I can’t believe I just spent 45 minutes trying to fix the shutter in this thing. Finally …You know what? Fuck it. I soaked it in lighter fluid and, if it isn’t working tomorrow, I’ll stick it open and use a piece of tape for a shutter. At least this experience has prompted me to reload some 35mm Tri-X onto an 828 spool. Simple, simple. This is the first time I’ve reloaded 828 film. [Always pushin’ those limits. Snort!] I know the 35mm sprocket holes will show in the image, but that’s fine by me. I taped her up all around with black tape, just for good measure.

The next day: I was in Raymond, WA this morning and I shot the roll. Tri-X on a sunny day with a camera that doesn’t have a shutter probably wasn’t the best of choices. Also, I processed with normal development in D76. Needless to say, this made for some thick negs to scan. Even so, I actually like a couple of these shots!

This camera is almost identical to the SceneX.

Here’s a bit of obsessiveness. I have come into ownership of another Cub.

Cub plastic cameras
My first Cub had a glossy finish.  As it turns out this NEW Cub has a rugged finish. [Wow!] The shutter on this Cub doesn’t work either. (I’m seeing a trend here.) You’ll hurt your finger trying to move that shutter lever back up too.
Also, the rear window is emerald, rather than ruby colored. Which leads me to wonder, when and why did the green change to red ( or the other way around)? Safety coatings? Panchromatic film?

McKeown’s Price Guide to antique and classic cameras 2005-2006 states, “American Advertising & Research Corp. c1940. Small plastic camera for 28x40mm exposures on 828 film. All plastic construction, similar to the Earl Products SceneX . Simple lens & shutter. Toothpaste premium. (Original cost was 15 cents and a Pepsodent box.) Common but cute. $15-$25.”

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