brenda_nelson

<p>I came across some old polaroid photos at my work while cleaning out some old files. They are photos of a chain restaurant from about 10 years ago and are just snapshots, no real composition, not really artistic in any way and were taken just for information purposes prior to a renovation. I love the muted colors of polaroids and would like to do something fun with these photos. They aren't worth just putting into a photo album.<br>

I was hoping that the collective photo community might be able to give me some creative ideas for these photos. What could I do with them? Take them apart to make some type of art? Cut them up some how? Folded into a mini wallet? I've not worked with this type of film enough to really know what cool things could be made from these photos. I have seven photos, so not a whole bunch.<br>

If you've got some fun suggestions...I'd love to hear them. Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>I stopped taking film to Walgreens several years ago. I had tried two different stores in two different states when both had in house developing. In one, the film was printed off from the frame, as if they didn't center the negative when they printed it. They also printed the film backwards, I had taken a photo of a dog looking one direction, when it came back, he was looking the other way! The other time I had them develop, the whole thing came back green-ish. No one was paying attention to any of the chemicals. So I quit. Of course, in both cases, I have the negatives.<br>

I'm lucky enough to live in an area with some "real" photo stores who send out to "real" labs and so far had good luck. But for others, there's always dwaynesphoto.com, they are supposed to be great. Yes you're mailing it out and paying for it, but you should get quality. I'm in my 30s and I remember taking film to the drugstore and waiting a week or so before getting it back, then I remember 1-hr photo places starting up. All we need to remember is that we need to revert back to that waiting period. Of course, this is knowing that film developers are disappearing everywhere.</p>

<p>I really appreicate everyone's thoughts on this. I'm not always able to pinpoint why I do or don't like a certain trend and I think that you've hit on some really great points. These discussions really help me take a look at a topic from another viewpoint. Thanks!</p>

<p>I've noticed over the past few months a growing trend in every area of photography where it's now cool to make a photo look like it's from 40-80 years ago. I'm looking for a house and have even seen some realtors do this with their online listings.<br>

I have a growing collection of old box cameras, the simpler and cheaper the better. I try to get those that take 35 or 120 film so I can actually use them and with some of my 1920's Kodaks I actually get the vintage/retro look just because of the camera and lens itself. I took a photo of my niece a few weeks back with my Polaroid (yes...I still have some film) and it looked like it was straight from the 80s. Call me odd, but rather than take the time to snap a shot digitally, then upload it to the computer, then photoshop it to look retro...wouldn't it be just as easy to grab and old camera and film and get the real thing? There are still places that develop film if you don't do it yourself.<br>

I just wondered what others might think of this current trend?</p>

<p>Thanks guys! I'll have to give it a try next weekend as I'm headed out for the week due to work - but I'll post my results. The help is appreciated!!!</p>

<p>I bought my first folding camera yesterday, a Kodak 3A Folding Pocket Camera. Found it for $17 at one of those antique stores where stuff is piled on stuff. It's a bit dirty and the leather's a bit worn in some places but looks like the shutter and bellows (red) are in really great shape. Here's my problem that I discovered last night. The back is stuck!<br>

For those familiar, you know that to remove the back, you pinch the two levers on each side and lift up. On one side, the lever seems to be working fine and that side feels like it would come up. On the other side, the lever appears to be bent or stuck in the "open" position and that side of the back won't budge! This is my first folder and therefore don't really know the mechanisms, so before I go grab a screwdriver and start hacking away (guaranteed to ruin the camera!), I thought I'd see if anyone has some suggestions on how to get it open/fixed.<br>

Also - one end of the leather is peeling off, what is the best glue/method for reattaching it? Thanks!</p>

<p>James - I agree, keep "thinning the herd". For me, a collection has to be as beautiful to look at as it is fun to collect. So with my cameras, my goal is that they never look like clutter. That's different for everyone and depends on each space of course. My other rule is that each camera has to be useful - working shutters, the ability to run some type of film through it etc.<br>

Dale - I took a class once on museums, there are thousands out there on every subject. Full of someone's "collection", so we're not alone! I do like the words of advice above, it's only a problem when it affects your quality of life or takes precedence over you/your family's health and safety.</p>

<p>I just got one of these a couple of months ago but haven't had the chance to test it out yet. I'm looking forward to it - thanks for sharing images!</p>

<p>Interesting...I didn't get involved in Polaroid until they were stopping production, I'd love to play with it more and hope that someone is able to manufacture it again.<br>

Actually, I was watching "The Rachel Zoe Project" on Bravo the other night and noticed Rachel taking polaroids of her clients with a relatively new camera, but I was wondering where she was getting the film. (She is a celebrity stylist and was taking pics of looks for her clients. And yes, you can make fun of my show choices!) I've seen her use a digital in other episodes and so I was extra surprised by the polaroid. I could see in that type of environment how useful the actual prints could be instead of digital. Yes, digital can be printed with some type of relative quickness, but it's so easy just to snap that polaroid and put all the prints next to one another for comparisons. That episode would've been filmed probably in the past 6-7 months, so after polaroid film production stopped. Now I'll pay extra attention to see how often that polaroid gets used on the show!</p>

