Like so many other cameras built in Hong Kong, the Scout invokes the name of the once-mighty British Empire, upon which the sun never used to set. Granted, compared to the likes of Dianas and Holgas, the Empire Scout looks like an Alpa, but in real terms, it's still pretty cheesy. It takes 120 roll fim, and sports a "Fine Polished Optical Lens", made of the finest precision, um, plastic. It does have a sync outlet, making it a possible for studio abuse, and even has a lever wind film advance. You still have to line up the film frame numbers in the little window on the back, but what do you want for a sawbuck?
The Empire Scout's box, shown here, admonishes us to remember that it's a camera for "Good Photography". Just what I need - more pressure in my life. I haven't had time to really put the Scout through the paces, but here's a look at Broadway taken from the studio window. Don't try this at home, kids. I'm a trained professional.
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