The Ansco Pix Panorama Flash is a simple camera for 35mm films. It has a plastic case and was made in China. Similar models are available under different names and brands. Ansco also offered a variant without a flash.
Haking from Hong Kong could be the producer. However, it could also be that another company with manufacturing facilities in China was responsible for the manufacture. A possible company could be the New Taiwan Photographic Corp. (Ouyama), which operated a manufacturing plant in Shenzhen and produced cameras.
Camera features
The range of functions of the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash is manageable, since there are not many features to describe. It has a fixed focal length, probably 28 mm. The aperture and shutter speed are fixed.
There is no light meter and no autofocus. The focus range is from 1 meter to infinity. For clear shots, you should therefore keep a distance of at least 1 meter from the subject.
You will look in vain for a tripod connection or a self-timer. However, a holder for a wrist strap is integrated.
An integrated flash is available and can be activated via a switch. The flash is powered by two AAA batteries. These batteries are only required for flash operation. The other functions do not require electricity.
The panorama property
A key selling point of the camera was its panoramic capability. However, it is not a true panoramic camera.
While a standard 35mm camera exposes a size of 24mm x 36mm, the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash covers 13mm x 36mm. This ratio creates the impression of a panoramic image, especially in the case of corresponding prints.
This is achieved by using a mask in the camera that covers part of the image. Theoretically, you could remove this plastic mask so that 24 mm x 36 mm are exposed again. However, the viewfinder still shows the panorama format.
This panoramic feature is common to many compact cameras of the era. On some models, however, you could switch between standard and panoramic shots.
Alternatively, you can use an image software program for cropping panorama shots.
Film selection for the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash
The camera is still ready to use. 35mm film is used in the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash. There are still 35 mm films that can be processed by many developers without any problems.
Possible films for the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash are the Kodak Gold 200* for color shots and the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white shots. Of course, there are also many other films that are suitable for this camera. Both films offer good quality and can store 36 shots. Additional films are available from brands such as Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei, Foma and Lomography.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Thumbwheel |
| Picture format | 13 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | - |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x AAA batteries |
| Manufacturer | Haking |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash
What type of film does the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash use?
It uses standard 35mm film, readily available from various manufacturers like Kodak, Ilford, and Fujifilm. Many developers still process 35mm film, ensuring its continued usability.
Does this simple camera have autofocus or an exposure meter?
No, the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash lacks both autofocus and an exposure meter. Focus is fixed between 1 meter and infinity.
How does the 'panorama' function work on this device?
It's not a true panoramic camera; a mask inside the camera restricts the image area to 13mm x 36mm, creating a panoramic effect. This is achieved through a mask that could theoretically be removed.
What is the lens's focal length on the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash?
The camera has a fixed focal length, believed to be 28mm. The aperture and shutter speed are also fixed, simplifying its operation.
Where was the Ansco Pix Panorama Flash manufactured?
The camera was manufactured in China, possibly by Haking in Hong Kong or another company like New Taiwan Photographic Corp. (Ouyama) with facilities in Shenzhen.