Vintage Agfa Camera
“A few rolls of film to develop gives me a good reason to get up in the morning”
I was shooting content for my Tree Project at the beginning of February. For a few of the shots I used my iPhone and the Hipstamatic app and one in particular - the one with the bird in silhouette - jumped out at me as being particularly pleasing. It got me thinking about digital vintage filters and then my thoughts turned to shooting in film with old cameras.
My treasured Fuji SLR film camera seized up a few years ago and the seals deteriorated badly. And then digital seemed easier and more instant. My old camera disappeared into the dark shadows of the wardrobe. But the desire to shoot film again has never really gone away. I have a collection of well over a dozen vintage cameras but they’re gathering dust and hidden away.
Now what about this for a coincidence? Later that evening and on the very same day when I took “The Tree with the Silhouetted Bird’, I was gifted a vintage camera.
The case contained an Agfa 35mm rangefinder camera. My digital Fuji X100 camera is a rangefinder too so I was keen to see the similarities. I estimate that the Agfa camera dates to the late 1950s. At first inspection the camera seemed to be in good condition. The inside was immaculate and all the levers turned smoothly. I cleaned it gently it with a blower and wipes.
The other cases contained a Lucimeter S (light meter), filters and a flash device.
I spent hours reading up on films online. I was drawn to the characterful Lomography films with enticing names such as Berlin Kino and Metropolis. I struggled to decide between colour or black and white. The choice was overwhelming. Eventually, for now, I put on my sensible hat and decided on a classic Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White film with 36 exposures. The more experimental films could wait for another day.
Now Stockport in the rain can be a little on the dismal side! The streets were almost deserted and I was aware that people rushing by were looking at me in disbelief as I paused with my camera.
The viaduct was built in 1839/40 and has 22 arches. It’s still one of the largest brick-built structures in the world.
As expected, the focus was out which was not a surprise to me. Generally I was pleased that they turned out quite grainy and atmospheric which was what I was hoping to achieve.
I chose PhotoHippo based in Burnley to process my film as I’d heard they offer a great service . I was really impressed with their fast turnaround. Within 24 hours of mailing the film I received an email with a link to download the scanned negatives. I was happy that I hadn’t been contacted to say that the film had been a total disaster! That, my friends, was such a relief! I’m sure they must’ve had a chuckle at my dreary out-of-focus photos though!
So what did I learn from this experience? Next time I will take extra care to focus more accurately. I’ll make sure when loading the film that it’s securely in place.
Overall, in spite of the rain and the jammed film I really enjoyed slowing down with a film camera and can’t wait to get out shooting again.
My next decision is which film to choose!