Modern Photography

We tell each other. "The best camera I've ever used is in my cell phone." I wonder.

Do you still have your old cameras? I have my first camera, a little Univex. Remember rolling the film forward and looking for the next number in a little red hole? Did you have a favorite Kodak Brownie? My Grandfather's camera was a box Brownie - I still have it.

My friend Clive had a big collection of cameras. He had to give it up when he moved into a retirement village. I'm not there yet. My assorted cameras are a march through history.

After the Brownies came the 35mm jobs. I have my first Exacta, clumsy but effective. I learned how to develop Plus-X film cartridges. And remember the old Kodachrome, speed ISO 10? Those slides are still good. And Ektachrome, ISO 40 that you could develop yourself?

Ever use a half-frame camera? Twice as many pictures on a roll? Or one of those funny little jobs with negatives on a wheel? At last we moved on to Leicas and Canons, interchangeable lenses. And got serious about photography.

My friend Sharon read the handwriting on the wall and sold her camera store. Digital arrived. The neighborhood film developer was on the way out.

Canons, Leicas, all became digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Serious instruments. Displaced at last by the cell phone.

But I wonder. I have a letter - Dad offering advice to a young lady photographer: "Nice work. Including something in the foreground gives your photos depth. But remember to turn off the autofocus option, or you camera will focus on the foreground or background but not both. Stop down to f16, That works."

Maybe I'll get out my Canon again.

Dac Crossley
Sunday, June 23, 2019.

"The secret pf staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." - Lucille Ball.

Comments

[Shirley White]

CAMERA, a wonderful invention, becoming more versatile with each idea. What a difference from our first 1944 Kodak, a box camera we could switch to half frame. Got some very good black and white photos that have lasted to this day. Yes, I think it is in the top of the closet. Now I just use the iPhone.

[Alan]

people who take only basic photos
not true photographers think their
smart phone is as good.

Sorry true photographers I know still prefer their

REAL CAMERAS....they may have switch to digital.

Some professionals have not change to digital and even continue to use FILM.

I rarely use my Motorola Android smart phone as a camera.

I use my Canon that I bought two years ago.

I too still have my original camera:

a Brownie Instamatic

along with I believe all my other cameras: film and digital.

If photographs mean SELFIES and WE-FIES that buy the cheapest smart phone you can find.

[John R Lindermuth]

As a reporter, I have fond (and not so fond) memories of a variety of cameras. My collection includes personal favorites I just had to have and a number of fascinating antiques. Digital is convenient but does it really compete with the personal touch of older models?

[Lesley A. Diehl]

I have several old cameras and am wondering what I should do with them. Suggestions anyone?