Vintage Film photography question

[dilla]

Hello,

got a question my dad has an old vintage camera its busted unfortunatley but I got to thinking if i were to get a vintage camera off of ebay would i be able to put film in it and use it and if so would it give me a vintage look or would new film create an image similar to a newer film camera. That is assuming was able to find a vintage 35mm camera.

Thanks

[evilenglishman]

no you wouldn't get a vintage look from a camera no matter how old it was as you would have to put new film stock in it.
It is the actual film and developing procedure that will make it look modern.

I know there are places where you can buy vintage movie film stock, but i dont think anyone sells vintage still film stock.

[Belmondo]

Beyond the actual content, most of what makes images look 'vinatge' has to do with what has happened to the print during its lifetime, i.e. fading, scratches, drool spots, tea stains, etc..

Most of these can be simulated in Photoshop.

Depending on the age of the actual camera in question and whether or not you could even find film for it. prints would have a decidedly contermporary look and quality to them limited only by the capabilities of the camera itself.

[dilla]

I found this link its a photographer who collects and uses vintage cameras there are some photo samples however I'm not sure if he is using modern film stocks or not.

http://homepage.mac.com/mattdenton/photo/cameras/index.html

[w10d]

About 10 years ago I picked up an old 6x9 camera (circa 1930's), and ran a couple of rolls of B&W through it. The results certainly had a 'vintage' feel to them; a combination of the larger format and soft, uncoated lens. Obviously film/paper plays an important part in how an image looks, but camera and especially optics play a part too.

[jstatler]

Here's an easy way. Take any digital camera shoot with your flash off in a low lite setting, change to B&W and try to sharpen the image in photoshop, remember to lighten the photo some so you can see the image and presto instant grainy old timey photo. HEHE
OK so I goofed. My flash was not seated properly and didn't fire. Images were salvaged and my client actually thought they were cool and that I had done those shots on purpose. Everything goes retro at some time thank goodness.

[stopbath]

Vintage optics are far different from todays optics. The old lenses were un-coated and often the internals reflected light instead of absorbing it.

Natually the processing of film and paper, the construction of the film and paper, and photography style have all changed in the meantime too, so even though you had a vintage camera, your results would not be 'exactly' vintage. But with some experimentation, a lot of time, and some luck, you likely would be able to do a good job of duplicating it.

You can still buy sepia toning, and hand colouring kits, so that part is no worry...

[Mark Kemp]

About 10 years ago I picked up an old 6x9 camera (circa 1930's), and ran a couple of rolls of B&W through it. The results certainly had a 'vintage' feel to them; a combination of the larger format and soft, uncoated lens. Obviously film/paper plays an important part in how an image looks, but camera and especially optics play a part too.

Me too, with the same results. Its an interesting and instructive process, but if I really want the pictures I will use my DSLR.

[PhotosGuy]

The old rule everyone (but the pros) used was to have the sun over your shoulder = pinched faces & squinty eyes. :wink: