SAY HELLO TO YOUR CATCH CAMERA

Here are some key pointers to get you started with your new camera 📸

USING YOUR CATCH CAMERA

Your camera is fully analogue which means there is no screen and needs a 35mm film inside it to work.

There is also no need to turn the camera on, it is always on and ready to shoot once you have wound the winder across and it has stopped moving.

The battery is only required to activate the flash using the ⚡button on the front.

PLEASE DO / DO NOT...

  • DO NOT OPEN THE BACK

    • Don't open the back of your CATCH once you have loaded a film. It exposes the film to light and damages your photos.
    • Once the film has been infected with light, there is nothing you can do to salvage your photos so please do not be tempted to open the back or let other people open it until you know that the film has been safely wound back in.
    • There is a video on how to do this further down and if you aren't 100% sure then please drop us a message on Instagram and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

  • DO TURN THE FLASH OFF

    • Your CATCH is loaded with an AA battery. This battery warms up the flash component so that you can take photos with the flash on.
    • When you turn it off, it needs to cool down so if you try and snap straight away then the flash might go off again.
    • If the flash stops working, you will need to replace it with a new battery via the underside of the camera.

  • DO MAKE SURE YOUR FILM IS LOADED CORRECTLY

    • If your film is not loaded correctly then your photos won't take.
    • This can take some getting used to but once you have done it a couple of times, it becomes a lot easier.
    • We have recorded a video on how to do this below.

LOADING A FILM

Loading a film can be a bit fiddly if you have never done it before. Watch the below video to learn how to safely load a film into your camera, and make sure of the following:

1

The film is hooked into the latches at the top and on the far right where you wrap around inside.

2

You have wound the film across using the winder and you can now longer wind - this mean it is ready to take a photo

3

You now don't open the back of the camera until the film has finished - this is when the counter will read 24 or 36 (depending on the film you have in there), or when the winder stops winding across.

LOADING A FILM INTO YOUR CATCH CAMERA

SHOOTING ON YOUR CATCH

If this is your first time using a film camera or are used to using your phone then read our top tips for taking great photos.

  • GET UP CLOSE

    • Your cameras has a 28mm lens which means it gets more in the shot than you might think.
    • 28mm is a wide lens so you can get close to your subject or not have to stand so far back to get people or objects in your photos.
    • This also lets more light in so be wary of where the light is coming from as if it comes directly into the lens then it can disrupt your shot.

  • THINK ABOUT LIGHT SOURCES

    • Keep the sun behind you when outside, as directly behind you as possible. This will ensure your subject is well lit and comes out clearly in your photo.
    • If you are indoors then it might feel like there is some natural light but the camera reacts much better to natural light outdoors than synthetic light inside, so to be safe we recommend using the flash when indoors at all times.
    • If you are shooting towards a light source (the sun, or indoor lights) then you will need to be really close to your subject and definitely have the flash on to light up the 2 - 3 meters in front of you. Otherwise, the camera will be attracted to the other light sources available.

  • FOCUS ON YOUR SUBJECT

    • If you are taking photos of people then get up nice and close and consider holding the camera slightly higher than eye level and shooting down towards them. This keeps the light contained and means you can extend your arm and make sure the flash is lighting them up. It also makes for some alternative shots by experimenting with different angles.
    • If you are outside then think about the main shapes and colours you are picking out, it is important to have a steady hand by resting the camera up against your eye / face and looking through the viewfinder.
    • Your CATCH camera works really well when you pick out bold colours and nice patterns. Think about whether the people or objects in your photos have an interesting backdrop and that it isn't too far away to be caught in the shot.
READ MORE

UNLOADING A FILM

DEVELOPING YOUR FILM AND GETTING YOUR PHOTOS BACK

Once your film has been used, it needs to be developed before you can get your photos back. There are two ways you can do this:

1

We can do it for you - we provide rapid digital development services where you send us your film via a pre-paid shipping label and we email you the photos back within 72 hours. Click here to find out more.

CATCH FILM DEVELOPMENT

2

Search 'film development' online to find your nearest film development lab (usually Snappy Snaps or Boots) - we recommend getting your photos emailed to you and then printing any you really like.

Whichever you choose, remember to:

1. Finish your film and remove it safely (see video).

2. Take or send your film to be developed and ensure you provide your name / email when handing it over so you can get your photos back.

3. Only print the ones you really like - it is wasteful and unsustainable to get them all printed at once.


And nope, we don't do prints - we send the digital versions to you and then you can get any printed you really like.

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Please drop us a message on Instagram and we will get back to you as soon as possible, or use the form to send us an email.

Thanks, and enjoy!

@CATCHCAMERAS

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