Until I realized who I am as an amateur photographer and discovered my passion for it, I have been an ignorant and stubborn girl about film photography. As a young thinker, I did not appreciate the history of how photography came about. All I knew was that I had a Canon Powershot camera my parents rarely used and that it took amazing photos. Then I wanted more out of it. Upon (minor) research, digital single lens reflex's were considered the market's standard professional camera, notably the Canon 5D Mark II (now the Mark III for more than $3,000!). It is widely used considering today's advanced technology but there were elements of seeing with photography that is lost and I wish I could jump in a time machine to feel the excitement touching chemicals in a dark room.
Now that I'm diving deeper into the realm of photography, film is an era I have ignored to let myself be exposed to. Obviously I cannot feel the experiences the 20th Century had with dark rooms and film rolls but it is still alive in people's hearts. Many famous portrait photographers use a medium format camera that oozes creamy colors. You can type in vintage film cameras on ebay and thousands of listings show, more than 70% priced for about half off or more of it's original value. Nikon and I believe Ilford and other companies still produce film as long as they are still in demand. Unfortunately, they are priced the in the same range as full frame DSLR's so I won't be obtaining those. There is so many other options to choose so that's why I am on hunt of vintage film cameras. To devour the feeling of exposing to my liking, teaching me to be a patient person, and anticipating for the negatives to show me what I have to offer. Spark my creativity to a new level.
I hope to find a part of me that'll help me define my way of seeing. If you happen to own a metal built film camera from the 1960's + collecting dust in your storage room or know someone who does, tell me! I might consider purchasing it =) If you have any experience with film, tell me your story. I would love to hear about it.
Now onto the baby (my collection of film cameras is brewing). I recently purchased a Polaroid SX-70, which produces instant images. If you know what Instagram or Fuji Instanx is, that's the kind of images and type of film that this lovely beauty executes. It arrived in a box labeled fragile, incased with colorful peanuts, and taped within massive layers of bubble wrap. Unwrapping the beauty felt so amazing in between my fingers. Chrome lining frames the tan leather of the body. The eye socket staring right at me, screaming to develop instant images. I love it so much. I cannot wait to test it out once I buy the Impossible Project's PX 70 film pack. Molded and dreampt by Mr. Land; serialized in April 9, 1974 <3
I have another beautiful film camera that I bought last a week at a thrift store. I have yet to touch it's setting to the best of it's abilities but once I get the hang of it, I will share my experience. It's nothing popular branded like Minolta, Mamiya, Nikon, etc. It can, however, produce stunning images. I know it! Stay tuned for photos of the new addition.
This is a must share. The illuminating colors painted in the sky at around 8PM was too magnificent to not grab my camera.
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