Friday, December 31, 2010

Thank You

HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM MICHAEL RASO AND
THE FILM PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT


Woodland Lake - Winter 2010

I’d like to personally thank all of you who donated your time, skills, products and / or cherished equipment to the Film Photography Podcast in 2010.

As many of you know, I began the podcast in October of 2009 out of love and a sense of nostalgia for film photography, reverence for the craftsmanship of vintage cameras, and delight in the process of shooting film. I hoped to share my enthusiasm and tips with aspiring and experienced photographers – encourage, educating and growing my craft in the process.

What I did not expect to find was a thriving, passionate, engaged international community of film enthusiasts who not only wrote letters and emails of appreciation, but who were willing and able to contribute to my blogs, test cameras, provide images, and graciously donate their own equipment and funds to the FPP cause. To date, the Film Photography Podcast has donated books, over 30 cameras, and literally hundreds of rolls of film to photographers around the globe – and we’re just getting started.

As both camera companies and listeners began donating to our contests, I was able to devote the time and funds I’d previously spent on acquiring cameras and film to expanding FPP. In addition to the podcast, flickr, and facebook sites, 2010 saw the launch of the FPP tutorial youtube channel and the first steps toward the Film Photography Project store, scheduled to launch early in 2011, the proceeds of which will fund our existing and new imprints.

This year, in addition to the fortnightly program, I am also featuring interviews with and photography by established and upcoming film photographers, as well as individuals whose life work is to preserve and prolong the life cycle of ‘vintage’ photography equipment and formats – a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

Your passion for analog photography as a vibrant, uniting artistic medium is what continues to inspire me as FPP moves forward in its mission.

Flash Test / Self
Sincerely,
Michael Raso
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Last Day of Kodachrome

kodachrome christmas

Blog by Michael Raso

How fitting that my favorite magazine news program devote a segement to the last days of Kodak Kodachrome - the world's finest film.



As a photographer shooting film, I tend to "overstock," so, earlier this year I started sharing my rolls of Kodachrome with folks who listen to The Film Photography Podcast (the internet radio show which I host).

The images shot by the podcast audience are on display in the "KODACHROME - Film Photography Project 2010" on Flickr.com

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1474766@N24/



Good-bye Kodachrome. You will be missed.

Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Monday, December 27, 2010

New York Blizzard - My last day shooting Kodachrome

Jumping for joy in Times Square Snowpocalypse - New York Blizzard Snowstorm Blargfest
New York City - Blizzard, December 27, 2010
Image by Dan Nguyen, NYC
Dan's Flickr Photostream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/zokuga/
Dan's website - http://danwin.com/


Blog by Michael Raso
Film Photography Podcast

I love New York City during the holidays and felt it would be special to shoot my last rolls of Kodachrome film there.

Kodachrome - My Last Day
Rockefeller Center NYC / Shot with my Nokia cell phone

Kodachrome 64

Kodak's 75 year old film was retired in 2009 and the only remaining facility that can process this special film is running it's last bath of Kodachrome K-14 processing this Thursday, December 30th.

A blizzard brought 20 inches of snow to New York City, making the streets a winter wonderland.

Couple in Times Square - New York Blizzard Snowstorm Blargfest
New York City - Blizzard, December 27, 2010
Image by Dan Nguyen, NYC
Dan's Flickr Photostream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/zokuga/
Dan's website - http://danwin.com/


What's in my bag?


Last day shooting Kodachrome
That's me - the look of freezing - shot on my Nokia cell phone
December 27, 2010

I packed light. In hand, my Canon AE-1 Program camera with my Canon FD 20 - 35mm f3.5 L lens. Stuffed in my pocket, my Holga 135bc camera, complete with Wide Angle Lens Adapter. Kodachrome 64 loaded in my Canon, my last two rolls of Kodachrome 200 reserved for my Holga.

Bitter sweet and Bitter cold - A wonderful photo outing in-progress.

