Porst Happy

The Porst Happy is a viewfinder camera for medium format film. It was presented by Photo Porst in the 1950s. It is a variant of the original plastic cameras that were the model for Lomography’s Diana F+, among others.

The lens of the Porst Happy cannot be changed. It is called Plasicion Lens 1:8 and there is no information about the focal length. The lens is fixed and cannot be changed.

On the front of the Porst Happy there is a selenium light meter. However, this is a dummy without any function. A flash can be connected to the camera. The flash unit was included with the camera.

The dimensions of the medium format camera are 12.5 x 10 x 8.5 cm. The weight is 245 grams. The medium format camera does not require batteries.

Films for the Porst Happy

Medium format films are exposed in the Porst Happy. Fresh material for this type of film is still being produced. One possible film for color images is the Fujifilm PRO 400H*. A possibility for B&W images is the Ilford FP4 Plus*.

The development of the black and white film must be done in the appropriate photochemistry. There are a variety of possible products here. Some photo labs offer film development of black and white film, you have more control if you get the right chemistry and develop it yourself. Color film is developed using the C-41 process. This is more common and is possible at the vast majority of photo labs.

The exposure area of the medium format camera is square (6×6). At this size, twelve images usually fit on the film. The photographer must wind the film manually.