 

<p>Reading this thread helped me feel a little better today. I just tried to drop of a roll of B&W 35mm to get it developed in the store and discovered that WalMart no longer does this. I found one Walgreens and I know that there's one camera shop in our town (about 40,000 people). Otherwise film has to be sent out to be developed now. <br>

I just started to get into photography purely as a hobby. I've always loved it, but never really got into it too much until taking a photo class in grad school about 4 yrs ago. I doubt I'll ever have more than an occasional, and accidental, great shot. So I've been trying to buy the old, original point and shoots - as in box cameras. It's my goal to have all the colors of the Rainbow Hawkeyes, Sabre 620 and Brownie Starflash. I know they don't have great lenses, but the effects are just fun for me - that's why in my early 30s I'd rather use those. AND, even though technology doesn't scare me, I really like the idea of having to compose my pictures without using all the settings, so I have to pay attention to the natural light more and I like the way that I've become much more aware of my daily surroundings because of this. There are no flashes on the 50th anniversary Brownie or even more than one aperature setting. It really forces me to think about the photograph.<br>

Yes, I'd like a nice Mamiya or Yashica, but I can't afford those right now - meanwhile I've amassed a nice display of workable, useable and just plain fun $10 cameras!<br>

Now - I just gotta move into a bigger place so I can set up that darkroom...!</p>

<p>I haven't bought from this site (yet), but <a href="http://www.frugalphotographer.com">www.frugalphotographer.com</a> sells 127 in color. If you're like me and there isn't really a professional lab anywhere near you, then it sounds like Dwayne's photo is the place to send it for developing, although I have yet to send anything to them. I'd search this site for other people's reviews on both places then draw your own conclusions.</p>

 

<p>Thank you all for your answers. It sounds like printing my pictures or scanning them is certainly something that depends on the individual. Eventually I'd like to have both! <br>

Charles - thanks for all the tips on the trays/tanks etc...now I know what to look for and will make sure that everything isn't too stained/cracked/bent etc. I wondered if washing in soap was good or bad because I didn't know if anyone had problems with soap residue. I had assumed after each use that one heck of a good rinse was the key. Yep...I'm definitely a newbie!<br>

Someone is selling the whole lot for $40 including an enlarger (which I think is a Beseler 35 printmaker, although someone else has a 23C listed a day later on craigslist). It might be worth it, but I'll inspect things first. Since it seems that the enlargers are cheaper to get started with, I may print then save up for a scanner that's a little higher in quality. <br>

Thanks again everyone...I really appreciate the feedback!</p>

<p>I'm interested in developing my own film and am relatively new to the whole process. I've grasped a basic understanding of how it all works but would appreciate some more info from those of you who have experience. Developing the film seems like the least expensive part of the process and requires the least amount of space. <br>

I have some specific questions that I can't find internet answers to.<br>

After the film is developed, what's the best next step? Should I invest in an enlarger and all the stuff that goes with it? Or should I invest in a good neg scanner then have prints made at a local photo printer? <br>

I also found used darkroom equipment for sale on craigslist and am considering it. Other threads have given me great insite on enlargers. However, what about buying used trays, reels, tanks, and chemicals? One person is selling the whole lot, and I've mostly got questions about the chemicals. He said they were 5-6 yrs old. Should used trays etc be cleaned in some way before using?<br>

I'm shooting my first roll of 120, and of course 35mm. I also have classic cameras that use 110, 126, and 127 and would be interested in developing those as well. I figure I'll have to buy the correct reels for those at a later time.<br>

I'm very much an amateur so would like beginner's equipment. After several months of researching this, I'd like to pick up some items this weekend, since I'll be in a town with a great store for the basics (if I buy new). Thanks all.</p>

<p>John - Thanks! I gotta learn how to read the fronts of cameras a little better I guess! Then I would've found those posts before adding this one.</p>

<p>I just came back from a local antique mall where I saw the strangest camera, I'm hoping that someone on here might be able to shed a little light on it. It said "foton III" on the front of it and this thing was large! I'm guessing it was close to a foot across and about 6 inches or more high. There were some typed instructions with it and when I glanced over them, it said it would take "x" amount of pictures on one charge. There was a cartridge that was just popped into the back that said it was a 10 picture magazine (or something similar to that). It looked like there was a charging cord of some kind with it and there were a couple of buttons on top that were for close and far distances. I couldn't really figure out where the actual shutter button was.<br>

When I searched the internet, all I could find on a foton camera was a rangefinder from Bell & Howard, rest assured that this is not the same thing! Sorry, I didn't have a digital camera with me to take a picture to add to this post, but the price on this thing was only $17. Does anyone have any clue about it?<br>