I'd love to hear about your last day shooting Kodachrome. E-mail me at FilmPhotographyPodcast@gmail.com

Please visit Dan Nguyen's site and Flickr Photostream:
Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/zokuga/
Website - http://danwin.com/

I host The Film Photography Podcast
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My Tribute to Vinyl Records

Impossible PX 100 Silver Shade - Film Test

I love vinyl records. When I was growing up, "record stores" were easily accessible by bike. It's funny how sharp my memory is on where I purchased some of the "albums" in my collection. John Lennon's "Double Fantasy" - late 1981, I walked to a small indie shop owned by Kevin Clement called Vinyl Frontiers. David Bowie "Space Oddity" - sometime in '80, a group of us got a ride to Willowbrook Mall, I found the album at a store called Korvettes. Most of my huge 1980s vinyl collection came from my twice weekly trip to Mickey Music in Belleville, NJ. Somehow in my many moves around New Jersey, my collection wound up in storage for the past 15 years.

Something From the 70s

Flip Side Records
These days, I shop for vinyl at Flip Side Records in Pompton Lakes, NJ

In the reorganization of my studio this past year, I set up a Crosley turntable that was given to me as a gift. The perfect incentive for me to pull all of my vinyl out of storage and record a Film Photography Podcast episode called "Darkroom Needle Drop" - a collection of favorite songs from my recently played vinyl.

Recording a musical radio show was a real blast but I decided the show wasn't film-oriented enough to be an episode of FPP, so I shelved it.

Once Around by The Autumn Defense
"Once Around" by The Autumn Defense - One of the first new artists that I've purchased on vinyl in a long, long time.

If anyone reading this blog wants to hear this show, it's not online or on the FPP site but you can download it for the next 14 days here:

https://download.yousendit.com/bFlIaXRBdWNRYTgwTVE9PQ

It is always wonderful to discover new music and although most of the music on this special show isn't new, I hope it's new-to-you and that you enjoy! Please support the artists on the show by purchasing their music (especially fellow Polaroid photographer Pat Sansone and his band The Autumn Defense!)

Visit Michael Nesmith on the web:
http://videoranch.com/

Happy Holidays
Michael Raso
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash

Monday, December 20, 2010

110 Film Photography / Holga 110

Blog by Michael Raso

JC Penny 11 Pocket 110 Camera / Magicube Flash Cubes

Introduced in 1972 by Eastman Kodak, the 110 cartridge film format was a huge success for amateur photographers in the United States, England and beyond. Following the equally popular 126 cartridge format (launched in 1963), the 110 film was only 16mm in width allowing cameras to be much smaller, launching Kodak’s “Pocket Instamatic” campaign.



With a 110 camera in every household, cameras and film were easily obtained for three decades until Kodak (and other companies) discontinued the film in 2009. Popular for its unique grain and “look,” photographers continue to use the last batches of 110 film in vintage and new Holga cameras. It’s been reported that European company Adox will introduce new 110 films in 2011.

Holga Micro 110 / Fall 2010
Fall 2010 / Holga Micro 110 / Image © Michael Raso
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/


Storage is the Key
Poorly stored expired film + 110 Pocket Instamatic created this image.
Image © Michael Raso / http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/

Kodak 110 Pocket Instamatic / Kodachrome 64
Properly stored expired film + 110 Pocket Instamatic created this image.
Image © Michael Raso / http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/

110 Marilyn
No denying the unique, "old timey" image created using 110 film
Image shot by Joe Kolbek - Vivitar 600 camera

pictured: Marilyn Monroe tribute artist Erika Smith
http://www.gigsalad.com/marilyn_monroe_impersonator_erika_smith_


Camera Test - The Holga TFS 110 camera
The "famous" Holga light-leaks are no stranger to the Holga TFS 110 camera
Image © Michael Raso / http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/

Michael Raso is the producer and host of The Film Photography Podcast. Launched in October of 2009, the show is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com





Contact: Michael Raso / FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Film Photography Podcast Journal / Episode 24 / December 15, 2010

Kodak Holiday Flash - 127 Camera

Show notes by
Michael Raso

End of the year Film Photography extravaganza! Topics include 127 film format, final days of Kodachrome, Olympus 35mm SLR cameras, three BIG giveaways and more! Hosted by Michael Raso with Duane Polcou and John Fedele.



