35Film120 - My Film Only Instagram

I regularly use Instagram for my studio based portrait & beauty digital photography.  I use StevenBrokaw for this side of Instagram.  However, I shoot lots of film, but I don't put any of this work on my Instagram page.  Except for now!!

I recently launched a second account which is film photography related only.  I've named it 35Film120.  Why this name?  Honestly I couldn't think of anything catchy.  I'm under the impression the audience for film images is different than my studio work.  Therefore, a separate account.

The goal is to use 35Film120 for film photos using all types of cameras...and trust me, I have them plenty.  Although 35 & 120 is my preferred sized film I also shoot 110, 126, 620, Impossible Project. You get the idea.  I also intend to post behind the scenes, etc.  I'll try to include camera type and film stock used on each image.  

Already having fun posting recent photos.  I might occasionally post one from the archive as well!

Is That A Camera In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me

Back in the day, 110 sized film cameras were the bomb.  Everyone had one, and everyone processed the film.  These camera were easy to use, rarely a battery and mostly point & shoots.  The film was self contained with no mess or fuss.

If people still shoot film it's mainly 35mm, 120mm or instant film format.  There are several large format film shooters, but rarely do you find 110 film being used.   That doesn't mean you can't shoot these cute little cameras.  I still do for giggles.  I probably have 5 110 sized cameras.  Lomography produces the film that I'm using, Lomography Tiger 200 Color is actually quite good.  They also produce Orca B&W.  

I found this Keystone Pocket-Matic 101 110 sized camera the other day at Goodwill, and loaded it up.  Just finished the roll tonight and will be sending it to The Darkroom over the weekend to see how it turned out. Should be groovy.  I'll report back.

Kodak Ektralite 10

Picked up a Kodak Ektralite 10 from Goodwill some time ago.  This is a cool little 110 sized film camera.  Super easy to use.  And yes, they still make 110 film.  I used Lomography Color Tiger 200 110 film.  Just open the film door in the back, and drop in a 110 film cartridge.  Close the film door, point & shoot.  Very groovy.  

I have several 110 cameras, and I shoot them just for a goof.  Not very practical since the cameras have little if no controls.  Just point & shoot.  The only control this camera has is an on/off switch for the flash.  No light meter, you just have to guess when you use the flash.  With 200 ASA film basically you use the flash indoors or in shadows.  No flash when outside.

My local camera store doesn't process 110 film, so I sent it away to The Darkroom.  They do a great job.  Here a a few shots while walking around Indianapolis

Hey look it's ME

Riley Tower

Back Alley

Bottomline, the Kodak Ektralite 10 is a fun pocket sized camera.  Super easy to use.  No controls, just point & shoot.  Enjoy!

Photos I've Taken - Kodak Pocket Instamatic 20

Tested another 110 camera.  This time the Kodak Pocket Instamatic 20.  I'll write a more detailed post later, but this camera was a 110 sized pocket camera.  I used a roll of Lomography 200 Tiger II film and had the images developed at the Darkroom.  Riding through the corn fields during a bike ride.

Photos I've Taken - Kodak Star 110

I've bought several 110 sized cameras over the past year.  I hadn't used them because I didn't know where to get the film developed.  Found out The Darkroom in California developed 110 size, so I dusted a few of the 110 cameras off.  One was the Kodak Star 110.  I bought 110 sized film from Lomography through The Film Photography Project store.  Tammy the cat is the subject of my test shot.

Electronic Strobe Pocket Camera 110 - My Dad's Camera

My Dad was an avid photographer.  He had a wide range of film & digital cameras in all formats.  I was going through a box of his effects and found this Electronic Strobe Pocket Camera.  This is a 110 film sized camera.  Actually, I'm not sure who manufactured the camera or  the camera's real name.  I checked everywhere on the body and couldn't find a manufacture or a model type.  The only thing I found was on the top near the strobe was the words "Electronic Strobe Pocket Camera", so there you go.  I did a bit of research and it might be a Focal brand sold through K-Mart, but not sure, again no markings.

