The Traid Fotron Camera:

Click on the camera for a larger view.

Marcy's Traid Fotron Experience:

Found this Fotron at a favorite antique mall in Wheeler, Oregon. It came with its original leather case, warranty and a promotional brochure. There's even a film cartridge attached to the back. I was willing to pay the stated price of $12.50 but it turned out that the owner was having a half price sale and I got it for $6.25!

The film inside the cartridge is 828. The film counter is pointing to six. Everything on the paperwork says the camera takes color pictures. Considering the vintage of the camera, I'm going to assume the film inside is C22 process. Next time I'm experimenting with C22 I just might make an attempt to develop it.

The brochure was worth the $6.25. (No sales tax in OR.)

So, here's the rub; I didn't get the re-charger cord. I opened the camera up, thinking I might be able to find something to replace the battery. Turns out it isn't a battery as I know it. It's a bunch of wires and capacitors and stuff like that, all gooey...it's PCB city in there! But man, the little plug-in thingy looks so darn familiar... YUP! My kitchen mixer cord will fit it!

So, the big question... should I plug it in or shouldn't I? Hmm... So... I was gonna put it to a vote. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? But, I simply can't wait. Okay.... so I've got the cord in one hand. I've got the camera in the other. I've now plugged the two together and I'm going to plug the cord into the wall. I'm leaning forward... going to plug the cord into the wall... no, I'm not afraid. Okay... here I go. I'm going to do it. If you don't hear from me again you'll know I'

Heh, heh. Just kidding...

However I did plug it in. The little charging light has come on & the bottom of the camera heats up, but no signs of life thus far:

McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS 2001-2002 states, "Fotron & Fotron III - Grey and black plastic cameras of the 1960's, originally sold by door-to-door salesmen for prices ranging from $150-$300 and up. The cameras were made to take 10 exposures 1x1" on special cartridges containing 828 film. They featured many high-class advancements such as built-in electronic flash with rechargeable batteries, electric film advance, etc. At the time these cameras were made, these were expensive features. Still, the Fotron camera campaign is considered by some to be the greatest photographic rip-off of the century. Later models will be marked as originating in Glendale, CA." $30-$50.

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