What's in Your Camera Bag? No. 5

by Kyle White

I first fell in love with film photography last year when I first tested my father’s 1974 Canon Ftb. The photos turned out so close to what I originally envisioned that I was hooked! I’ve been testing and growing with film photography ever since.  I recently had a small shoot in downtown Salt Lake City and used the following equipment:

·         -Nikon F100 w/ 85mm f.18 lens

·         -Mamiya RZ67 w/ Polaroid Film Back

·         -Polaroid SX-70 – Sonar OneStep

The Nikon F100 has been my bread and butter ever since I decided to get a little more serious with shooting film. It’s a wonderful 35mm SLR that has simple functions that give you great control over your shots. I especially like the multiple exposures function in order to take double exposures.  One thing I don’t like about it is that the battery dies really quickly after showing “half full”. I have since got used to conserving battery by removing the battery casing after each use.  The 85mm 1.8 lens produces amazing results that have even been mistaken for medium format sometimes.  I mainly use manual focus, but it’s nice every now and then to have the autofocus function. It’s perfect for portraits.

 The Mamiya RZ67 is such an awesome and versatile tool.  I love the interchangeable back and use it to mostly shoot Fuji Polaroid film lately. It’s so fun and addictive to shoot polaroids! I highly recommend it.  The fact that everything is manual with the RZ67, helps me compose and take time to think about all facets in order to make a better shot. The only bad part about the RZ67, or “Bessie” as I call it, is how heavy it is. The weight is fine though because it makes it feel like a real art machine every time I hold it. When that shutters fires, you can really feel it.

 

 

Speaking of Polaroids, the SX-70 is a fun little machine that’s easy to take anywhere. The great thing to me about the SX-70 is that you’re able to have a little more control over things like focus and brightness when shooting Polaroid film.  Even with those extra controls though, you can’t fully predict how the Polaroid going to turn out; but then again that’s why it’s so great! The imperfections make it something that you couldn't plan on, and that what makes it beautiful. This shot was taken with expired film.

 Along with those cameras in my bag, I usually carry things like extra film, a reflector, lens pen, and a gorilla pod just in case.

No matter what cameras or equipment I use, I love that film photography is a medium that allows me to create something that feels more like a little piece of art. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor so far. The best shots are yet to come!

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Thank you Kyle for writing this article! Give him some love,

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Analog Revival

June Film DIY

Once again, this week's film DIY comes from our friends at Photojojo! We love their creative ideas.

Make A Film Canister Bracelet

Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3

What’s your photo sign? Black and white? Maybe you’re a die-hard Fuji fan. Or it’s Kodak Portra that really makes you swoon.

This DIY film canister bracelet will tell your new photo friends what your favorites are! They won’t even have to ask.

With a little plying, you’ll be able to recycle your film canisters into jelly-worthy cuffs.

We can see it now. New friendships blooming over your shared love of grain!

Make A Film Canister Bracelet

p.s. Having trouble finding time to learn more about photography in your packed scheddy? Check out our pals at the New York Institute of Photography! They have primo classes you can take from anywhere on your own time.

WHY IT’S COOL:

Sports fans have their favorite jerseys, music junkies have their favorite band-tee from that epic tour, and photogs have…camera straps?

We all love to show our pride for our favorite things in life, and this film canister bangle is a great way to do just that.

It’s super simple and customizable. Whether you’re a diehard black & white fan ready to ditch your color vision, or a slide film lover who isn’t willing to wear a shirt that’s a transparency, this film bangle is an awesome way to show off your favorite film.

INGREDIENTS:

• Two Empty Film Canisters
• A Can Opener
• Pliers
• Super glue or other effective adhesive
• A ruler or straight edge

STEP 1: POPPING THE ENDS OFF THE CANISTER

Take your can opener and use it to pull off each end of the canister. It might take a little bit of force, but try to be gentle in order to keep the canister in good condition.

STEP 2: SPREAD THE CANISTER OUT

Now that you have the ends off of the canister, spread it flat. The canister might kink or dent if you pull it too quickly or strongly, so be nice!

STEP 3: FOLD IN THE EDGE

The sides of the canister can be pretty sharp, so we’re going to crimp then in with a set of pliers. This also gives your bangle a little more rigidity so it won’t bend out of shape.

First, take your pliers and fold in the edge along the entire length and on either side. You don’t want to cover up what your canister looks like, so only do this for a thin strip. It should fold in to an angle just past 90 degrees.

STEP 4: PRESS DOWN THE EDGE

Here’s where you need your ruler. The pliers might mark up the canister, so place it on the ruler with the label facing down.

Take your pliers and clamp down on the edge so that it’s nice and flat. Do this along the entire length and on either side.

STEP 5: STICK THEM TOGETHER

Add some super glue or other effective adhesive onto the end of each canister and stick them together. Then, bend them around your wrist so that it’s shaped like a bracelet.

You’re done! Go rock the look.

TAKE IT FURTHER

• Make a belt: use a bunch of canisters to make a canister belt!
• Make a braided bracelet: cut the canisters into snips and try to weave them together!
• Make a charm bracelet: cut the canister into small pieces and make little charms to string together. One for each type of film!
• Make a USB Film Roll: It’s a USB stick inside a film canister!
• Make a Film Roll Magnet: stick those to-do lists on the fridge with your favorite film canisters!

Thank you for reading, and give our friends at Photojojo some love! 

Article by Photojojo

Copyright 2013

Analog Revival

February Film DIY

Check out this super simple, super functional film canister photo stand. It only takes a few minutes and it’ll definitely spice up your room!

You’ll need these materials:

• 35mm film canisters- however many stands you’d like to make (one canister makes one holder)
• Box cutter
• magnets, small enough to fit inside of the film canisters (two magnets for every photo holder)
• Super glue
• A writing utencil
• A cardboard box

Steps

1. Take the box cutter and cut one canister all the way around the middle. Try to make it as straight as possible but it doesn’t need to be perfect.

2. Cut off a section of the box and trace the inside of the canister on the cardboard. Cut out the circles and repeat this step until you have about ten pieces, you will need enough to fill both sides of the canister.

3. You’ll need to fill up each side of the canister with the cardboard circles. Put a dot of super glue on the bottom of each side and place a circle on top. Continue putting glue on each piece until each sides are filled nearly to the top.

4. Lastly, glue one magnet to each side of the canister. Make sure that the sides of the magnets that face out are opposites so they will stick together.

You’re done! Just place your picture between the two magnets and... walah!

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Thank you for reading this weeks Film DIY 

Check back on the First Sunday of every month for more fun things to do with film!

Look for our Interview with Tuck Chaylor next sunday

©Analog Revival 2013