STREAM, DOWNLOAD, iTUNES or ZUNE!
http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Topics discussed and web links:

127 FILM PHOTOGRAPHY

127 Film “was introduced by Kodak in 1912, along with the “Vest Pocket Kodak” folding camera, as a compact alternative to larger portable cameras using 120. The folding “127s” were in fact smaller than most 35 mm cameras today. The 127 format made a comeback during the 1950s as the format of choice for small inexpensive cameras such as the Brownie and Satellite, and continued in wide use until surpassed by the 126 film and 110 film “Instamatic” cartridges (introduced in 1963 and 1972 respectively), and especially by 35 mm.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/127_film



Where to buy 127 film:

Frugal Photographer
http://www.frugalphotographer.com/

Freestyle Photographic
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/


KODAK KODACHROME – Last Days

Kodachrome 64

Processing for Kodachrome will cease on December 30, 2010. After January 1 Kodachrome can be processed as BW by the following recommended labs:

Sharp Photo and Portrait Eau Claire, Wisconsin USA
http://www.sharpphoto.net/
C-41, BW, Prints and more
Sharp sponsored our recent Film Processing, Scan & Print giveaway!

Blue Moon Camera and Machine Portland, OR USA
http://www.bluemooncamera.com/
C-41 and Black & White for all size film including oddball 616, 620 and other old timey sizes. The perfect shop for personalized service.


PANCHO BALLARD

Pancho Ballard - Five Songs For Oscar

UK FPP listener Darren Riley kindly shared music from his “Mexican” band Pancho Ballard. Heyyy, they have a mariachi brass section!

The hit single “Luche Libre” is featured on this episode!

Check out their site!
http://panchoballard.com/


FILM PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST on FLICKR

Please join our growing Flickr group.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/filmphotographypodcast/

620 FILM SPOOL KITS

With a low supply at high cost, I expressed interest in manufacturing 620 film spools so that folks can easily re-roll their favorite 120 film to 620. If you have an interest in 620 film photography, please drop me a line. FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com

1946 Kodak Brownie Target Six-20

FILM WASTERS

A number of FPP listeners became listeners because they heard about us from FilmWasters. Right on!

The Good Old Days
Image from the FilmWasters group on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/groups/filmwasters/pool/with/4692460561/
Image by Ed Wenn / http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwenn/

http://www.filmwasters.com/

THE FPP 2011 CALENDAR!

2011 Film Photography Podcast Calendar

Make a cash donation to the FPP and get the full color 2011 calendar!
http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com/donate.php

New Podcast on 1/1/2011 - Our New Years Day show!


Content © 2010 Film Photography Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Polaroid 210 Automatic Land Camera

Guest blog by Brian Moore

Polaroid 210 Land Camera / Image by Brian Moore

The Polaroid 210 “Automatic” Land Camera was the lower end model of the 200 line. According to the “Land List” (http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landhome.htm), a fine resource for Polaroid information, the camera was produced between 1967 and 1969 and sold for a list price of $49.95. It was the first color-capable Polaroid to sell for under $50.00, and Polaroid made some 1,500,000 of them.

Brian Moore with his Polaroid 210 Land Camera
above: Me, with my 210 at the age of about 15. Also with my mum and dad. Someplace in Scotland.

I got one of those 210s back then. I still have it, too, although, much to my shame, I condemned the poor thing to life in the back of a closet on or about 1971 when I got my mitts on my first 35mm camera (a Mamiya-Sekor 1000 DTL that I had long coveted).

The term “35mm” had become a mantra to me over the year or two since I had acquired my 210. This, along with the svelte coolness of SLR aesthetics, meant the Mamiya now commanded all my attention, while the square and bulky 210, with its funky bellows and plastic body went the way of the dodo bird.

Assumptions of my 210’s extinction were premature it now seems, for I have recently undergone a metamorphosis. Polaroid Land Cameras are once again cool to me!

What’s more, I find that I am not alone. Film photography blogs and image hosting sites such as Flickr abound with Polaroid users and aficionados.

Why? The answer is hard to grasp given the distinctly lo-fi feature list of a rig like the 210.

Polaroid 210 Land Camera / Image by Brian Moore

above: Foster Freeze Torrance Ca.
below: Ocean Center Building, downtown Long Beach, Ca. Taken from my car window.


Polaroid 210 Land Camera / Image by Brian Moore

With a plastic, two element lens, the 210 would never be the camera you’d turn to for crystal clear images. But if held with a steady hand and peered through with a sharp eye, it’s capable of decent results. I, sadly, must no longer be steady of hand or sharp of eye, for the images my 210 has recently produced have displayed a lack of clarity I would characterize as Diana-esque. (May I call them “dreamy” for the Lomo folks?)

