Kodak Pony

[spudqueen]

I have an old Kodak Pony 135 camera which still has a film in it (see question below), but I can't seem to get it to work to take pictures on the rest of the film so I can get it processed. Does anyone know how it works?

[landie]

Don't try to take more shots you may damage the film. Take it to a proper photo shop and let them extract and print the contents. It's the safest bet.

[Buenchico]

I basically agree with the previous answers but I'd just add the following:

1. The '135' in the description almost certainly means that its 35mmm film. This is good news because it means that it should still be possible for a modern lab to process it.

2. If you know how to rewind the film and extract the cassette then do so, otherwise ask a specialist shop to do it. (The only big chain which has suitably qualified staff is Jessops but most areas still have a few independent dealers as well).

3. When the film cassette is removed, check the label to find out what type of film it is. If the name ends in 'color' (e.g. Kodacolor or Ferraniacolor) or the label says 'C41-process' then it's a colour print film and any lab should be able to handle it. If the name ends in 'chrome' (e.g. Kodachrome or Ektachrome) or the label says 'E6 process' then its a colour slide film and you need to make sure that it goes to a lab which can process slide films. If the name ends in 'pan' then its a black and white film and it needs specialist processing.

4. Remember that the chemicals on the surface of a film deteriorate with time. Even modern films shouldn't be left in a camera for more than a year or so. (Anyone who's serious about photography wouldn't leave exposed film in a camera for more than a month). Older films tended to deteriorate much more quickly. The chances are that you'll get some sort of pictures from the film but there'll be a pronounced colour cast. (To improve on the lab results, ask someone who's got a negative scanner and Photoshop to see what they can do).

Chris