Camera Catalog

After using only digital cameras for a long time, I gradually switched to using mostly film cameras. I have settled in on a few cameras that work for me, but I tried many before finding what works. These are the cameras that I have experimented with to date.

Favorites

When I first started shooting film I was into big, mid-century fixed-lens rangefinders, at that time I was always lugging around the Minolta Hi-Matic 9. Now, still a fan of Minolta products, I almost always stash the tiny Minolta TC-1 in a pocket before going out. On occasion I will grab another camera. Here is my rotation based upon when I am likely to grab a specific camera.

• all-rounder, 35mm compact — 1996 Minolta TC-1
• all-rounder, 35mm SLR — 2002 Minolta ɑ7
• all-rounder, instant — 1973 Polaroid SX-70
• all-rounder, medium format — 1988 Hasselblad 503cx
• backpacking, 35mm — 1979 Agfa Optima 1535
• backpacking, subminiature — 1984 Minox LX
• camping, 35mm — 1985 Minolta X-700 or 1982 Canon A-1
• climbing, 35mm — 1981 Olympus XA
• low light, 35mm — 1999 Nikon 35Ti
• low light, instant — 1978 Polaroid SX-70 Sonar with Polatronic flash
• sports (soccer), 35mm — 2000 Canon EOS ELAN 7e
• sports (soccer), digital — 2011 Canon EOS Rebel T3i

Negatives

I digitize negatives using a light box and a T3i. Then, the digital negatives are inverted using a custom python script. The images are optimized for the web prior to being uploaded.

Light Meters

I have picked up a few old light meters over the years. I used to really enjoy using the Gossen Luna-Pro, but it would periodically act erratically, so I lost faith in it. Now I only use a modern Sekonic L308. Working with old cameras brings enough challenges, I see no reason to add the complexity of compensating for an old light meter with various quirks and inaccuracies.