Nishika N8000

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Another one of my most sought after cameras, finally ticked off my list! My Mum bought it for me as an early house-sitting present; I'm so excited for it to arrive and to finally try it. I remember being a photography obsessed teen about 10 years ago, and saw a set of photos of my favourite band that had this crazy 3D-effect happening, almost like a moving Magic Eye image. They were taken with a Nishika N8000, I was so amazed, but these cameras are practically a rarity in Australia. So to see one while I was casually scrolling though Gumtree, it was such good luck.

 Camera Background | You may have seen some examples of photos taken that employ a quadro lens camera, they're usually called "wiggle-gifs". A few ad campaigns have used them for that grungy 80's/90's feel, I've also seen them in the videos for DRAM-Broccoli ft Lil Yachty, and Mura Masa - If I Go.

 
YoungCapital - Work ad campaign that utilised quadra-lens photos.

Contrary to the name, Nishika was actually produced in America, cashing in on the late-80's hype surrounding Japanese electronics. Featuring a quirky fake-LED screen and blocky features, this is definitely not a beautiful looking camera. The real draw is the fact that it makes use of four slightly differently angled lenses. The Nishika N8000 takes 35mm half-frame photos, using two full frames per photo.When these cameras were first produced, you used to be able to send them away to have lenticular prints made, but that process seems to be long gone. Now, photoshop is utilised to make gifs.

Next | Apparently, using ISO 100 film is recommended but not necessary. It will be interesting to see how different films turn out. I did buy a pack of Lomography ISO 100 film to start out though. Photoshop is seriously essential, I'll be using CS5. A few Nishika gifs I've seen look like someone's just put the photos into a gif-making app, it just doesn't have the same effect, but it does take a little bit longer of course.

 Review | So, first roll has been developed! I must admit, I found an old roll of Lomo100 and put that into the Nishika, it might be around 8 years old. So, hopefully that's why most of the photos turned out super dark and grainy! Fingers crossed. I do like the effect that's been given by my scanner when I clicked 'colour restoration', very old school looking. But now I'm conflicted - try out the fresher rolls of Lomo100, or try out a 400? Hmm. I'll have to decide soon because I'm going to a Fringe exhibition and wouldn't mind taking the Nishika. Anyway, back to the main points! This is a very straightforward camera to use and though it takes a little while to get the hang of things in Photoshop, it seems to be worth it.

See, I think it must be the film, seeing as how this is how this particular photo turned out. I was trying to run down the film so excuse the fast food promotion. I'll shoot another roll or two and post a final review in the near future.


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