There are a ton of obscure cameras out there, but typically, there’s at least some documentation buried in a weird corner of the internet. Unfortunately, obscurity does not guarantee performance, as this photographer finds out.
Photographer Jack Joy stumbled upon this bizarre device and, having coaxed it into creating some images, is now in the process of appealing for information. Fortunately, the YouTube comments section may have unearthed something useful: it might be a rebranded ImageTech PRO645 from the early 90s, and according to the commenter, Joy was right in suggesting that it was made for lenticular prints. You can find some technical info here.
Lenticular prints are still around, and there are plenty of small companies offering a variety of products. Alternatively, you could give it a go yourself using this rather bizarre tutorial. It does feel like stepping back in time, however; I’m trying to imagine someone’s reaction after handing them a business card with a lenticular print on the reverse. It definitely gives off some strong 1980s vibes!
How much would a camera like this have cost? The commenter providing the info mentioned that it was 12,500 in the 1990s, but he doesn’t mention the currency. Given the Chinese manufacturer, it might be yuan, putting it at around $1,650 if we use today’s exchange rate. What feels more likely is Japanese yen, which works out to just under $80. When you account for inflation, that would place it at around $180.
Have you ever seen one of these before? Let us know in the comments below.