When I found the camera in a box I was surprised to find a roll of developed 110 film in it.  A roll of Fotomat 110.  The film expired on 12/91, so who knows when the film or camera had been purchased, when the photos were taken, or what was on it.  I didn't even know if the film was good because it had been stored in a box in a basement and then in a storage room for I'm guessing at least 15-20 years.

I was excited about the film, but a bit nervous thinking about what was on it.  Were there pictures of my brothers & sisters when we were younger, pictures of my Mom, or just photos around the house? I don't remember my Dad using this camera, so I'm guessing he purchased it after I had left for school or moved away.

Before I developed the 110 film my Dad took I loaded the camera with a fresh set of batteries and a roll of Lomography 200 Tiger II 110 film that I bought from the Film Photography Podcast store.  I took photos around town.  The camera is heavy which surprises me for such a small camera.  Also, the moving parts are showing their age.  The shutter release button was sluggish and at times stuck or really needed to be pushed hard to release the shutter.  This created a bunch of camera shake. 

Anyway, after I finished the roll I sent them off to The Darkroom along with other assorted rolls.  I put a note in the mailer to the Darkroom just letting them know that I had no idea what was on the roll and that it was somewhat special.  Corny I know, but I felt it important.

The film came back and the camera worked.  Here is a photo from the roll that my Dad took.  Most of the photos appeared to be from around their house.  The photo is of my Dad's CB radio that he had & used regularly.  Kind of cool.  Kind of a 60's or early 70's vibe.

The other photos are from around my studio downtown Indianapolis, at Crown Hill Cemetery and during a drive around the town taking photos.  The colors are much richer and the camera gives a really soft focus / feel. 

Not a practical camera anymore, but lots of fun to shoot.  And the best thing, is that this is a camera my Dad used.  How cool.

What I Found - Visit to Goodwill Outlet

I went to a Goodwill Outlet close to my office on my way home.  I go there just to look what is available.  Found some cool cameras.  An Olympus Infinity point & shoot, a Sears easi-load 310 & the best a Polaroid Pack Camera 335.  All of the cameras are dirty and rough shape, but I think all can be used.  The Infinity just needs a good cleaning, the Sear's 110 film sized is good, and not sure of the Pack Camera.  It looks OK, but need to clean it up and hack the battery.

Not bad for a couple of bucks all in.

It's Development Time!

Oh my, I've got to get into gear and get film processed.  The problem is except for 4 of the 5 35mm rolls, my local camera store, Roberts Camera, can't develop the rolls.  I've got Kodak TMax, Ilford 120 FP4 Plus, 110 film and an old FujiFilm disposable camera that I need to send out.

Think I'll try out The Darkroom for the first time.  Looking forward to see what turned out.

Cameras I'm Shooting - Canon, Pentax, Olympus, And Others - Oh My!

Went downtown Indianapolis yesterday with Stephanie and then went to the Oranje arts event in the evening.  I took a my Sony A6000 digital camera with me, but I also took film.  Yep, lots of film cameras.  During the day I took a Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, my Olympus XA, & my Dad's old 110 camera (not sure who made it).  After hours I took a Pentax IQZoom 130M (which I recently picked up at Goodwill) and a Lomography Fisheye II.

I tried out an expired roll of Kodak Max 800 for one of the evening shots, so it will be interesting to see if I got anything.  

Fun stuff.

Kodak 110's - What I'm Shooting

OK, talk about a trip down memory lane - I'm taking that trip this weekend.  I recently purchased a 3 pack of Lomography Color Negative 200 Tiger 110 film.  Yes sir, 110.  Got the film from the Film Photography Project store.  I hadn't shot that sized film since I was a kid & young adult.  

Well, over the past year I've picked up a few 110 cameras  at Goodwill.  Two that I'm shooting this weekend are a Kodak Star 110 camera, and a Kodak Pocket Instamatic 20 camera.  Both are point & shoot goodness.

We'll see how these go!  When I get the film back from being ultimately processed I'll write a separate blog post on each.