Sitemap

Become a Member, It's Free!

Fishing Guide Reviews

Forums

Free Email Newsletter

Free JHO Decal

Gear Reviews

Hunting Guide Reviews

Phantom Hunter

December 01, 2003

# Camera: 35mm Yashica Impression Plus, fully automatic (auto focus/advance/flash). Focus free 28 mm lens, f4.5. Focusing system is Fixed Focus. Viewfinder is an adjustable bright frame viewfinder (+-1 diopter). Panoramic masking in viewfinder when mode is selected. Film advance automatic motor advance. Flash fires automatically when required. Automatic Red Eye Reduction. Selectable fill flash. Film rewind actuated by rewind switch. Mid roll rewind capability. LCD displays frame number, self timer, flash status, and Red Eye Reduction mode. Exposure System is a Multi-Step programmed Aperture/Shutter. Self Timer is 10-second delay with blinking LED indicator. Film-speed setting automatic at ISO 100-400. Power source 2 “AA” size alkaline batteries. Dimensions 4.6”W x 2.6”H x 1.5”D. Weight 5.6 ounces.

Features:

Camera Independent Use: No, you cannot take the camera out and use it like a normal 35mm camera.
Power Source: Main sensor unit uses 4 each "C" alkaline batteries. The camera operates on a single 3-volt lithium camera battery. Batteries not included.
Battery Life: Approximately 1 week.
Low Battery Indicator: Main sensor unit no. Camera no.
Detection Method: Passive infrared motion detector which is designed to detect heat in motion within a conical area. The ± 4 degree cone-shaped detection zone extends to 60 feet (maximum detection distances vary with ambient air temperature and animal siz
Camera Delay Options: 3 minute delay only.
Operation Modes: 24 hour operation only.
Programming Modes of Operation: N/A
Camera Film: Uses standard 35mm film (from 100 to 800 ISO speed).
Film Date Stamp Options: 1 option, day and time.
Camera Focus Range: Unknown at this time, if anybody has this info please contact us
Camera Flash Range: Approximately 15 feet.
Camera Aiming: "Walk/Test" Light" blinks when you walk through the beam to let you know where the infrared beam is pointing.
External Picture Count Observation Window: No.
On/off Switch: No.
Event Counter: No.
Waterproof: Yes.
Temp Range: minus 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Problems reported with cold weather operation in Canada. See Field Reports below.
Case: ABS plastic.
Mounting Setup: Bungee cord.
Size: Approximately "6 w x 6" h.
Weight: Approx. 2 lbs.
Sound Insulation: Unknown at this time, if anybody has this info please contact us
Camo: No, gloss black finish.
Lock or Antitheft Capability: No. User can supply lock and cable/chain
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor.

Other Information

You don't get the option of day or night pics, it's set for 24 hour operation with a 3 minute delay only. Could be a problem on public ground with the not being able to turn off the flash. No camo so you'll have to improvise your own to help hide the cam from the rip-off artists. Customer service answered my e-mail inquiry the next business day. Battery life is in the low range compared to other game trail cameras.

User Comments

From Jean. Bought this Phantom Hunter approximately two weeks ago, (10/15/00). Put in brand new Energizer Alkaline batteries as stated, did what I had to do. Accidentally took a few shots in the house getting the camera ready. Set it outside, got maybe 2 pictures and every time I went back the camera was still on the same number picture. No change. I walked in front, the light would go on, no picture shot, then off, back in front, again nothing. I did this for several days. Took the camera home, waited about 15 minutes and it started working again. Then stopped. I called today and the lady on the end said it is made for cold weather, they have them up in Canada. She connected me with a technician who said "how cold is it up there". I explained "29-30 was the lowest so far". He said for me to change the batteries. I explained they were brand new, 2002. He said to put it more in the sun and away from wind. Could I be hearing this right. I thought this camera was made for trails etc. Well, then he told me it was possible for the batteries to get so cold that this camera would not operate correctly. I thought this camera was in Canada too. If I send it back they will repair it and send it back. I don't want this. The camera is a piece of junk! They will refund my money minus $15 restocking fee which they were very strict on. I didn't understand why I should have to pay it because the camera is not doing what it is suppose to do. Not my fault. Steer clear!!!!!!!!

I love mine (a Phantom Hunter). I move it a lot. Or else I KNOW it would disappear like some of my tree stands have. Sometimes I use it to quantify the deer in a funnel, but mostly I just enjoy seeing the game. I shot a 10 point this year and discovered AFTER the fact that I had two pics of him. He was photographed only at night, so I may have deduced that he was nocturnal. Lucky for me I never saw the pictures till after because I was in my stand when he came by at five after seven one morning during gun season. A three point had already come in and bedded right beneath my stand. A better decoy there never was! In my zone, you can bow hunt during the private land gun season. Hooorahh. - Luke.

I own two of them. They are and have always worked perfectly no matter what the temperature. I have pictures of deer in July - December. They don't really have any sound insulating foam. Only one piece to hold the camera in place. I tried 3 different Buckshot 35 cameras for 6 months. I continually had problems with each new one they sent me. They politely refunded my money. I then bought a Trailtimer Photo Hunter. The first time I had it out, it filled up with water. It went back for refund also. The Phantoms are great! I have probably taken 200 pictures. I get pictures of rabbits, skunks, deer, turkeys, armadillos, and anything else that walks by. I took a roll of that camo duct tape and camouflaged both of mine. That stuff really conceals the cameras. - Ron D.

I love mine, have no problems with it, except it seems in every roll of film there is a least one or two of those "what the heck is it" photos! Nothing is in the picture and we can't figure out what triggered it! I've got several really neat photos, such as a bear, 3 pictures of a coon climbing the camera, fawns, several decent bucks, and a turkey or two. I love it for its use in scouting! - Alex.

Pricing Information

$319.95 or 2 for $599.95 at Phantom Hunter.
Note: These prices are current as of 7/14/01. Please check for current price and availability.

Manufacturer Information

Phantom Hunter's website is no longer online. If anyone knows any new info please contact us