The Fuji Fujicolor Picco is a disposable camera from the 1980s. It was aimed at young users. At that time in Japan there was the “Foto Jack” and a general edition with the “Fujicolor Super HR 100” for men.
History
In 1986, Fujifilm introduced a disposable pocket film camera to the Japanese market. At that time, photo cameras were very expensive in Japan, so Fuji was able to capture a zeitgeist with disposable cameras that only cost a fraction of a "normal" camera.
Fujifilm's disposable cameras were very simple in design. Basically it is a film cassette with a lens, shutter release and some housing. The brand name used was 写ルンです (Utsurundesu), which roughly translates to “she really takes photos”.
The success was also taken by Kodak. At the time, Kodak was having trouble fighting strong competition from Kodak in the Japanese market, and Fujifilm now also set its sights on America. After the success in Japan, Fuji now wanted to bring the disposable cameras to America and announced this at an industrial trade fair in February 1987. Just hours before Fuji's planned announcement, Kodak unveiled the Fling.
The Fujicolor Picco was introduced in the spring of 1987. A one-time use 35mm camera for around $10. By using the pocket film format, Kodak wanted to attract customers. Despite the lower price of $6.95, the camera was not convincing, also because of the lower image quality. A 35mm version was introduced in 1988.
The cameras are considered the beginning of disposable cameras. However, the pocket film version from Kodak was discontinued in 1989 because models for the 35mm format were much more popular. In the following years, different variants were introduced, with flash, for underwater photography, etc.
Functions
The camera model is equipped with a lens that is permanently installed. There is no way to change the focus settings. Manual focusing on the subject is not provided. To ensure good image quality, you should maintain a distance of at least 120 cm from the subject.
The exposure must be measured externally. The pocket film camera does not have a light meter. The aperture and shutter speed are fixed. There is no exact information about the values. You can often find values of f/8 for the aperture and 1/100 second for the shutter speed on disposable cameras. This makes it well suited for taking photos in daylight. For interiors or late evening shots, you should use a different camera.
There is no built-in flash. There is also no self-timer or tripod thread. Batteries are not required for photography.
Films for the Fujicolor Picco
Which film do you use for the Fujicolor Picco? There is 110 pocket film in the camera. This format is characterized by its compact size. The film has a sensitivity of ISO 200 and is designed for color images.
To develop the color film, it is processed using the C-41 process. Most photo labs offer this service. Many drugstores offer color film for development. However, you should first clarify whether it is possible to develop this format and the disposable camera.
The film is wound manually in the Fujicolor Picco.
Alternatives
The camera has not been manufactured for a long time. There is no disposable camera for the 110 format. However, there are still many copies for the 35mm format. Suitable models are offered by Ilford, Lomography, Kodak and Fujifilm.