The 210 has two film speed positions, 75 ASA for color film and 3000 for black and white. Film speed is selected with a switch on the top of the lens housing.

You have some manual control of the aperture. You can turn the bezel around the lens to various degrees of “Darken” or “Lighten.”

The shutter and light meter are powered by a 3v battery, and according to the website “Jim’s Polaroid Camera Collection” (http://polaroids.theskeltons.org/), another good source of Polaroid information, shutter speeds range from 1/1200 to 10 seconds. But the 210 lacks a tripod socket so you’d be challenged to get a decent long exposure.

Focusing the 210 is a hoot! You push a lever, linked mechanically to the lens housing, this way or that with the index fingers of each hand, thus positioning the lens nearer to, or further from, the film plane. Simultaneously a scale inside the viewfinder indicates the distance to your subject by means of an arrow that moves up or down through several distance ratings from 3 ½ ft to infinity.

Polaroid 210 Land Camera / Image by Brian Moore

above: Villa Riviera, downtown Long Beach, Ca. Taken from my car window.
below: Vincent Thomas Bridge, Sane Pedro, Ca.Ttaken from the Terminal Island side


Polaroid 210 Land Camera / Image by Brian Moore

Best of all, if your subject is a human being, Polaroid advised that distance can be estimated by placing the viewfinder’s infinity line at the top of your subject’s head then adjusting the movable indicator arrow to your subject’s chin. Actually, it works pretty well.

Taking a photo requires a sequence of steps that Polaroid helpfully guided you through by numbering key components on the camera.

1. Focus by moving the lever with your index fingers
2. Snap the picture using the red button
3. Cock the shutter for the next exposure
4. Pull the white paper tab to pop the leader out for film retrieval

Personally I prefer a 1-3-2-4 sequence, but that’s me.

With the 4 steps above completed, you’re ready to pull the film from the camera, thus initiating the development process.

You’ll have to wait before you peel the picture off the backing paper,…60 seconds, 90, …whatever, depending on the temperature.

For color film in temperatures below 65 degree F, Polaroid supplied a “cold clip.” This was made up of two aluminum plates hinged in book-like fashion with black tape. You placed your exposed film into the cold clip then kept in your pocket or under your arm for warmth while the film developed.

It was all very labor intensive actually, especially compared with modern photographic tools. But maybe this is some of the charm of Polaroid photography. It’s a tangible sense of involvement, of manipulating a mechanical device in search of an accurate representation of what you saw in your mind’s eye, however fleeting that image may have been.

Yet there’s a deeper appeal to the Polaroid process: it is laden with suspense! (Did I load that film right? Is the dark slide in the right place…? Will it come out when I pull it…? Where’s that white tab…? Oh yeah, there it is, whew! What if I pull the white tab and nothing happens…? Is 90 seconds too long a development time…? And so on!)

These questions and more melt away as you peel the film off and reveal the image. It may not look exactly like you thought it would, and the process is neither instant nor uncomplicated, but that picture was made by you and your Polaroid, and there is no other like it.

(You can pick up a Polaroid 210 and other varieties of Land Camera cheaply off E-bay. You’ll probably have to modify the battery connections for modern batteries, but this is easy.

Peel-apart film (FP-100c Color / FP-3000b BW) is manufactured by Fuji and readily available.

A note from Michael Raso
If you plan on purchasing your Polaroid “pack camera” from e-bay, remember to ask the seller if the battery compartment has any corrosion. If corrosion is present, you might want to consider holding out for a clean unit.

About guest blogger Brian Moore
Brian writes mostly about soccer, in particular the European soccer leagues and especially the English Premier League. However, he has been an unapologetic camera nut since his early teens and although he never fully engaged with the digital camera world, he is delighted that he has recently been reawakened to the virtues of film photography.
Brian Moore's Flickr Photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56486443@N08/

About The Film Photography Podcast
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Kodak Brownie Bull's-Eye 620 camera

Blog by Michael Raso

1954 Kodak Brownie Bull's-Eye Camera

A few weeks ago I acquired a 1954 Kodak Brownie Bull’s-Eye camera from a local seller. It’s actually the second Bull’s-Eye camera that I own. The first in black Bakelite plastic (pictured above), the second is featured in my You Tube video below.



