Flash not working?
11 months ago
– Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 06:21:05 AM
Hi all, we've had a few reports of the flash in the camera not working consistently. This can range from the flash firing only sometimes when enabled, to not firing at all. We believe there may be a calibration problem with the flash bulb in a small number of cameras.
Currently, we're working on a feature to allow re-calibration of the flash via the app and we're aiming to publish it this weekend or earlier. I believe that this will restore full functionality, but we will issue a replacement for any cameras that cannot be calibrated effectively.
In future, we will be checking the calibration of the flash more strictly at the factory.
It has been hard to track down affected units since the problem isn't very common, but if you're in Australia and especially Brisbane please get in touch.
Update on the Winder problem and workaround
11 months ago
– Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 06:08:53 AM
✨ Special thanks to members of the community in Brisbane who let us pick up their affected cameras for diagnosis ✨
Previous update on this topic
We've found three key details about the "infinite winder" problem:
- It's caused by a mechanism inside the camera becoming stuck in an unexpected state.
- The problem can be resolved by repeated attempts at moving the mechanism.
- The issue appears to become less prevalent over time (often called wearing in). It became increasingly difficult to reproduce the problem on all units we received.
Currently, we are working on a firmware patch to detect this condition and correct it when it occurs. We will need to wait and see the results on a larger scale, but based on our findings we believe that this can restore most if not all units to full working order.
As a temporary workaround, you may be able to resolve the problem by doing one or more soft resets. A soft reset is performed by pressing the small reset button with a pin for 2 seconds or less, and it does not erase any data. We have found that affected units will usually start winding again with a procedure like press reset, wind the winder, press reset, wind the winder... up to a maximum of about 5 repetitions. You will hear the mechanism engage correctly if you're successful. Remember to not hold the button for 5 seconds, this will perform a full factory reset and erase any photos.
I understand that this isn't a very convenient workaround, but it might be helpful if you're itching to take a few pictures. For this reason, getting a patch out is near the top of our priority list and we're aiming to publish it within this week.
Additionally, we've already updated the app last week to allow for unloading a roll even when it's only half full. This wasn't originally a planned feature, but we decided it was a good idea for anyone encountering this problem or wanting to see results from smaller rolls of "test shots".
As a reminder, we're still getting some queries about this: If your camera's screen displays two dashes "— —" you aren't affected by the winder problem, you just need to load your next roll of film. Use the Load Film button in the app to choose a film type.
As always, let me know of any further queries or concerns about this topic.
Mack
Orders stuck in Malaysia: Resolution
11 months ago
– Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 05:35:17 AM
This is an update for all orders currently stuck in transit in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). You can see the original update here.
We've been chasing this up for the last week and have found the root cause of the delay. Fortunately, these orders are not been lost in transit. Unfortunately, our shipping company made an error in the customs declaration for these packages, and there was a problem clearing customs in Malaysia.
Right now, we're working to correct the error and these shipments should return to normal shortly. Sadly, the estimated delivery time will effectively reset from today and could be as long as 3-4 weeks.
We decided from the beginning to cover all import taxes for all 76 of our destination countries, and did our best to hire experts to help us with this. In this instance we remain fully responsible for this mistake, and I'm very sorry for the inconvenience caused. I know that it is frustrating to be kept waiting when many other backers have already received their camera.
Your understanding and patience during this period are highly valued. If you have any further concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Mack
Update to #FlashbackClassic Film Type
11 months ago
– Fri, Jan 12, 2024 at 07:21:07 AM
Hope you're all doing great. It's a really busy time for us but I wanted to drop in with some quick updates and thoughts based on what you've been sharing:
First off, yes, every sample shot we've shared is straight from our Flashback cameras. That said, we've heard your thoughts on the #FlashbackClassic film type. We initially based the effect on some inspiration from expired Superia film, but the accentuated pink tones seems to be too much for some tastes. We're planning to fine-tune it based on your feedback.
Right now, our priority is ironing out the initial challenges: tackling app bugs, addressing delayed shipments, and resolving a few hardware issues.
Once we navigate through these pressing issues, we'll be revisiting the film type to dial back the pink hues a bit. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of our film styles, so please continue to share your thoughts and preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer it the way it is please say so as well!
Additionally, we've put some measures in place to start reducing the development time for colour films and that's one of the first things we'll be investing more time into.
App updates are being pushed out near-daily right now, focusing on connection instabilities and Android-specific bugs.
Thanks a ton for sticking with us through these exciting, albeit bumpy, early days! Your feedback isn't just helpful; it's what makes lets us evolve and get better. Keep those thoughts and ideas coming – they mean the world to us and to the future of Flashback.
Stay Candid,
Kelric
Update about the "endless winder" problem
11 months ago
– Wed, Jan 10, 2024 at 04:41:27 AM
If you're in Australia (especially Brisbane) and facing the below issue, please get in touch. It will become much easier for us to diagnose further if we can obtain affected cameras quickly.
We're currently working on a problem where the winder in some cameras won't stop winding like it should. The expected behaviour is that the winder will "lock" after about 4 turns and allow the shutter button to be pressed to take a picture.
I understand that you might feel let down if you've experienced this problem. As a Kickstarter project, we have promised to deliver a great product experience to everyone who supported us. It's our responsibility to deliver on that promise, and please understand that we're working towards it every day.
Currently, we are analysing two possible root causes:
- A firmware problem
- A possible hardware defect during manufacturing
Please note if your camera's screen displays two dashes ( — — ) this doesn't mean you're affected by this issue - it just means your camera is empty! Choose your next film type with the Load Film option in the app.
Additionally, a small number of cameras were shipped with outdated firmware that presented a similar problem. If this is the case, pressing the small reset button in the bottom of the camera will fix the issue when it occurs. Take care to avoid holding the button for 5 seconds or longer as this will perform a factory reset and erase all photos from it. You can confirm if this is the cause if the app tells you Your camera needs a quick update, and doing the update should stop the issue from occurring again.
We aim to finish diagnosing this problem before Monday. If we determine that these cameras have a hardware defect, a replacement will be shipped immediately. Otherwise, we will deploy a software fix remotely and you will not need to wait for a replacement to arrive.
Please expect more updates about this and other problems we are actively working on.
