Interesting story about the TC-1 coming out of one of the big photo hobby magazines of that day. The mag ran regular test reports on new cameras, and in due course, it tested the TC-1. The camera failed to meet their minimum standards to recommend to its reader. Assuming that they got a lemon, they when out and bought another TC-1 at retail, testing that one as well. It failed the test just the same way. The magazine had a policy not to publish reports failing a product, as they didn't want to get sideways with an advertiser. Instead, they would just bury the test report and publish nothing about the camera. My recollection (?) is that the problem was with inadequate lens performance. My armchair concern with the camera is the "Waterhouse stops" aperture system. It is produced by drilling holes of various sizes representing f-stops in a metal disk, as noted in the video. That plate is mounted in the lens assembly, and stops are adjusted by rotating the disk to select a chosen aperture. The alignment of that hole in between the lens elements must be exact every time. Otherwise, it will introduce optical aberrations which will seriously damage the image. Given the tight tolerances required, that is no easy feat to maintain over time. Frankly, I wouldn't own one for half the price they seem to command.
It was sold in the UK so I'd be surprised if it wasn't sold in the US (many more potential sales!). It may have been re-badged for the US market? Although, from memory, I think it was marketed as the TC-1 worldwide?
It was sold in the US, but it's street price was so high, and its functional negatives sufficiently apparent, that few were sold. The 28mm lens makes it useless as a head and shoulders portrait camera because of the image perspective distortion it gives. As a walk-around shapshot camera, it would seem great, but there were several high-end cameras great for similar use at much lower prices. It is so small and light that it is difficult to hold steady, and the idea of using it in a tripod is just laughable.
A beautiful little camera indeed, from my favourite camera brand. 🥲 But, please tell me also about that beautiful watch you are wearing..? 😃 What is it?!
Nite. Brilliant watches designed in the UK. Well built, practical and not too expensive. Mine's the MX10. #niteinternational ruclips.net/user/NiteInternational
The Nikon 28Ti is also another rather interesting 28mm vintage point and shoot camera.
Yes, thanks.
Interesting story about the TC-1 coming out of one of the big photo hobby magazines of that day. The mag ran regular test reports on new cameras, and in due course, it tested the TC-1. The camera failed to meet their minimum standards to recommend to its reader. Assuming that they got a lemon, they when out and bought another TC-1 at retail, testing that one as well. It failed the test just the same way. The magazine had a policy not to publish reports failing a product, as they didn't want to get sideways with an advertiser. Instead, they would just bury the test report and publish nothing about the camera. My recollection (?) is that the problem was with inadequate lens performance. My armchair concern with the camera is the "Waterhouse stops" aperture system. It is produced by drilling holes of various sizes representing f-stops in a metal disk, as noted in the video. That plate is mounted in the lens assembly, and stops are adjusted by rotating the disk to select a chosen aperture. The alignment of that hole in between the lens elements must be exact every time. Otherwise, it will introduce optical aberrations which will seriously damage the image. Given the tight tolerances required, that is no easy feat to maintain over time. Frankly, I wouldn't own one for half the price they seem to command.
Many years ago we tested one alongside a Nikon 35Ti. From a performance perspective there was nothing between them.
Thanks for making this video. I do not recall this camera being offered by Minolta. It appears to be a quality camera. Was it imported into the U.S.?
It was sold in the UK so I'd be surprised if it wasn't sold in the US (many more potential sales!). It may have been re-badged for the US market? Although, from memory, I think it was marketed as the TC-1 worldwide?
Yes, it was sold in the US under the same model number.
Thanks
It was sold in the US, but it's street price was so high, and its functional negatives sufficiently apparent, that few were sold. The 28mm lens makes it useless as a head and shoulders portrait camera because of the image perspective distortion it gives. As a walk-around shapshot camera, it would seem great, but there were several high-end cameras great for similar use at much lower prices. It is so small and light that it is difficult to hold steady, and the idea of using it in a tripod is just laughable.
Nikon did come out with the 28 TI
Yes, thank you. I forgot all about the Nikon 28 Ti !
A beautiful little camera indeed, from my favourite camera brand. 🥲 But, please tell me also about that beautiful watch you are wearing..? 😃 What is it?!
Nite. Brilliant watches designed in the UK. Well built, practical and not too expensive. Mine's the MX10. #niteinternational
ruclips.net/user/NiteInternational