2016 hit me hard. 100-Series pack film for Polaroid cameras would no longer be produced and it was only a matter of time before all of my packfilm cameras would become orphans. By 2019, my film stash was running low and I was toying with the idea of making these cameras work with other film […]
Tag: How-to / Guide
Everything you wanted to know about auto (thyristor) flash photography …but were afraid to ask
I am familiar with flash photography. Much of what I shoot digitally, either in the studio or in the real world, is done with flash. On camera, off-camera, one flash, 6 strobes, no problem. I am, however, no hero. Shooting flash with digital is simple. I am good at simple things. I would even go […]
How-to: Upgrade your Rolleiflex with a digital light meter
I’d been working on this project in one form or another for about 6 months, trying various methods to return the old selenium light meter on my Rolleiflex 2.8F to a functional and usable state. Without giving it all away, this article/informal guide covers the end result of replacing the camera’s original light meter cell […]
How-to: Light portraits on film using LEDs + ideas for all budgets
Like anything in life, it’s important to choose the right tool for the job. When it comes to shooting portraits you can choose strobes or constant lights for your lighting. In this article, I’ll chat a little bit about my workflow for portraits with photographic film and why I choose a certain light type for […]
Can you shoot Instax Mini in a 35mm camera? Well, yes… maybe
As I write this in mid-May 2020, it’s week seven of lockdown here in the UK. I’ve been furloughed and have found myself at home with buckets of time and very few ideas on what to do with it. Having burned through much more film than I normally would, just because developing it was something […]
Find your perfect Leica or M-mount film camera with the help of this interactive tool & reference data
Enter your criteria and discover the perfect Leica for you based on the features and functionality you need for your photography. It’s that simple.
A guide to Simple, effective and CHEAP macro photography
Business closures, stay at home orders and the imperative for social distancing have probably cut you off from your normal sources of photographic inspiration. Your project Strangers Touching Each Other’s Faces in Dense Crowds is on hold for the foreseeable future. So rather than capturing the wide world, here is a technique to explore the […]
What is exposure? How to use light meters in film photography
Getting your exposure right is the first priority in making a photograph and comes before almost any other decision after the initial idea for a shot. Nowadays though, it is hardly given a thought. With many cameras making the basic choice, the photographer only needs to decide if any adjustment should be made to achieve […]
How to shoot expired film or, no you do not need to add one stop per decade
There is a “rule” for shooting expired film. This “rule” states that when shooting expired film, one should add one stop of exposure per decade it has been expired. The rule is wrong and by blindly following it, you are doing yourself, your film and your subjects a disservice. No-one knows where the rule came […]
How to organize a photowalk: A guide by Anil Mistry
I love the social aspect of photography. Meeting other photographers and discovering the way they approach their passion has always been an enjoyable part of mine, so a few years ago I started to arrange little photowalks – mainly with groups of close friends. Some of these friends started to invite other friends and so […]
How to: Get over early hurdles in film photography
Film can be daunting for some, but I find it is worth the investment of time and money, as long as you understand exactly what your expectations are from the medium.
How to: Shoot Fuji Instax instant print film in a classic large format camera
Some of my classic cameras remind me of the fascinating history of photography. Recently I wanted to see if I could make instant prints with my Speed Graphic press camera.
The Simple Enlarger: compact, portable, low-cost darkroom printing for all
I want to spread the idea that a photographic enlarger is fundamentally a very simple thing.
How to save money with a Nikon Pre-AI camera system
The cost of manual-focus 35mm equipment increases to rise and Nikon gear is leading the pack.
How to make a TEXPan: shoot wide-format 35mm film in the Fuji GW690III rangefinder
In this article, I’ll be showing you how to very simply modify your Fuji medium format rangefinder to shoot wide-format 35mm film (aka make your own TEXPan).
How to take the leap into 35mm film photography
In this article, I will go over the steps you need to take and the decisions you need to make to enter the wonderful world of film 35mm photography.
I recommend starting with the 35mm format as the cameras
How-to: Build a photography website…what you need to know
The new year is upon us but it needn’t be filled with broken resolutions, especially if you’ve committed yourself to create a new photography website (or plan on refreshing one you already have).
How to build a simple Arduino shutter speed tester
I’ve been stuck in my house filling orders for my Kickstarter campaign for the CAMERADACTYL 4×5 Field Camera, mostly just babysitting printers, changing filaments and adjusting extruders every few hours.
How-to: Load a Paterson System 4 film development tank
Probably the most awkward aspect of developing films at home is getting your exposed film onto a reel and into a developing tank.
How-to: creating a photo book, some do’s and don’ts
Photographs become something special when printed. You can touch them, feel them, and get up close to them.