Fixed.org.au Show and Shine.

Fixed.org.au Show and Shine., a set on Flickr.

A selection of images from the Fixed dot Org Show and Shine!!

Film Photography back in Vogue... It NEVER LEFT US!!

ABC Radio National had an interesting little blog/podcast today on Film Photography. 

Film Photography Back In Vogue is an "interesting" look into the world of film photography of today, compared to say 15 years ago. It's all a bit wired coming form the "mouth of babes" as well.

At the grand old age of 41 (yeah I know) I have known film for a long time, and this Digital Thing is still pretty new to me. I still manage a small darkroom in my house developing my own Black and White film and might even hit out a few prints next year if I can get the gear on board.

But to almost claim that film is "New" or in a "Revival" is almost ludicrous.

Kodak started in 1888 (or there about's as that was the first camera from them) and FujiFilm have been on the ground and running for almost 80 years. These are probably two of the most common names in film, and the most recognized. With over 100years of history, why would we think Film to be a new medium?

What we lack now is the Master Printer. The Master Printer would take a negative from you with the changes you wanted made, and print an image that would make you smile. The knowledge and technical skill in printing an image from a negative has been all but lost in most instances. A lot of the chemicals are even quite hard to get and can be quite toxic if used incorrectly. There was talk of photographers and their assistants (in the 60's and 70's) popping amphetamines and drinking some of the chemicals (yes DRINKING). Mind you the prints these men were striking were AMAZING. They could recoil the the White and control the Dark in a wondrous ballet of Alchemy.

In this world of perfection, sanitized images of pure sharpness and clarity can bore us. We need to not go back, but reignite the passion for our "Hands On" technical aspect. We rely to much on Digital Mediums and have lost the tactile aspect that is associated with photography. Yes I agree that there is a resurgence in Film, and younger photographers are finding something more "organic" in the use.

But the reality is that film is soft and lovely. There is a "by gone era" feel the images take on. It takes a little more technical knowledge to shoot, but the image that you see is something to take your breath away. Modern Masters (Joel would giggle at being Modern) of photography like Meyerowitz, Crewdson, and Wall  are all avid film shooters. Regardless of format, people should be looking to shoot and develop there own Black and White film. It's a great feeling to make something, to take the photo and create the negative, then have a way to print the image. This is what art really is.

Yes Digital has its place. I still love my digital camera for a lot of my shooting it works. But there really is something soft and special about film.

I implore you all to go out there and open your minds. Get a film camera and teach yourself to develop the film. It's really satisfying.

My New Second Hand Nikon....

I popped into my "Real" job on Sunday and found a bunch of stuff had been delivered for me. The most important thing to find, my "NEW" Nikon F4 E 35mm film SLR.

Looks pretty much lie this one.

These were pretty much the BEES KNEES back in the 90's, and were discontinued in 97 (from memory). One of the greatest things is that all the SLR Nikon lenses will work on this camera even the VR lens (but you don't get the VR). So no VR but you get pretty much all the other features.

So why buy one?? Well If your finances don't stretch to the $6K plus for something like a D3 of D4, this is the closest thing us commoners will get to a full frame camera. Film is also making a resurgence! Film has a grain and tonal range, that I think, digital can never achieve. 

So as everything old is new again, try and get your hands on an older 35mm or 120mm film camera and get shooting. The difference is fantastic.

I will post a few pics out of the camera in a week or so.. 

Lomography Fish Eye

I bought a Lomography Fish Eye from the wonderful kids at lofico.com.au a while back and have only just pulled out the first roll of film. Popped into the other wonderful group of kids at Bond Imaging to have the film developed and scanned. 

Here are a few images I think are worthy from the roll. 

Please feel free to leave a comment.. I would love the feedback..

Eastern Freeway Overpass.

freeway, a photo by fixiedouche on Flickr.

Shot on Fuji Across100 using a Holga 120N.

Chairs in the Burke Street Mall.

chairs, a photo by fixiedouche on Flickr.

Shot on Fuji Across100 using a Holga 120N.