Before the Think Geek Spy T-shirt there was the Rollei A 110: A visit to Dick’s Gadget Warehouse ---

Back in 1975 the high-end Rollei A 110 was advertised as the world's smallest pocket camera. It used easy-to-load, and not-too-great detail 110 film cartridges. The back door popped opened to insert the film cartridge, no threading needed. In the closed position the metal case covered the lens and viewfinder so it could be safely carried in bags or pocket. When you pulled the case to the open position not only did the lens and viewfinder become available, it cocked the shutter, turned on the meter, and advanced the film. The lens was a Carl Zeiss 23mm Tessar with four elements with automatic aperture control from f2.8 to f16. An electronically variable shutter and manual zone focus complete the controls. Some 35 years ago, the Rollei A110 sold for $300. In today's dollars that's probably four times that amount!  The flash clicked on to the end of camera and used flash cubes. Of course flash cubes aren’t around anymore and 110 cartridge film hasn’t been made for many years. But a few places still carry outdated film. The link below takes you to a place that sells outdated 110 cartridges with the following warning:

“Some rolls may have great colors, some may have strange colors, some may have bizarre colors, some may have rotten colors, but none will have uninteresting colors. You have been warned.” 

http://www.frugalphotographer.com/cat110.htm

 The Rollei A110 took pretty good photos. The photos here are two examples of pictures I shot some 35 years ago. Strange - I can’t find some digital pictures I shot yesterday, but I was able to find photos from 35 years ago! Those are trains along the Hudson River.

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