A 3 MP digital camera made in the early 2000s which generates stills and video, this toy camera features an aperture of f3.0 and two ISOs, 100 and 800.
Harinezumi 2++ self portrait in Paris
No longer manufactured and highly sought after, this line of cameras exists in 4 sequentially numbered models – the 1,2,3, and 4. Between the years of 2013 and 2024, I have used all but the 3. Unsurprisingly, the Harinezumi 4 is the most ‘superior’ model (meaning: the most manually changeable options).
Measuring only about 10cm across, the Harinezumi cameras feature a mini LCD screen preview screen on the back and five menu buttons to toggle through. Images are saved on a Micro USB card and the camera only runs on expensive CR2 batteries.
Living in Berlin intensified my love affair with the Harinezumi. It’s a lo-fi wizard whom you either hate or adore, as its limitations either frustrate or inspire you. Having the set aperture be f3.0 as opposed to something more amenable to sunny weather like f8 or f11 like the Holgas means the camera can struggle wildly when the light suddenly becomes too bright too quickly.
Making stills as a passenger in a vehicle proved to be a thrilling opportunity when an object appeared close to the camera while the lens was otherwise focusing on infinity.
In general, moving the camera while composing the image could yield results like this, where the image curves like it’s submerged in a liquid.
Or you can keep the camera still while your subject moves quickly, as the fixed shutter speed is not fast enough to freeze motion.
Of course, I began to play with placing prisms in front of the lens to see how they would distort my scenes.
My favorite technique by far was using light diffracting foil.
But the basics of photography will always apply. Timing is vital, 
as is lighting, 
and composition. 
Images shot at ISO 800 will be considerably grainier than images shot at ISO 100,
but that’s part of the joy of this camera. The other joy of this camera is its sheer adorable size, and how easy it is to sneak photos in venues that may not otherwise be thrilled by the presence of a Mamiya C330.