The Photon 120 is a viewfinder camera. It was built in Hong Kong. The medium format camera can be counted in the class of, from today’s point of view, toy cameras. In terms of functionality, it has the same notch as the Debonair, Holga or Diana. In which period of time it was built exactly is not definitely known, probably in a range from the 1950s to 1960s.
The camera comes with a fixed lens. It is called a Superior Lens 1.8 Speed 1/50 SEC. The Photon 120 has no autofocus. It is manually focused. The minimum distance to the subject must be 120 cm. There are four levels to choose from, 1.2 m to 2 m, 2 to 4 m, 4-6 m and 6 m to infinity.
Exposure is not metered by the 120 camera. Except for the three aperture stops, not much can be set anyway. The largest aperture is f/8.
An external flash can be connected via hot shoe. The camera was originally delivered with a matching flash. The housing is partly made of metal and the design reminds of a larger version of the Olympus Trip 35.
Films for the Photon 120
The Photon 120 requires 120 films. Films are still being made for this type of film format. Possible films for the Photon 120 are the Kodak Portra 160* for color images and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white shots.
The exposure of the films is done in 6×6 format. With this size twelve square photos fit on one film. A power source is not needed for taking pictures.
The viewfinder camera can only be found used. The costs for the Photon 120 differ depending on accessories and condition. The price is usually between 20 and 40 euros. But you can find similar models a little cheaper.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Rotary knob |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Focal length | - |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 120 cm / 3.936 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/50 second |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
FAQ about the Photon 120
Is the Photon 120 camera easy to use?
The Photon 120 is a simple camera, it's mostly manual. You manually focus and select the aperture, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of photography.
What kind of film does this Hong Kong-made camera use?
It uses 120 medium format film, which is still readily available. You'll get twelve 6x6cm square images per roll.
Does the Photon 120 have any automatic features?
No, it doesn't have autofocus or automatic exposure. You'll need to set the focus and aperture manually. It's a fully manual camera.
How much does a used Photon 120 typically cost?
Prices vary depending on condition and included accessories. Generally, you can expect to pay between 20 and 40 euros for a used one.
What's the focusing range of the Photon 120's lens?
The minimum focusing distance is 120 cm (about 4 feet). The focus settings are in ranges: 1.2-2m, 2-4m, 4-6m, and 6m to infinity.