The camera takes 620 roll film, has a fixed 1/50th Sec Shutter at f11 and was “designed by Arthur H Crapsey (who also designed the highly successful Kodak Brownie Star series). The body featured an eye-level viewfinder and a large shutter-release button on the front vertical edge, in front of the winding knob. It was available in black (with light-gray winding knob, focus & shutter-release)- from 1954-1958, or a beige color (called "gold", with black controls) from 1958-1960”
-http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Kodak_Brownie_Bull%27s-Eye

I took a bit of a gamble by loading and shooting with a roll of Tower black & white film that expired in October 1963. Tower was Sears and Roebucks “house brand” film. Al Kaplan on Photo.net said (of Tower film) – “I think that the (Tower) B&W film is most likely made by Gavaert, a Belgian company. They merged with Agfa towards the late 1960's. They made a film of about that that was widely available under private labels.”
-http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-film-processing-forum/00KCYv

Kodak Brownie Bull's-Eye / Tower 620 Film
above: John Fedele shooting our Kodak Brownie Bull’s-Eye video on his iPhone. Tower 620 film (image shot 11/17/2010 – film expired 10/1963)

Kodak Brownie Bull's-Eye / Tower 620 Film
above: Staples in Wayne, NJ. Shot the same day on the same roll of Tower 620 film

Please don’t think that the images captured on the extremely expired Tower film represents the image capability of the Brownie Bull’s-Eye. Experimentation with other film stocked yielded brilliant 6x9 photos as seen below.

Analog Edit
above: Film Photography Podcast video editor Joe Kolbek. Kodak Brownie Bull’s-Eye camera / Kodak Ektachrome 100 plus

1954 Kodak Brownie Bull's-Eye Camera Test
above: Grace Chapel First Reformed Church / Kodak Brownie Bull’s-Eye camera / Fujicolor HR100

Images © 2010 Michael Raso

My Flickr Photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/

Buy a 620 film camera…they’re fun!

Looking for 620 film? Write to me via e-mail:
FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com


About The Film Photography Podcast
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Plastic lenses never lie, but they are known to blur the truth a bit

Guest blog by Zeb Andrews

Plastic lenses never lie, but they are known to blur the truth a bit
Proxy Falls, Oregon USA / Holga / Images © Zeb Andrews

Proxy Falls taken with my Holga last fall (above) on the same day as this shot (below) captured with my Pentax 6x7.

Perfection by Proxy
Proxy Falls, Oregon USA / Pentax 6x7 image / Image © Zeb Andrews

Working retail as I do, I deal with a lot of different types of customers, most of those I sell cameras to though are students, relative newcomers when it comes to purchasing cameras. As such, a lot of what I do over the counter involves educating as well as selling. Or put another way, re-educating.

See, many people operate under a fair number of misconceptions when it comes to photography, and I want to take a bit of time tonight to combat one of them in particular; in order to take professional quality photographs you need professional quality cameras.

Frankly, if the person selling you a camera tells you this, it really means they are just trying to sell you something more expensive, that and they are probably paid on commission. And they would probably auction off a family member for the right price.

I know, many you already realize this is bogus thinking, nonetheless many of us succumb to it. There is something reassuring in knowing your camera has a price tag to rival your social security number. I mean, come on, if you have to skip two mortgage payments how can that camera NOT be good right? Well chances are it is a good camera. Doesn't mean it is the right camera for you though. And I guess it all depends on how we define good.

