Serious Play

Vintage Canon AE1 Camera

So, I bought myself a Canon AE1 SLR camera.

 

While browsing in my local antique store I spotted her in a locked glass case. I wasn't sure if it was something to get excited about or not. But I keep a running list of vintage cameras that I hear others raving about and using...and this one was on the list!

I asked to see it. To hold it. To inspect it. She was perfect. In perfect condition and all parts working. I have to admit, I did not know too much about this type of camera until I brought her home and read the manual.





This type of camera was made between 1976 and 1984. It was the official camera of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, as well as the first SLR camera to be equipped with a micro-processor. The 'AE' stands for 'automatic exposure' which allowed you to program the camera to set the exposure for you. It was meant to be a straightforward introductory-level camera for SLR beginners, but also has the option to shoot fully manual as well.

This camera is perfect for me. As part of my OLW, I want to expand and exercise my camera skills. I figured that starting back at the basics would be a good idea so that I could learn from the ground up. I also love that this is a film camera. I will have to take it in to be processed. And I will not be able to see my shots and adjust things before taking a more perfected shot. 

So I am risking, just a little bit.

And I cannot tell you how excited this makes me...

 

 

 

Vintage Camera Collection

So, I have a bit of an obsession with cameras.

 

I am by no means a professional when it comes to cameras, just a learner. Most of the cameras I have picked up along the way are ones that I use in some way or another.

 

 

I have a few Polaroid cameras. I am currently using the black One Step with Impossible Project film. It is a bit pricey so I am using the film sparingly but enjoying the mysteriousness of shooting with Polaroid film. The Polaroid Landcamera in the left of the above shot is one of those that pull out with bellows. I have not yet used it as I have not found film for it, but I was told by the seller that it is in working condition.

The Canon is my first DSLR. I have had it for about four years and it has been my tool for learning. I took the Photographer's Workshop with Karen Russell a few years ago but still have a lot to learn and practice.

 

 

The little sparkly camera in the bottom left corner is a Christmas tree ornament that I found at Target last year. I just had to bring it home with me.

The grey Anscoflex is so much fun. I use it to shoot TTV. I constructed a black tube to shut out the light while I shoot my DSLR through the viewfinder of the Anscoflex. It takes such a great warped and vintage-looking photo. It has taken me a while to get the hang of it, but I have captured some pretty cool shots with it.

I also love my white Fuji Instax Mini. I find it is a little sensitive to light, so I have had to figure out when best to use it but the little photos that come out of it are so cute!

I bought the Zeiss Ikon to shoot with real film again. Unfortunately, the winding mechanism inside is not working well, so the film is slipping when I try to use it. Will have to figure something out there.

 

 

The camera down in front with the brown folding leather case is a Voigtlander. I use this one to shoot TTV as well as the Brownie Hawkeye and Kodak Duoflex to the right. I have collected a few of these TTV cameras because each one creates a different effect in the shot due to the lens curvatures, dust-like particles and scratches. I love each one for its uniqueness.

Finally, the little "camera" in the lower right corner is actually a pencil sharpener that my daughter bought for me as a gift. It fits in so well with my little collection.

 

Just sharing this post upon finishing this new camera display. I am in the process of re-arranging and re-organizing my craft room (a bigger job than I initially thought) and the cameras were the first part of my project. I have always wanted a space to put them out where I can see them, so this was a priority.

 

I will share more photos of my craft space soon, but for now...it is too hot to be indoors!

 

 

 

Hipstamatic App

So, I am back and I have finished a roll of Hipstamatic pictures!

 

Have you heard of Hipstamatic? It allows me to take really cool retro photos on my iPhone.

In keeping with the traditional photography methods, this app allows you to take pics, but you cannot see them until you have shot an entire roll, which is 36 pics.

Well, this weekend I finished a roll. The above pics are just a sample of my captures. There are a few in there that I even forgot I took! That just adds to the fun.

You can download the app here... Hipstamatic Disposable

This app is the free one. There are other HIpstamatic apps that offer various features and come with a bit of a price tag, but for now, I am having a lot of fun with the free app.

 

 

 

 

Polaroid Happiness

So, I have caught the Polaroid bug.

 

On the weekend, I purchased this original vintage Polaroid camera at an antique store. I had spied it a few months back, but did not know enough about these cameras and their film to make the investment at the time. So I walked away. Thankfully it was still there when I went back to make the purchase.

Polaroid pics have been popping up all over on the internet and I became very curious. So I set out to do some research. It turns out there is quite a community of Polaroid lovers out there. Here are a few that I discovered in my search...

1. hulaseventy

2. the impossible project

3. melanie rodriquez

4. mocking bird

5. the polaroid party

6. scissors.paper.glue

 

Well, I found myself some film at Urban Outfitters. This is truly a miracle, to have this available in Canada. I am still astounded. It is expensive film. But this will not be used for everyday photos. It will be used to make art.

 

Here is my first shot with my new/old Polaroid camera, and my newly found film...

Looking forward to using it for some special moments during the Christmas season.

 

...and I definitely plan to use it in my December Daily album.