A guide to Analog Photography by Anıl Uzun (Part 1)
As you know I am old enough to have my first camera in the 1980s. Before that I used my uncle’s camera and some others that my family already had. But the one that I could call mine was an Olympus that my aunt sent me from France. This was the first time that I was fully responsible with the maintenance of a gear. I cannot recall the model but I do remember one time that I lost the cap for the lens and cried for one day. Then my father bought me a new lens just to make me happy.
As you know dealing with photography was a challenging process. You need to be fully devoted to the process to get good results. Keep in mind that learning photography with a film camera is something that happens by trial and error.
What is Analog Photography?
Analog photography is the name given to the photographs taken using film manual cameras. It is also called film photography. For many, analog is the true art form of photography, whom I do agree with. Do not ger-t me wrong I am also in favour of digital photography. I do not refuse it, but in my humble opinion analog photography is more satisfying.
How to buy an Analog Camera?
First thing to do is checking if the camera is working or not. Go to a camera shop, find the model you want. You need to check the parts if they are clean or not. I can hear you asking “what does clean mean?”. Check the inner lens, there shall not be any fungus or stain.
Then check the diaphragm. It shall give the correct value in each unit. The mirror inside the body should not be dirty and have scratches. The film cover should also be intact, it is important that it receives light, shake the camera and see if you hear strange noises or not.
Talk to the seller and as him/her about the repair and replace policy. You shall have the right to return it in case of trouble.
A camera with a light meter?
Yes, get a camera with a light meter. Keep an eye of the camera settings, see if that works right. The wand calibration is very important because it will set the light that the camera gets in shooting. Do not set the setting to 400 when you have 200 Wand Film inside your camera.
When you buy your camera with a light meter, the machine will calculate the light according to the aperture, ASA and shutter speed you use. That’s why you should calibrate the wand according to the film in it.
Other Things to Consider
Analog photography is a matter of patience. You can find a cheap camera to buy but it will be a process that requires a lot of money- developing and printing.
Try to take a lot of pictures. You can experiment with stale films, it will be more economical.
Shoot anything pleasing you, anything you want to shoot. Take portraits, shoot streets. Be brave to take pictures. Trust yourself and shoot a lot. As you see results, beautiful frames you will be gşad that you did that.
May the light be with you, Anıl Uzun.