(Double) Visions of Fall

Tulip, Reflection
Above: Nikon FM2n / Images © Zeb Andrews

Oh boy, that is a topic that requires about three hours and four beers...
I always stress that it is how you USE the camera, not the camera itself that makes the most difference and I stand by that. If I sound like a broken record at times, it is merely because it is true and a very valuable lesson to learn. It is one of the things I try to demonstrate with my stream. I shoot five main cameras, though I cycle in others here and there. My main 35mm is my Nikon FM2n. In the store I work at, this camera costs $200 in perfect working order with a warranty. That $200 buys me a camera that will last for decades, will cost about $120 to refurbish when it wears out every 10-15 years or so and will stay in the family my entire life unless I drop it in the ocean as I seem to be more than capable of doing. Plus it takes images that are incredibly sharp and can be printed as large as 24x36 with a fairly high degree of quality. Sure I could have bought an F3 ($300-400), an F4 ($400), an F5 ($500) or an F6 ($1000 or more). Heck the F6 is the latest and greatest film camera out there. It does everything except sweep the kitchen floor. I have shot it, every time you press the shutter it sounds like the camera is silkily whispering "damn fine shot". Then again, with the same lenses it will take the exact same quality image as my FM2. And sure, it is whiz-bang, but then again pretty much every automatic feature on cameras these days can be duplicated manually. These cameras don't allow you to do things less expensive and sophisticated cameras won't, they generally just tend to make those things quicker and easier. That is what all that extra money tends to buy you, speed and convenience, not necessarily better quality. More on that possibly in a bit.

My second camera, also my main landscape camera these days, is my Pentax 67. This was once a top of the line medium format camera. It produces large 6x7cm negatives with detail and resolution that still blow my mind. I would even go so far as to say it produces a higher resolution, sharper image than all but the most expensive of digital cameras can compete with. It also cost me $200. I am on my third one due to two unfortunate accidents. I have spent less than $700 combined on all three.

My third is my pinhole, brand new for $250. For those who are familiar with my pinhole images, not much more needs to be said. For those who are not, it is an incredibly interesting camera that captures a perspective unlike most other photography. All without the benefit of a lens, auto-focus, a meter of any kind, not a single gear, wire or circuit. It scoffs if you mention LCD in fact.

At an intersection in the Palouse

above: Pentax 67 camera / below: Pinole camera
Images © Zeb Andrews



Lake Willoughby, 20 seconds

My fourth, which this image was taken with, is my Holga. $25. No, I am not missing a zero. It is a plastic toy camera that retails for about $25. Certainly not a perfect camera, but then again is there such a thing? No, there isn't. And if the person behind the counter tells you there is, well see the fourth paragraph above. I was down in Yosemite last year browsing the Ansel Adams gallery in the park, and there is a piece by a photographer named Ted Orland. It is an amazing work and though I do not remember the price on it, it was a lot and well worth it. It was taken with a Holga.

Wedding Day

above: Holga / below: Leica M3
Images © Zeb Andrews


If you've got a quarter, I'll show you the world

My fifth is my Leica M3, which is a contradiction to the point I am trying to make, that camera sold for about $700. Though these days, that is about average for most DSLRs. Though honestly it is more of a specialty camera for me and of all the cameras listed above, is one of the ones that gets used the least.

I am not trying to trumpet my nifty frugalness or impress upon you my ability to not irrationally and impulsively spend my camera budget. The point I am trying to make is that it has always been, and always will be good photographers behind cameras that make good images. Note I have not attached any adjective to cameras, because none needs to be. To be blunt, a photographer is either skilled at what they do, or they are not, or they are somewhere in between hopefully moving towards the former and not the latter. A camera will not change this, though it may seem like it does. And true, cameras can help us see differently, they can help us take different pictures, but that is all they do at the most. Help. We take the pictures, good or bad, and it can be done on all cameras, expensive or not.

Fisheye View of Blue Moon

What about Ben
above: Images shot at Blue Moon Camera in Oregon /Images © Zeb Andrews

Buying the best camera is very very very rarely buying the more expensive camera. Rather it is a moderately tricky process of figuring out what you want to do as a photographer and buying the camera that is the best fit. Want to take odd, alternative artsy photos? Buy a holga, a lomo or a fish eye. Photojournalism? Then you probably want a rugged DSLR. Landscape with the intent to make murals? Medium or large format. Do you want something lightweight? You will want to buy a plastic camera (which will also break on you in a matter of a few years). Do you prefer a heavy and rugged camera for backpacking? Go with one of the SLRs of the 60s or 70s like a Minolta SRT or Pentax K1000. Want to try out medium format on a budget? Get a twin lens. A top notch Yashica Mat 124G can be found for $250 or less.

There are options, sometimes a seemingly overwhelming number of them. Start with yourself. Figure out what you need in a camera (much less than you might think). Plan how and where you will use a camera. Make a list and stick to it. Otherwise you are just going to be paying for a number of features you never actually get around to using. Expensive is not always the answer, but then again neither is cheap. It really revolves around your needs. You are matching a camera to yourself, not the other way around.

