switch to the LOCK position.
D. Lens Door
This camera is equipped with built‑in lens doors which protect the lens from dirt and scratches and make the camera compact and easier to handle. These doors also act as a sun shield prohibiting stray light from reaching the lens. The lens doors open automatically as you begin to press the shutter release button. When storing your camera, be sure to close the doors by pressing them down gently, either one at a time or simultaneously. They will snap closed. You can also lock the doors by moving the shutter lock switch to the LOCK position.
E. Battery Installation
This camera uses 2 AA alkaline batteries to power the electronic flash and the motor‑driven film winder.
D. Lens Door
This camera is equipped with built‑in lens doors which protect the lens from dirt and scratches and make the camera compact and easier to handle. These doors also act as a sun shield prohibiting stray light from reaching the lens. The lens doors open automatically as you begin to press the shutter release button. When storing your camera, be sure to close the doors by pressing them down gently, either one at a time or simultaneously. They will snap closed. You can also lock the doors by moving the shutter lock switch to the LOCK position.
E. Battery Installation
This camera uses 2 AA alkaline batteries to power the electronic flash and the motor‑driven film winder.
1. Remove the battery compartment door by sliding the door in the direction indicated by the arrow.
2. Insert two fresh AA alkaline batteries according to the polarity symbols (+ and –) inside the battery compartment. Be sure to use only ALKALINE batteries. Slide the door back into place. Battery replacement is necessary when one of the following happens—
F. Flash Pictures
- it takes longer than 45 seconds for the ready light to come on between flash pictures
- the film winder does not advance the film to the next exposure, or the motor stops in mid‑cycle before the film is completely advanced to the next exposure. If this happens, replace the batteries immediately. The film winder will then complete the film advance cycle.
F. Flash Pictures
When taking pictures indoors, or under some dark conditions outdoors, use the built‑in electronic flash. Make sure your shutter release button is unlocked.
1. Insert batteries as described. Slide the flash head out from the camera in the direction indicated by the arrow. The flash will start charging automatically. A flash ready light on the back of the camera will come on when the flash is sufficiently charged.
2. For proper exposure, the camera‑to‑subject distance range for flash pictures is as follows. 5 to 10 feet—ASA/ISO 100, 200 film
8 to 20 feet—ASA/ISO 400, 1000 film
3. After the ready light has come on, hold the camera as close to your eye as possible and frame your subject in the center of the viewfinder. Be sure your hands or the neck strap is not obstructing the lens or the flash.
1. Insert batteries as described. Slide the flash head out from the camera in the direction indicated by the arrow. The flash will start charging automatically. A flash ready light on the back of the camera will come on when the flash is sufficiently charged.
2. For proper exposure, the camera‑to‑subject distance range for flash pictures is as follows. 5 to 10 feet—ASA/ISO 100, 200 film
8 to 20 feet—ASA/ISO 400, 1000 film
3. After the ready light has come on, hold the camera as close to your eye as possible and frame your subject in the center of the viewfinder. Be sure your hands or the neck strap is not obstructing the lens or the flash.
4. Hold the camera steady and slowly depress the shutter release button to take the picture. The film will then advance automatically to the next exposure after the button is released.
5. If you are not going to take another flash picture immediately, slide the flash head back into the camera to turn off the flash and to conserve battery power.
Helpful Hints:
Waiting a few seconds longer after the flash ready light comes on before taking a picture will insure maximum flash brightness.
The extended flash minimizes the possibility of "red eye"; however, it is a good idea to turn up all room lights and have your subject not look directly at the flash.
You can use the electronic flash outdoors on a dark, cloudy day or in the early evening to get a brighter picture. You can also use the flash as a "fill‑in" for pictures taken in the shade or to prevent shadows. Be sure to observe minimum and maximum flash distances as described in step 2.
G. Outdoor Pictures
When taking pictures outdoors, best results are achieved in bright daylight conditions. If it is a sunny. day, try to shoot the picture with the sun behind you.
1. For proper exposure, stand at least 5 feet from your subject. Be sure your hands or the neck strap is not obstructing the lens.
2. Compose your subject in the viewfinder, hold the camera steady, and slowly depress the shutter release button to take the picture. The film will then advance automatically to the next exposure after the button is released.
Helpful Hint:
When taking pictures outdoors on a dark, cloudy day, in the early evening, or in the shade, use the electronic flash for a brighter picture. See instructions for Flash Pictures.
H. Tripod Socket
For steadier, sharper pictures you can mount the camera on a tripod,'using the tripod socket located on the bottom of the camera.
I. Automatic Film Rewind and Unloading the Camera
1. After you have taken the last picture on the roll, an "end of film'' sensor is activated and the film will automatically rewind itself back into the cartridge and stop. Often one or two EXTRA EXPOSURES are possible regardless of the stated number on the film box. Therefore, even though your film counter shows 12, 24, or 36, you may still be able to take additional pictures. When you have taken the last picture on the roll, rewinding will automatically begin, and will stop when all the film has been rewound.
