Fuji Work Record
From 1993 to 2006 Fuji offered the Work Record 28 for all your heavy duty photo needs. It was also available as the Work Record OP with panorama and date function.
This is the second Fuji construction focused camera I have shot. The first was the wonderful HD-R from 1986. Like the HD-R there is not much information available (not in English anyway) about the Work Record. I did discover that there is a similar model the OP version that seem to be the same just add a panorama switch on top and a date function to the back. The 28 seem to even have covers where they option would have been. Evidently documenting construction in Japan is a common enough practice that it inspired dedicated cameras. The upside is they are made tough and weather resistant to handle the abuse of a construction site. Mine must have belonged to a supervisor because it does not seem to have done much actual work.
The Work Record is a solid feeling camera. Larger than the average point and shoot. Obvious clue to the tough design are the bumper guards to protect the lens. The surfaces have a nice feel designed to take abuse. No fancy paint or rubber layer to peel off. And it feel decently weatherized. Not waterproof but probable rain resistant. The Work Record seem less sealed than the HD-R due the lack of a secondary film door lock. Unlike the HD-R, I would not trust the Work Record to be submerged. Hike in the rain would not worry me but don’t jump off a waterfall with it.
Finding information on the Work Record was even harder that for the HD-R. Operations are not complicated. ISO is read off DX film. The film auto loads the whole roll then winds back in to the canister as you shoot. Power button on the back and shutter release are the only visible buttons. There are four more under a cover below the power. Flash Control, Self Timer, a mountain icon ( that that seem to allow for limited manual focus? ) and force Re-Wind.
My Take:
I like a hard use point and shoot. I love having a camera that I don’t feel the need to baby. The Work Record 28 is the kind of camera to throw in a bag and have for bad weather or questionable activity. A camera you can neglect and still expect it to work.
I like the style of the HD-R and the 2 meter rating, and the 28mm lens on the Work Record is both a great length and gives great image quality. Not the most common camera outside of Japan but if you need a camera to abuse and still get nice images. The Work Record is a great option.
Lens: Fujinon 28mm f3.5
Film: Fujicolor 400