Going Vintage in a Digital World?

In recent years there has been a movement of camera manufacturer's going vintage, creating cameras that look like yesteryear's but with today's technology. Photography is rooted in capturing moments and documenting a present that is tomorrow's past, so it's only natural that the photographer has a streak of nostalgia. In my journey to becoming a better photographer, my affinity for history created a curiosity about the progression of equipment and techniques that got us to where we are today. 

Photography has been one of my passions since I was very young, and in recent years I have focused a great deal of attention on developing the craft. I have always been a photographer on a budget, so I have always looked for ways to innovate within my means. In my research about the progression of cameras, I stumbled across an article that highlighted the advantages of going with film even in today's digital world.  This set my mind in motion.  This was the kind of challenge that appealed to me.  

Working with a vintage Yashica A Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex camera, is a test of skill.  Every time you shoot with film you have to make it count. You have to become better at composing to get good images.  It forces you to slow down and look at the scene and decide what angle you like, instead of shooting from every possible angle and sorting it out later. 

The Project
Part 1: Complete!!!

Part 2: After the camera is fighting fit, I plan to do a series of shoots to test the camera's limitations and to build experience with the Yashica A. Shooting will be centered around the theme: a day in the life of Des Moines County, Iowa. The range of shots will cover Landscapes/Cityscapes/Landmarks , Architecture, & Still Life. I will be shooting with black and white film, and infrared film.  This will help in the development of a class that will focus specifically on film photography, that will be available through the Art Center of Burlington. Your contribution will cover a portion of the cost of purchasing and processing film.

Part 3:   The final objective of this project is to produce a gallery exhibit featuring the best images from the project. This portion will help create enthusiasm for film photography, for the class, and will generate revenue for the Art Center of Burlington as 30% of the proceeds from prints from this project and from sales of prints during the showing will go to the Art Center of Burlington.  The contribution to the Art Center will help provide funds for community art projects & programs, as well as promotion of local artists.

The Perks

The Impact

By supporting this project your are ensuring the continuation of the knowledge base about shooting with vintage cameras. You are preserving a part of our history and a tool of expressing our humanity. You are fueling a movement that has already began to bubble to the surface. For example, just this year I saw where Popular Photography used double exposure for their theme for one of their monthly photo contests. Double exposure is from the era of cameras like the Yashica A, before double exposure protection was incorporated into the camera design. Before this design change it was possible to forget to wind the film before taking the next shot exposing an already exposed frame in which the two different scenes are superimposed. Now cameras and software are incorporating these effects as a means of furthering creativity. Without your support we can not produce the gallery exhibit, which is the heart and soul of this project. This is our greatest tool for promoting awareness of the value of vintage cameras (of all types) and of the past developments that have shaped our viewpoints of the art form of photography.

Other Ways You Can Help

Spreading the word is the best way you can help. Please share this project with your friends, family, and maybe even a few strangers. If you have a couple rolls of 120 film that you can spare that would be awesome too! We can always use advice.