Among other hobbies of mine which drain money from my wallet, I have a modest collection of old cameras. Not to turn this into RichardsPhotoBlog, but most of the cameras take 120 (medium format) film, utilizing a negative that is roughly 4 times the size of a 35mm negative. Everything being equal, the larger the negative, the more detail which can be captured. However, these old cameras (3 of my favorites date from the decades of the 1940s and ‘50s) have inferior lenses compared to “modern” film cameras. These cameras are also completely manual in operation: there are no batteries installed, no light meters, no (gasp!) auto-focus. Yet the larger negatives can produce results which a technically better 35mm camera cannot. Part of the fun is to see if I can A) load film into them; B) operate the controls; and C) produce acceptable images.
I’m not the first with this idea (check out Murilee Martin, who’s carved out a corner of the Internet by combining his passions for cars and film photography) , but when I remember to bring an old camera, I’ve enjoyed using it to photograph show cars. This all came to mind recently when I uncovered a few envelopes of prints. My photos go into albums in somewhat chronological order, and I had not attended to that task in several years. Hence, the subject of this week’s blog post. The pictures I found had been taken during the summer of 2021, when I attended 3 different events, each time with a film camera in tow. Posted below are samples of the results. There is definitely a softness, a color shift, an old-world quality to film that digital does not possess. I did use an older (1981) 35mm film camera for some of the snaps, and I’ve indicated that below. See what you think compared to the cold perfection of digital.
NESHANIC STATION NJ CAR SHOW, 120 FILM CAMERA
NEW HOPE PA AUTO SHOW, 120 FILM CAMERA
AACA NATIONAL, SARATOGA SPRINGS NY, 35MM CAMERA
All photographs copyright © 2023 Richard A. Reina. Photos may not be copied or reproduced without express written permission.
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Rich, Nice pictures. You have a talent. Thanks! Hugh
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Hi Hugh, thanks as always for your kind comments! Best, Richard
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Well, wh
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I recognize the last couple of photos from Saratoga Springs.
The fuzziness or depth of field I guess is characteristic of your older camera.
I still have one of the first small body 35mm cameras, an Olympus OM-1N from the 80s. Have not used it forever. Where would you recommend buying and processing film from/at?
I’ve been meaning to compliment you on that heartwarming story on the car you purchased from your friend. What a nice legacy.
I had been pursuing a ’48 Packard Convertible since late spring, but have put that on hold. I can’t find a garage to rent. It is also a big car at 17.7 ft (212.6”). The trans, o.d., engine are rebuilt along with new paint and a top in great condition. The only catch is the interior needs to be redone and thankfully it’s not leather. I have sourced vinyl and inserts very close to the original. The present interior is livable and a bit faded.
Hope to see you Dec 7 at Holiday Party.
Regards
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Bob, thanks for your comments! I buy most of my film from B&H Photo in NYC. They have an excellent website. For developing, there are a few places in NJ which accept mail-order. We can discuss more the next time we see each other. Yes, I will be at the December holiday party. Best, Richard
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Hej, H.T.,
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div>Sometimes old tech is better. Those shots are a gre
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Hi Steve, thanks for your comments, it looks like the text got cut off! And yes, I mis-identified the Ford and need to correct that. Best, Richard
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When I was still in Brazil (I came to Canada in 2015) quite often I would cross paths with some guy taking pictures of classic cars, using vintage cameras. Another thing I noticed was they were impeccably dressed, which is unusual since car guys have zero fashion sense. One day I approached one of them and inquired about the camera and he said that this trend is all about the art of analog photography, the art of getting the right picture on the first attempt, and also all the art of developing the film.
I think this is absolutely fantastic.
Now we have one more obsolete machine to worship, one more among cars, bikes, wristwatches, and turntables.
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Thank you for your insightful comment! I had a similar experience at a car show earlier this year, when a 30-something year old fellow, nicely dressed, was taking photos of my car with a film camera. We had a brief discussion about our shared hobbies. Best, Richard
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