Posts by Author: David Prochnow
Our resident “how-to” project editor, David Prochnow, lives on the Gulf Coast of the United States in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He brings his expertise at making our photography projects accessible to everyone, from a lengthy stint acting as the Contributing How-To Editor with Popular Science magazine. While you don’t have to actually build each of his projects, reading about these adventures will contribute to your continued overall appreciation of do-it-yourself photography. A collection of David’s best Popular Science projects can be found in the book, “The Big Book of Hacks,” Edited by Doug Cantor.
Dip Your Toe into the Sea of Monochrome Tones
Jun 22, 2025
David Prochnow
Are you suffering from the black and white blues? Do you covet one of those dedicated monochrome sensor cameras from Pentax and Leica, but you…
How “Rugged” is a Rugged Camera? Let’s Find Out. WARNING: Graphic Camera Images!
Jun 21, 2025
David Prochnow
Not suitable for work (NSFW), indeed; especially, if your occupation is photography, then it’s “not suitable for photographic work.” This is the world of extreme…
The Perfect Waterproof Camera for Your Vacation, Isn’t a Camera!
Jun 20, 2025
David Prochnow
You’ve waited 365 days for this moment to arrive. Your summer vacation is about to begin! And now it’s time to go over that vacation…
Convert a Pentax 645 into a Battery-Free, Totally Manual Operation Masterpiece
Jun 15, 2025
David Prochnow
Everything about the Pentax 645 medium format camera is electronic/electrical. From the shutter speed mechanism to the film advance motor system, everything runs on 4…
Make a Handmade Color Inside Your Digital Camera without Look-Up Tables (LUTs)
Jun 9, 2025
David Prochnow
Are you looking for an edge in color photography that hasn’t been seen before? Maybe using this new color to add a marketing advantage to…
I’m Bored! Here are 90+ Swell Summertime Activities for Young Photographers
Jun 8, 2025
David Prochnow
School’s out and those lazy days of summer are about to begin. No sooner has summer begun and parents everywhere are bound to hear the…
Buy a Dead Camera: Breathe New Life into an “As-Is” Steal
Jun 7, 2025
David Prochnow
If it’s broke…don’t fix it! Yes, this flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but with regards to a vintage camera, following this bit of…
Get “Perfektion” in an Instant: (Almost) Brand New Polaroid SX-70 for Less Than $100
May 27, 2025
David Prochnow
Finding a camera repair shop can be a challenging adventure. The days of being able to send a vintage camera into any one of a…
Is Sticker Shock Stopping You from Buying a New 35mm Camera? Is This New $80 Point-and-Shoot the Answer?
May 25, 2025
David Prochnow
“You get what you pay for,” or so the adage goes. Unfortunately, some manufacturers of 35mm film cameras think that this financially-charged homily gives them…
Making Photographs from Your Coffee Shop Drink: It’s a “Matcha” Made in Heaven
May 25, 2025
David Prochnow
A new wave is sweeping over the hallowed grounds of the modern coffee shop. And it’s a green wave. This newfangled interloper is an organic…