2. Open the film compartment door and remove the film. If possible, place it back into the plastic container it was packaged in, and send it out for processing as soon as possible.
3. The film counter will automatically reset to S (Start) and the film load indicator dot will move to the EMPTY position when you open the film compartment door to remove the film.
Note: Because the FILM LOAD INDICATOR dot stays in the READY position until the film door is opened, it is a good idea to remove the film from the camera immediately after it has been rewound to avoid any confusion.
Important: Try to avoid direct sunlight or bright light when loading and unloading film.
J. Camera Care
Follow these instructions carefully and never force any operation on your camera. Protect your camera from rain, dampness, and excessive temperatures. When storing your camera and film, select a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat. Never leave your camera or film in the glove compartment, on the rear window shelf, or in the trunk of your car.
Clean the lens and viewfinder by gently wiping the surface with a clean, lintless cloth. Do not use chemicals, eyeglass tissue, or other cleaning agents. To protect the lens, keep the lens doors closed when not using your camera. Also keep the shutter release button locked to avoid accidental exposures.
Always remove the batteries when storing your camera for any length of time. Battery corrosion voids your warranty.
Caution: Do not attempt to take this camera apart or repair it. The internal flash components operate at high voltage and are dangerous to handle. Any signs of tampering with the camera will void your warranty.
K. Neck Strap
Your camera comes with a convenient adjustable neck strap which is comfortable to wear. Attach the strap by separating the split ring and inserting the end into the hooks on the camera.
5. If you are not going to take another flash picture immediately, slide the flash head back into the camera to turn off the flash and to conserve battery power.
Helpful Hints:
Waiting a few seconds longer after the flash ready light comes on before taking a picture will insure maximum flash brightness.
The extended flash minimizes the possibility of "red eye"; however, it is a good idea to turn up all room lights and have your subject not look directly at the flash.
You can use the electronic flash outdoors on a dark, cloudy day or in the early evening to get a brighter picture. You can also use the flash as a "fill‑in" for pictures taken in the shade or to prevent shadows. Be sure to observe minimum and maximum flash distances as described in step 2.
G. Outdoor Pictures
When taking pictures outdoors, best results are achieved in bright daylight conditions. If it is a sunny. day, try to shoot the picture with the sun behind you.
1. For proper exposure, stand at least 5 feet from your subject. Be sure your hands or the neck strap is not obstructing the lens.
2. Compose your subject in the viewfinder, hold the camera steady, and slowly depress the shutter release button to take the picture. The film will then advance automatically to the next exposure after the button is released.
Helpful Hint:
When taking pictures outdoors on a dark, cloudy day, in the early evening, or in the shade, use the electronic flash for a brighter picture. See instructions for Flash Pictures.
H. Tripod Socket
For steadier, sharper pictures you can mount the camera on a tripod,'using the tripod socket located on the bottom of the camera.
I. Automatic Film Rewind and Unloading the Camera
1. After you have taken the last picture on the roll, an "end of film'' sensor is activated and the film will automatically rewind itself back into the cartridge and stop. Often one or two EXTRA EXPOSURES are possible regardless of the stated number on the film box. Therefore, even though your film counter shows 12, 24, or 36, you may still be able to take additional pictures. When you have taken the last picture on the roll, rewinding will automatically begin, and will stop when all the film has been rewound.
2. Open the film compartment door and remove the film. If possible, place it back into the plastic container it was packaged in, and send it out for processing as soon as possible.
3. The film counter will automatically reset to S (Start) and the film load indicator dot will move to the EMPTY position when you open the film compartment door to remove the film.
Note: Because the FILM LOAD INDICATOR dot stays in the READY position until the film door is opened, it is a good idea to remove the film from the camera immediately after it has been rewound to avoid any confusion.
Important: Try to avoid direct sunlight or bright light when loading and unloading film.
J. Camera Care
Follow these instructions carefully and never force any operation on your camera. Protect your camera from rain, dampness, and excessive temperatures. When storing your camera and film, select a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat. Never leave your camera or film in the glove compartment, on the rear window shelf, or in the trunk of your car.
Clean the lens and viewfinder by gently wiping the surface with a clean, lintless cloth. Do not use chemicals, eyeglass tissue, or other cleaning agents. To protect the lens, keep the lens doors closed when not using your camera. Also keep the shutter release button locked to avoid accidental exposures.
Always remove the batteries when storing your camera for any length of time. Battery corrosion voids your warranty.
Caution: Do not attempt to take this camera apart or repair it. The internal flash components operate at high voltage and are dangerous to handle. Any signs of tampering with the camera will void your warranty.
K. Neck Strap
Your camera comes with a convenient adjustable neck strap which is comfortable to wear. Attach the strap by separating the split ring and inserting the end into the hooks on the camera.
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