I got a new camera.
I know, right? It's honestly the last thing I really need. Because I already have two cameras. That's, like, twice as many as I can use at one time. One for each hand. Now I'm going to have to start taking pictures with my feet. And that's just going to be awkward for everyone.
But I'm going to let you in on another little secret. There's something different about this camera.
Take a look. What's missing?
Short answer is, you can't. Long answer is, you can not.
Just kidding. Except . . . I'm also serious. Yup, it's film! My first film camera, since my little baby Olympus point and shoot in middle school, or something like that. And the first time, for me, that I have to just guess exposure and hope that things work out ok.
So yeah, it's a pretty heady sensation. And I know, everyone used to shoot film. That was the only option. So I shouldn't make a big deal out of doing it myself now, except that it feels like a pretty big deal. And it also feels a little decadent, and risky, and magical. And the anticipation of waiting for the negatives to be developed is killer.
It's a Canon Elan 7n, if anyone's wondering. I bought it used off Amazon for $44 plus shipping. The person I bought it from even threw in this bag, which was pretty cool of them! I can use all of my Canon full frame lenses with it, so it's not a huge investment, which is always good.
And mostly, it's fun. It's something different. I like to think that it will help me become a more careful shooter, and help me think through each shot before I push the trigger. In the week I've had it, I haven't shot much digital for fun at all, since this camera is my new fun camera. We'll see if that holds true. Chances are, I'll still probably be mostly digital.
But now, a little analog too.
Come back tomorrow to see some of the scans from my first two rolls of film!
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Wow! Congratulations!!! Yes, film is decadent, risky, and magical. What a wonderful description! What film stock are you shooting with? If b&w, are you going to develop it yourself?
ReplyDeleteI remember developing my film in college in my kitchen sink (first I put it on the reels in a small closet), and hanging them to dry from wire hangers in the shower. I think that is how I feel in love with photography so much. That process was delicate and meditative and also full of anticipation!
Good luck, and please make digital scans so we can see them on the interwebs!
Oh man, I am so not ready to develop my own film. Want to come down again and teach me how? But it has been kind of fun so far. I am not ready to stop this little experiment. So far, I've stuck with color - Portra and Ektar, just because they called out to me first. But I want to try many others. We'll see if my wallet can stand the strain!
ReplyDeleteYes! Of course I do! There are ways to do it cheaper if you really get the bug. Buy bulk b&w film, roll it yourself, buy chemicals to develop in your sink and a nice scanner to scan the negatives. But color is so fun! I hope someday my digital photography can support some film photography on the side.
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