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So, I took the Demekin out for a spin last week, taking photos of the office compound and nearby Eastwood City mall. Here’s what I learned:
1. The Demekin needs a lot, and I do mean A LOT, of light for it to take a decent shot. Bright day, strong, direct sun.
2. The fisheye lens means I have to get closer to my subjects.
3. Don’t wind the film until you are ready to shoot. The shutter button is unprotected and easy to press accidentally.
4. Stand still while shooting. No drive by snapshots. The shutter is relatively slow.
5. People like the Demekin and will invariably ask you about it. Be prepared for a short chat.
Here are some of my test shots:
 shadowy
 crosswalk low
 total bunting
 fountain fisheye
 forklift forking
More photos are posted on my multiply account: here. Do let me know what you think. Cheerios!
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February 5, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I’m in the process of buying one of these cameras,The Lens seems quite sharp judging from your examples.
Thank you
cheers
Jim
Liverpool U.K.
February 5, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hi Jim,
They might only look sharp online. I think if I print them out to 3R or 4R, they’d be quite soft and grainy. Demekins are relatively cheap though, so minimal investment for a cute hobby camera.
Cheers,
Karl
March 15, 2009 at 3:09 am
I came across the Demekin at a favorite website of mine and I’m very tempted to get it (especially since I see how the photos come out with your shots). Thanks for uploading these! It really made me make up my mind to get it.
The only concern I have (since I don’t know much about photography/cameras). Is how would I develop the film for this camera? Is it something I can go to a photo center and ask them to develop it or do I need something special??
Please get back to me on this if you can !
Thank you,
Genie <3
March 17, 2009 at 3:05 am
Hi Genie,
The film that the Demekin uses is an old film, 110 format, popular some 10-20 years ago. It’s a bit hard to find unless you have a plastic toy camera specialty store you can go to, so your best bet is to find some on ebay and buy a whole bunch of cartridges.
BUT, and that’s a ‘but’ in all caps, developing it is another matter. Many photo labs have gone digital and may not accept 110 film. You’ll have to ask around the shops accessible to you. Better chances at the photography studios, rather than supermarket 1-hour photo places.
You might luck out and find a place that does Film-to-CD services and accepts 110. Here in Manila, we’re lucky to have such a shop, which has branches everywhere and delivers to your door. Hopefully you’ll find a similar service where you are.
The Demekin is a LOT of fun, though, and is worth the extra effort.
Cheers and good hunting!
Karl
March 17, 2009 at 3:06 am
Oh, just realized you saw the Demekin on UrbanOutfitters. Have you tried dropping them an email? They may be able to point you in the right direction. Crossing my fingers for ya!
April 6, 2009 at 12:11 am
Thank you Very much Karl. I found a Walmart that develops 110 film, they also sell the film there for $2.00!!! ^___^
The only thing that it takes a while for them to develop. They said in a week or so I’ll receive the pictures back. But like you said, its worth the extra effort. I look at it in this way; its the whole point of film, so that in end your anticipating the ending results
February 22, 2010 at 9:45 am
Hi! I’ve been thinking of buying a holga micro camera, which, like the Demekin, uses 110 film. I read in one of your replies here that there’s a shop in Manila that develops 110 films. May I know what that shop is? Thanks.
February 23, 2010 at 12:22 am
Hey there.
It’s not just a shop, it’s a chain. Just go to any Digiprint nationwide and they’ll develop your film and scan directly to CD.
Cheers!
Karlo
August 17, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Thanks for writing this.
Big Help
August 17, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Glad to be of service!