Anyway, hope that is somewhat intelligible. And hope you enjoy the photo. I find it interesting to compare the two images, both medium format, but one shot through a high end glass lens, the other a toy plastic camera. I like them both, a lot. And both are very different images taken from almost the exact same spot. That too is the beauty of different cameras, they allow photographers to realize different visions. Just remember, photography begins and ends with living, breathing human beings. Cameras are just means to that end.

If you are interested in pricing for my images, or just plain curious, more info can be found at my website: www.zebandrews.com

Zeb on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zebandrews/

You meet the most interesting people in St Johns
above: Zeb by Zeb / Leica M3

Text and Images © Zeb Andrews

The Film Photography Podcast
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Hear the latest episode!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Film Photography Podcast Journal / Episode 23 / December 1, 2010

Polaroid Land Model 100

Show Notes
A Companion to The Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show
Compiled by Michael Raso

Stream, Download, iTune or Zune
http://filmphotographypodcast.com






Fun with Film Photography! Topics include Retro Photography Magazines, Digital File Organization, Processing Labs, Polaroid Automatic 100 Land Camera, Large Format Cameras and Updated 110 Film Report. I’m joined by Duane Polcou and John Fedele.

Topics discussed and web links:

Sharp Photo & Portrait / The Film Photfgraphy Podcast - Ektar Processing Giveaway 2010!

MAIL ORDER PROCESSING/PRINT LABS

Sharp Photo and Portrait Eau Claire, Wisconsin USA
http://www.sharpphoto.net/
C-41, BW, Prints and more
Sharp sponsored our recent Film Processing, Scan & Print giveaway!

Dwayne’s Photo Parsons, Kansas USA
http://www.dwaynesphoto.com/
E-6, C-41, BW for your 110, 126, 135, 120, 220, 620 film needs
World recognized as the “last lab on Earth to process Kodachrome”

Blue Moon Camera and Machine Portland, OR USA
http://www.bluemooncamera.com/
C-41 and Black & White for all size film including oddball 616, 620 and other old timey sizes. The perfect shop for personalized service.

Clark Color Labs
http://www.clarkcolor.com
For over 50 years, Clark has been offering their mail-in service. Today, they still offer C-41 film processing for 110, 135 and APS film. Service offered for scan & post on-line.

Clark Color Labs 1979
Clark Color Labs mailer from 1979

John Fedele asked about odd-sized prints. I recommended MPIX. Many size options with great prices and speedy service.

http://www.mpix.com/PrintPricing.aspx

Speaking of PIX, both John and I reminisced about WPIX New York’s on-air TV game from the late 1970s. A viewer would call in and play a video game on the TV. You would activate the game controller by screaming the word “PIX” on your phone to some frazzled engineer playing the video game in the TV station control roon. Wow.


WPIX New York’s PIX on-air game!

All of the labs mentioned above make fine prints and photo books. All highly recommended.



LAST CALL OR KODACHROME

Last Call for Kodachrome!

December 2010 marks the last month that processing is available for Kodak Kodachrome film. The special K-14 process is now available (through 12/30) at Dwayne’s Photo.





Post-Dispatch photographer Robert Cohen found his last roll of Kodachrome 200 and took it to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.



CROSS PROCESSING

“Cross processing (sometimes abbreviated to Xpro) is the procedure of deliberately processing photographic film in a chemical solution intended for a different type of film.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_processing

chuckies in Ikea
example of a cross processed image by FPP listener Jay Panelo
Lomography Xpro Slide 200 film cross-processed in C-41 chemistry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaypanelo/




IMPOSSIBLE PIONEER CARD PROGRAM

I proudly showed-off my Impossible Project Pioneer Card to John and Duane. The Impossible Project makes new film for vintage Polaroid cameras. Their Pioneer Card allows folks who buy their film to receive discounts on purchases.

More here:
http://shop.the-impossible-project.com/pioneer/

IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT SPACE NYC / Kodachrome
pictured: Impossible Project NYC HQ



110 FILM UPDATE

Kodak Kodachrome 64 - 110 Film

In the hope that Kodak would produce “special order” 110 batches of Ektar or Portra, I wrote a letter to Scott P. DiSabato, Marketing Manager, Professional Film, Eastman Kodak Company asking if such an order was possible. Sadly, Scott responded that Kodak’s 110 spooling machinery was “lost to the ages.”

