So – back to the photography!

I decided to take my most intimidating camera and film that I’d never used before for my Saturday afternoon at the seaside last week. It was a gloriously sunny day and it had felt like forever since I’d taken any photos so what better than a little challenge.

The camera was my Lubitel 2, the film was Lomography Redscale 120, and the location – Hengistbury Head – Mudeford (and back again).

I thought this would be a good film to use as the Lubitel 2 has no light meter and involves me squinting into the sunshine and guessing – this film has an extended exposure range so it should result in photos being a little orange or very orange (redscale film is wound backwards onto the spool so you’re shooting through the backing material, which is an orangey colour, hence the tones).

Turns out they weren’t that orange at all but I don’t know it that’s because of the film or my exposure settings (or possibly the photo lab attempting to correct the colours when thy scanned them to CD). They definitely have a different look to ‘normal’ film though (as you can see from these previous beach shots)…

 What happened here? I have no idea!

All photos taken with Lubitel 2 and Lomography Redscale XR 50200 120 film

When people say to me they are thinking about trying film photography and aren’t sure about what camera to get or where to buy one I tell them this;

Mention to everyone you know that you wish you had a film camera – bang on about it quite a bit – and then sit back and wait for the deluge.

Taken using a LC-A and 35mm film

In the same way that everyone today seems to have at least one digital camera per household, so it was in the day with film cameras – they were coveted and saved-up for just as their digital cousins are today so they tend to get squirreled away in attics and under-stairs cupboards rather than being thrown out.

Taken using Lubitel 2 and 120 film

I would say at least half the vintage/film cameras I own are ones that have been gifted to me by people who think I am doing them the favour by taking them off their hands. They don’t feel ‘right’ throwing them away or donating them to an unknown, possibly cruel fate – but when they realise they’ll be sending them to a good home where they’ll be cherished and used; it suddenly becomes a very attractive proposition. Everybody wins!

Taken with Pentax K1000 and 35mm film

I was recently given a bag full of camera goodies by some friends at work who are (unsurprisingly) trying to clear as much room as possible in their home. It was so exciting rummaging through that big plastic bag – better than Christmas even. The highlights of this particular haul were definitely the Holga (I’ve always wanted a Holga) and a Polaroid (and Polaroid film – you know I love Polaroids)! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Taken with Diana F+ and 120 film

So yes – my message to you if you’re thinking of taking up film photography is talk about it incessantly to everyone you know – and even to people you don’t know. The worst that can happen is you’ll be branded a geek and not invited to parties any more, but it’s got to be worth it on the off chance you might hit the camera jackpot!

Have you heard of Lomography? You probably have if you’re interested in film photography – I have purchased an item or two from them in the past and my favourite camera (so far) is the Diana F+. It’s lots of fun, it has a plastic lens and a light-leaky body the gives truly unique results…

The Diana F+ is a new twist on the ‘60s classic cult camera. Famous for its dreamy and soft-focused images, the Diana F+ is now packed with extra features such as panorama and pinhole capabilities.

Anyhoo, if you fancy checking it out, I have written an article that has been featured on the Lomography website.

Lomo Diana F+ and 120 film