Ansco Memar Pronto
Ansco Memar is my first full manual and first "serious" film camera. After having tried out film photography using Kodak FunSaver, I was randomly browsing eBay for a cheap, fully manual film camera.
This camera model Ansco Memar is simply an Agfa Silette rebranded for the US. Compared to the later Silette Type III (Solina), the Memar has a sleeker design and is heavier, giving out a more mechanical, retro vibe.
This particular Memar actually has a non-functional self-timer and its focus ring is stuck between 3-6 ft. I actually got a partial refund from the eBay seller who claimed that it's functional after a rather easy negotiation—that seller probably already knew there were issues with this.
The camera is otherwise a fully functional, fully manual film camera. The aperture opens up to f/3.5 and closes down to f/16. Pronto shutter has 1/25s-1/200s and a B mode for long exposure. As a amateur camera of the 1950s there wasn't a built-in rangefinder, so the markings on the front indicates the depth of field range for different aperture setting.
As mentioned the focus ring of this camera is stuck at 3-6 ft. And the actual focus isn't even the same as marked. I have tried a few things to verify, such as putting a piece of translucent paper on the back of the camera to see the images projected onto film surface. Result? I don't know, anywhere between 5 to infinite depending on the aperture. Step down to f/16 for the widest depth of field on a super sunny day and everything from 6 ft. to infinite should be in focus just fine.
On low light scenario when I had to open up the aperture to f/3.5 and at 1/25s, I sometimes was able to nail the focus. The fixed focusing distance of 5 ft., 45mm focal length and sharp lens actually makes this camera perfect for portrait with a very specific composition.
After fixing the camera by unstucking the front element and recalibrating the focus, the retro-looking camera is finally able to demonstrate the true capability of its Color Apotar lens.
The Memar has proved Color Apotar is a capable lens, hinting that the Solina Vario is very probably out-of-focus. Or the other lab that developed Vario's film is bad, or both.
Actually, I am surprised that the underdog originally destined for the bin is performing so well. The one photowalk to Ping Chau with the Memar as my primarily camera also demonstrated that the camera is usable under sunlight for serious some photography. I am happy to bring Memar out for a spin from time to time just to re-visit the challenge and joy brought by a fully manual film camera from a bygone era.