2009 pdnPHOTO Expo - New York
above: Scott P. DiSabato, Marketing Manager, Professional Film, Eastman Kodak Company shot in 2009 on Kodak 400asa 110 film / Pentax Auto 110 camera

below: Eric Joseph, Senior V.P. Merchandising & Product Development, Freestyle Photographic Supplies

2010 PDN Photo Expo NYC

I also wrote a letter to Eric Joseph from Freestyle Photographic asking about the rumor or new 110 film coming from Adox, Europe.

Eric wrote:

Hello Michael,

Good to hear from you. I have had some conversations with Adox on the 110 film.
Bottom line is if they make it available to us we will carry it.

110 size format seems to still be interesting in Japan but here in the States there has been little interest. We don’t get many calls for this format anymore.

Powershovel seems to do a lot with it in Japan and I know that they bought up the last stocks of film from Kodak and Ferrania a while back.

It is kind of a chicken and egg thing. We never brought in the Holga 110 cameras because of the lack of interest in 110 format film and lack of availability. This could change though in the near future.

I will keep you posted.

Talk to you soon.

Eric Joseph
Senior V.P. Merchandising & Product Development
Freestyle Photographic Supplies
www.freestylephoto.biz



RETRO PHOTO MAGAZINES

A brisk discussion on how fun it is to read photo magazines from the 1970s and 1980s. Duane and I perused through the May 1972 issue of Popular Photography Magazine.

Popular Photography May 1972

Freestyle Ad  May 1972
Freestyle Photographic ad from May 1972!!

MamaiyaTLR Ad May1972
Ad found for Mamiya TLR camera / May 1972



FAMOUS BRAND TRIPLE PRINT FILM – 1970s

FAMOUS BRAND Triple Print Color Film / 1970

FAMOUS BRAND Triple Print Color Film / 1970

This popular film from the 1970s was available and could only be processed by the "Jet Age Service" National Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. The special process yielded a print / wallet-sized print sized images.

Service was similar to the program offered by Seattle Film Works in the 1980s.

John Fedele - "Tears in Rain" set
above: John Fedele shot in 1994 on 200 asa Seattle FilmWorks Color Print Film.
The film required special SFW-XL processing available only at Seattle Filmworks.




DREAMING OF A CANHAM LARGE FORMAT CAMERA

A FPP listener wrote in with his dreams of owning a Keith Canham large format camera. "K. B. Canham Cameras, Inc.", specializing in custom made cameras designed for professional photographers. Mr. Canham is working with Kodak on placing special orders for large format film. Check out Keith’s site at
http://www.canhamcameras.com/

Duane also discussed two large format film photographers knowledgeable about lenses:

Jim Galli
http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/

Ole Tjugen
http://www.bruraholo.no/



POLAROID AUTOMATIC 100 LAND CAMERA



below: Behind-The-Scenes shot on the Polaroid Automatic 100 Land Camera

Film Photography Podcast / Episode 23 / December 1, 2010

Film Photography Podcast / Episode 23 / December 1, 2010

More info here:
Polaroid Peel-Apart Primer
http://moominsean.blogspot.com/2008/04/polaroid-primer-peel-apart-films.html

Option 8
http://www.instantoptions.com/

Jammed film pack?
http://www.instantoptions.com/faqs/faqtrouble.fujipacks.php

The Land List -- Using Electronic Flash With Pack Cameras
http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/how2-packflash.htm



CONTEST GIVEAWAYS!

This month we’re giving away:

Kiev 6C 120 camera

Vivitar PN2011 35mm camera

Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (book) by Michelle Bates

To enter our camera giveaways, please send your name, address and a small bit about yourself (and your photography) to FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com

Please put the name of the giveaway in your e-mail header and please remember that if you wish to enter more than one contest, you’ll have to send a separate e-mail for each one.

Emily Savill's Vivitar PN2011
above: The Vivitar PN2011 35mm camera

Our next podcast will be available on December 15. Til then, Shoot some Kodachrome!

- Michael Raso

Special thanks to Rob Nunn
http://www.robnunnphoto.com/

Content © 2010 Film Photography Podcast. All Rights Reserved.