Thanks!</p>

<p>Thanks everyone! The more I get interested in these old cameras, the more I'm realizing I need to invest in the developing equipment. I did some back in high school, so at least I have a small understanding of it. <br>

I've had some people say that respooling 120 onto 620 spools is really kind of a pain, but everyone on this site seems to find it no problem, so I'm guessing it's a matter of practice and whether or not you want to take time to do that. There are enough 620 cameras out there with at least the take up spool that getting the spools should be at least do-able!<br>

Thanks again for the comments on 35mm in this camera. </p>

<p>Hi all,<br>

I wondered if anyone knew if it would be possible to rig up a Sabre 620 to use 35mm film? I love the look of these cameras and would like to get one, but I promised myself that I would only buy cameras that I could actually use (unless it's a rare model!). As of now I don't have the darkroom/darkbag and spools to re-roll 120 onto a 620 spool and don't know how to develop film myself. I also love the look of a photo over the sprockets on 35mm and am itching to try it myself.<br>

I'm guessing that the biggest issue with this camera is whether or not there is enough space for the 35mm canister. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate the advice. </p>

<p>Thanks everyone! Yep - you were right, it is the Ansco Rediflex. I looked up the picture online. I guess my memory is starting to get really bad! Thanks for letting me know that it takes 620 film too. I've already got a Target 620 so I may tackle re-rolling film for that before getting another 620 film camera.</p>

<p>I need some help with this one. I just went to our local antique mall and found an Ansco Roliflex camera. That is the way that it's spelled on the front of the camera, not the typical Rolleiflex. I can't find a thing on the internet about this camera. It's lightweight, but in general has the same look as the Rolleiflex cameras that have been talked about so much here. Does anyone know about this other version? I didn't get it, but wondered if I should, it was priced at $15. Thanks!</p>

<p>Thanks Paul! I've got some small blue bulbs, a couple of boxes of clear bulbs of the same size, several cubes, 3 larger clear bulbs and one flashbar for the polaroid cameras from the 80s (those I remember!).<br>

The 620 film is still in it's box and I can't find on the outside of the box where it says what kind of processing. The expiration date is 1980, so maybe there's a shot of it being C-41. If not, there's a pretty good camera store here in town that might be able to help me out. The film was in a hodge podge bag (a gallon size storage bag) with all this stuff, so I highly doubt that it's ever been stored properly and my camera needs a good cleaning before I load it. Combine that with my VERY amatuer photo skills - heck, I'd be happy to just get <em>something</em> to develop. But I really appreciate the heads up about the cost and potential issues.<br>

If anyone else has some tips on the best way to use this - I'd really appreciate it!<br>

(by the way - I paid $2 for the whole bag of goodies which also included some polaroid film and a roll of 126)</p>

<p>I may have just answered one of my questions. It's camera research night and I just realized that my Brownie Target Six-20 takes, guess what!, C 620 film AND after I finally figured out how to open this thing (I've had it for years and haven't been able to!) I discovered a left over empty roll already in it - I'm so exicted!<br>

But I'm still wondering about the old flashbulbs if anyone has some advice. Thanks.</p>

<p>I have a two part question. I hit the local antique mall today and scored a big bag of "goodies". There was a roll of C 620 film, still sealed in the box. And I'm wondering, what cameras take this film? There was a forum that talked about the difference between 120 and 620 and I gathered that some Brownie cameras take it, can anyone give me some cameras that they know use this film?<br>

And my second question is that I got a whole boatload of old flashcubes and bulbs in the same bag. I'm young enough that I only remember built-in flashes not the cubes/bulbs. I'm wondering if older bulbs are safe to use? I have managed to pick up a couple of cameras over the past year that may take some of these flashes, but don't want any exploding on me! This may be a silly question for some of you pros, but I'm still learning. Thanks everyone!</p>

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm still young enough to only remember the polaroid film that develops after a minute or two - not the peel apart kind. I would've bought the film at Kmart and been very disappointed!

Thanks guys! I swear that I saw some actual Polaroid film at Kmart a couple weeks ago that said 600 on it. It was right next to the classic Polaroid camera that they still sell! Would that be the same kind of film that you've mentioned?

 

Rob - I've had a bad day, you made me laugh - thanks! :-)

I very recently got interested in really cheap cameras, new or old. I'm curious about the photos they might produce.

It got me wondering, what is the cheapest camera you've ever purchased? Thought that it might be fun to see who

has found the best "bargain". Free doesn't count!

I got a Kodak Instamatic 44 from my Mom's flea market for a quarter, but I'm not sure I'll be able to use it. The one

that makes me laugh out loud though is the $1.60 I paid for a new, 35mm manual point and shoot I got at Kmart a

couple weeks ago. That price included a roll of film, AA battery and sales tax.