Fallbrook, CA | Canon T2i | Canon 50mm f/1.8 | January 13, 2012
Before memory cards and usb cords. Before external hard drives and photoshop/lightroom. Before I ventured and immersed myself into photography, when my subjects were merely for personal documentation, I shot film. Granted, the saturation of digital cameras was not common place. Also, be it said that my process of capturing was automatic, that the film camera I had at the time was basic.
Certain events in my life were a catalyst for thought and reflection. I placed into my hands, a $100 Kodak 3mp digital camera. Over the years it evolved into my first DSLR – the Nikon D50. No need to argue Canon or Nikon. I would have done either or, yet the Canon XT was too small for my hands.
My next companion was a Nikon D300 and in the past year or so, it included the Canon T2i. Digital photography has its use and is the manner that many choose to document their views.
A while back a friend of mine, Jennifer Fox, had purchased a Holga camera. It had crossed my mind although I put the engagement off (and for too long). Recalling her excitement to shoot film it had inspired me to buy one of my own. Yet a few years later, recollection of her interaction with the camera sparked a passion I had to reconnect with film once more. Ed Little Jr.’s passion for film also remained in the fore thought. He is fellow native photographer that I felt I can connect with, and his work that I can honestly say I admire.
Last fall, I purchased a 35mm square format Mini-Diana, which led to a Holga Sprocket Rocket – although it only has seen a few rolls. I continued to shoot with the Mini Diana. Upon dropping off film at the local camera shop, Nelsons Photos in San Diego, I developed a repoire with several of the staff there.
Upon a discussion of a desire to invest in medium film format (and higher quality than the Holga), which captured square images, a Yashica Mat 124 G was on the radar. The lady at the shop mentioned that she ran across a clean Yashica at the La Jolla camera shop. Possibly recklessly budget wise, I drove straight to the camera shop to check out the camera. I was sold. It was sold – to me.
Film photography is where my heart is at. I have felt a resurgence to work with film on a regular basis. Even more so, that I find myself leaving my digital cameras at home and grabbing several rolls of film – color, black & white.
I have since purchased the Ricoh KR-5 Super off of shopgoodwill.com, and have several rolls of negatives to scan.
UPDATE: 01/30/2012
I have posted the first series captured on the Ricoh KR-5 Super. Check out Film Series – Ricoh KR-5 Super and Hoover Dam.
