Classic film cameras collection

Photography has evolved so much through the decades, making tremendous strides in the digital era. In the medium-format era of the 1930s-1940s, photographers were often seen wielding their "compact" medium format cameras such as the Rolleiflex or Hasselblad, compact compared to the gigantic Graflex cameras they used to carry! Along came the Leica M3 which introduced a brand new 35mm film format, and radically changing what a portable camera system meant. 

The 35mm film format was popular for more than 60 years, from the 1940s to the turn of the century. It witnessed the rise and fall of rangefinder cameras, to the dominance of the single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. Legends such as the Nikon F series and Canon F-1 came into the scene and defined professional photography, although some marques like Olympus and Pentax did create some unique alternatives such as the Olympus OM4 and Pentax LX) to the huge and cumbersome professional SLRs. Around the year 2000, digital SLRs became more affordable and film never regained its former glory, although die-hard enthusiasts maintained that film delivers a special kind of magic that digital can never replicate!

This photo shows some of the film (and usually mechanical) cameras that I've collected over the years. I love the iconic camera designs and build quality - they just don't make things like these anymore!

My favourite quote on originality

 
Nothing is original.

Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows.

Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it.

In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to."

Jim Armusch
American independent film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, editor and composer 

Is photojournalism really neutral?

Many photojournalists pride themselves on delivering a neutral account of the events unfolding on the ground, but there have been numerous discussions as to how this is impossible. Every photojournalists are individuals with their own inherent beliefs, which affects the way they select their viewpoint or frame their composition.

This video takes it a step further by examining how photographs can exaggerate the situation through selective portrayal of the situation, and how the presence of journalists alone can change the scene and behaviour of the subjects.

Kodak discontinues E6 slidefilm

In yet another stunning announcement (after they killed off Kodachrome, declared bankruptcy and sold off their digital imaging division), Kodak has now announced that they are discontinuing all E6 slide film production. Kodak insisted that film production is still profitable, but the recent announcements seem to suggests otherwise. They will continue manufacturing Portra films, Ektar films and black-and-white films.

I'm gonna get as much of the remaining stocks while I can. And it will be a dark day when Ektar or Tri-X dies due to the boffins in charge of the once glorious Kodak.

Read more about it at this link.

WWII photos of Nazi Germany - in colour!

 

Photography by Hugo Jaeger

Most of the photo documenting the Second World War were shot in grainy black & white film, which is why it may come as a surprise that Hitler and his Third Reich Germany were photographed in color, no doubt for propaganda purposes. Thanks to Hugo Jaeger's photography, we can witness the Nazi era in full Kodachrome colour - which really looks eerily surreal given the modernity of colour. In fact, they look like they came off the set of a movie! Be sure to check out Hugo Jaeger's colour photos of Nazi Germany at this link. 

Fuji X100 - now available in black

Fuji is offering a limited (10,000 pcs actually) number of their X100 cameras in black, presumably making it more stealthy and professional looking. The only catch is the price of USD1700, which is significantly more than the usual silver X100. It does come with a leather cover, lens hood and protective filter though, but I'm not sure if the overall package is worth so much more than the USD1200 standard silver model. Still that's an option for those of us who have the extra dough in the pocket... I'm hanging out for the pink Hello Kitty version rumoured to be in the works.

An interview with Mary Ellen Mark

Mary Ellen Mark is one of my favourite photographers. Her photographs are starkly beautiful and peer deep into the souls of the subject; they make you want to keep staring and examining the depth of the photos. In this short video, she spoke about her way of photography and how she worked, which was seriously candid, humble and pensive.

Seriously, do not miss this 3:45min video for anything in the world. Your point of view may just be totally changed…

Gigantic 35-feet film negatives put digital cameras to shame

 
Think film is dead? Think again!

Chicago photographer Dennis Manarchy created a giant camera capable of producing 35-feet high single sheet negatives that blows all other film and digital formats out of the water with its astounding resolution. The downside? It costs US$50k to get your photo taken... Still it's a bargain if you have enough dough to buy a building so you can plaster your gigantic photo across its facade!