"Alternative" Camera Photographers

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I was just wondering if any of you ever use "alternative" cameras such as toy Holgas, pinholes or old box Brownies? Do you think these cameras have a place in serious image making?

In the past few years I've been finding myself using such cameras when a desired effect or mood is better served by using a particular camera, because of it's "personality".

I'm just wondering what you think.

-- Chuck Baker (cbaker@skypub.com), May 07, 1998

Answers

"Alternative"

Absolutely. It is my belief, and I may be going out on a flimsy limb here, that the impression an image makes on friends and family is far more important than the "how" of the image. Rarely do they ask which camera or the exposure settings I used to make a photo.

Only recently did I become so interested in black and white photography and from that interest also grew an interest in collecting photographica. About six weeks ago my grandmother gave me her Six-20 Bullseye that she bought used in California (where my grandfather was stationed prior to going to the Phillipines during WW II) to add to my collection of "basic boxes." Feeling a bit sentimental and because I'm partial to the 6x9 format, I decided to give the Bullseye a try and was surprised with the results-- I've since put four rolls through it. Granted, by no means is every frame perfect nor do I plan to abadon my other cameras, but the Bullseye is indeed capable of producing some striking images.

There are, however, a few tricks that I use. First, I use Tri-X at EI 400 simply because it's a tad cheaper than TMAX and I seem to get better developing results with Tri-X. Secondly, with a series 6 adapter ring, a short piece of cardboard tube, and a few rubber o-rings, I rigged a filter holder over the lens; thus my semblance of exposure control. Finally, I develop with 1:3 dilution of Xtol at Kodak's recommended times.

-- Wes Sechler (wes_sechler@muccmail.missouri.edu), May 07, 1998.


Brownies

Hi Wes,

Take a look at: http://members.aol.com/Chuck02178/brownie.htm

Check out the gallery if you get a moment.

-- Chuck Baker (cbaker@skypub.com), May 11, 1998.


I just completed a Pinhole/Plastic Camera class at UC Extension in San Francisco. We are having a show that opens tonight at the school. The work is quite impressive. I have worked for just over a year with Holgas and just recently obtained a Diana. These cameras are wonderful tools for expressing your vision. I notice that I shoot in a more playful, risk-taking manner with them, much more open to the elements of chance involved with this equipment. These cameras do not allow me to utilize the full gamut of technical photographic knowledge I possess, as the controls are very limited; this leaves me free to explore composition, light and atmosphere. The images that emerge from these cameras can be truly amazing- surreal, atmospheric, very evocative. It is true that some people cannot get past the lack of sharpness and distortion, but I say that is their loss. I have produced equally powerful images with both plastic and "real" cameras. Many plastic camera images are as if I have photographed my day/night dreams. The Holga and Diana are two, among the many, very important and useful tools I use to express my photographic vision. As with any photographic tool, the most crucial element is the eye and brain behind the viewfinder.

Thanks for bringing these wonderful cameras into the conversation.

Jon

-- Jon J. Eilenberg (jon.eilenberg@westgroup.com), May 07, 1998.


Alternative cameras

While not quite the same as you were talking about I have been using a beautiful Mamiya C220 TLR recently and absolutely loving it. I have attached a side grip to it and shoot handheld (the way it was meant to be used) downtown because I found that tripods for me are creativity killers. I can shoot almost as easily as with a 35mm and the square format and tonal qualities are so different from what I am used to that it has opened up a whole new world to me. The reaction I get from people is extrememly positive and most young people think the old fashioned look of the camera is 'totally cool'. I shot 3 films in it yesterday and they were possibly the best I have ever taken (I am going to try PMK next Michael). My next camera is going to be a Brownie and as I ride a bike alot I want to get a little Instamatic-like cheapo to shoot while I am riding and be able to capture fleeting images. I think the plastic lens and fixed features will certainly result in some interesting images. Thanks for asking this question Chuck.

-- Andy Laycock (agl@intergate.bc.ca), May 10, 1998.

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