The "re-disposable" Flashback ONE35 camera presents an innovative idea but is hampered by a poor application.
Flashback's overall approach to the concept of disposable digital cameras is restrictive, yet noteworthy.
The ONE35 is a straightforward camera that delivers on its promise: capturing moments without the need to obsess over the perfect frame. This retro-styled camera emulates the aesthetic of the 90s and offers a nostalgic experience at an attractive price close to $100 / £80 / AU$150. However, there is a significant drawback: all images must be sent to Flashback's servers for processing, raising privacy concerns and proving to be inconvenient.
Among the advantages of the ONE35 are its intuitive design, the visual quality of photographs that appear to be taken with film, and the useful xenon flash. On the downside, the flash function can be somewhat ineffective, using the Flashback app can be irritating, and performance in low light conditions is quite poor.
The ONE35 serves as a digital version of a disposable camera, without screens and with minimal controls. Users load one of three types of film from the Flashback app and are limited to 27 photos before they must send them to be developed, which involves a 24-hour wait. This concept helped it stand out in a successful Kickstarter campaign, attracting those seeking an alternative to traditional instant cameras.
The design of the ONE35, although it appears fragile, is robust. The camera is activated by turning a mechanical reel, and the flash is powerful enough to capture attention at events. However, the flash switch has raised concerns as it does not always secure properly, which can result in poorly lit photos. The view through the viewfinder can also be blurry, and fingers may appear in the corners of images if not held correctly.
The three available film options, Flashback Classic, Flashback Mono, and Flashback Beta, provide a visual experience reminiscent of disposable cameras. Although the images are low resolution (around 4 MP) and lack EXIF data, the visual quality may be adequate for sharing on social media. However, the process of sending photos through the app to "develop" them, which takes 24 hours, worries users in terms of the security of their images.
Regarding availability, the ONE35 is for sale globally, in various color combinations and at competitive prices across different regions. Integration with a free app for iOS and Android enhances the experience, although users seeking high-quality prints or immediate satisfaction may feel disappointed.
In summary, the Flashback ONE35 is an interesting option for those who want to get rid of screens and seek a more authentic photography experience, albeit with certain limitations in terms of quality and convenience.
