Camera Obscura (FF4)

Fifth Camera Obscura introduced in the Fatal Frame Series. This camera was found by Madoka Tsukimori, in the Asou Museum in Rogetsu Hall. This is one of two Camera Obscuras that are used in Fatal Frame IV; the other is Misaki's Camera Obscura.
History of the Camera
This camera was designed by Dr. Kunihiko Asou during his visit to Rogetsu Isle. Its elaborate design incorporates the island's traditional rogetsu (cloudy moon) carvings, and Dr. Asou enlisted the help of local craftsmen in creating it.[1] He donated the camera to the owner of the inn where he was staying,[2] and it remained on display in his room, which was turned into a museum.[3] Later, Shigeto Haibara, used the camera to recover lost documents during his attempt to resurrect the Rite of Descent.[4] A photograph taken by Dr. Asou with the camera also captured an image of the original Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, which inspired Soya Yomotsuki to try and perfect it.[5]
During the game, Madoka discovers this camera in its broken display stand in the museum. She uses it to fend off a ghost's attack, before being cornered and overwhelmed. Ruka, searching for Madoka and Misaki, finds the camera discarded on the museum floor and keeps it for the rest of the game.
Fate of the Camera
The fate of the camera is unknown. After the final battle with Sakuya Haibara, it does not appear in any cutscenes.
Owners
Deaths from Overexposure?
None known.
Upgrading and Equipment
Upgrading the camera's basic functions now requires Blue Crystals instead of Spirit Orbs or points. The functions which can be upgraded are:
- Power - Increases the maximum amount of power which you can gather for an attack. Can be upgraded three times.
- Speed - Increases the speed at which power is accumulated. Can be upgraded three times.
- Reload - Speeds up film reloading time. Can be upgraded three times.
- Capacity - Increases the maximum spirit power. Can be upgraded twice.
- Absorb - Increases the amount of spirit power absorbed. Can be upgraded three times.
Lenses
刻 - Blast lens
撃 - Blow lens
滅 - Crush lens
延 - Extend lens
月 - Lunar lens
貫 - Pierce lens
遅 - Slow lens
封 - Stop lens
零 - Zero lens
Upgrades
報 - Alarm upgrade
囁 - Hear upgrade
避 - Evade upgrade
祭 - Optimal upgrade
無 - Infinite upgrade
測 - Measure upgrade
感 - Sense upgrade
換 - Switch upgrade
Types of Shots
- Fatal Frame Shot
- Close Shot
- Max Shot
- Zero Shot
- Boost Shot
- Double Shot
- Triple Shot
- Just Kill
- Overkill
- Special Kill
- Double Kill
- Triple Kill
- Shutter Chance
- Escape Shot
- Surprise Shot
- Fatal Time Kill
- Rorschach Shot
Capture Circles
The Capture Circle of the camera is composed of a ring of circles which mimic the lunar cycle. Each small circle starts out black and becomes white like in the lunar cycle as the camera charges. When all the circles have turned white, the camera is fully charged.
Misc Info
- At the beginning of each new game plus, all upgrades must be manually re-equipped from the Camera menu.
References
- ↑ Image #17, Chapter 4: World, Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse Digital Art Book, 2023.
- ↑ Professor Asou's Notes (1), Fatal Frame IV
- ↑ Article: "Prof. Asou arrives", Fatal Frame IV
- ↑ Soya's Notes (2), Fatal Frame IV
- ↑ "On the Mask of the Lunar Eclipse", Fatal Frame IV