DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

Search

Submit A Story

Lomomod No. 1 review: a fun and frustrating DIY cardboard camera with a liquid-filled lens

by 1 Comment

When the Lomomod No. 1 was first announced, I had the honor of covering the news for DIYP and I thought to myself: “Man, would I like to try this out!” Fast forward four months, and I’ve had the chance to play with this DIY medium format camera and do a thorough review.

The Lomomod No. 1 is a camera like no other I’ve seen or used. It comes in pre-cut pieces and you’re supposed to build it yourself, which is interesting on its own. It’s paired with a liquid-filled 80mm Sutton lens, which lets you change the tint of your images depending on the liquid you use. Sounds pretty cool, right?

In this article, I’ll share my impressions of the Lomomod No. 1. From initially opening the box to seeing my images for the first time, I’ll write about everything I liked and didn’t like about it. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

[Read More…]

The Jollylook Auto is a “modern vintage” folding instant film camera

by 6 Comments

Those old folding film cameras are great. I’ve used a bunch of them over the years, and love when I get the chance to take my Agfa Isolette out the door to shoot off a few rolls. But that folding camera form factor seems to be making something of a comeback, but with a bit of an update.

The Jollylook Auto is styled on those old folding cameras but uses Fuji Instax “Instant film”, has a variable aperture, and even has a built-in flash. As with their previous camera, the Jollylook Auto is being launched through Kickstarter and has hit over two-thirds of its goal in just the first couple of hours.

[Read More…]

Using a 31-year-old SLR for fast-paced photojournalism

by 13 Comments

Introduced in 1988, the Nikon F4 was the world’s first professional autofocus camera, and it made its way quickly into the hands of many working photographers. But despite the incredible leap in technology it represented, it was apparently quickly overtaken by the competition, which built on the solid foundation the F4 offered.

Early reviews were kind, but the advances in all areas of camera technology since then have left it more a cult option for today’s users.

[Read More…]

Say hello to the LEGO Nikon F3, the new “plastic fantastic” film camera

by 1 Comment

This is a LEGO model of the Nikon F3, considered by many to be the best film camera Nikon ever made. I was not very familiar with film photography until 2017, when I started a photography class at my high school. I had used digital cameras in the past but was intrigued by the process required for developing and printing images from film.

[Read More…]

How a film camera superimposes the date onto photos

by 1 Comment

Have you ever wondered how on earth old film cameras added the date onto photos? I know I was always curious about this as a kid. Well, Ben Krasnow of Applied Science has the answer to our question. In the latest teardown, he disassembles an old camera from 1990 to show us how it superimposes the date onto photos.

[Read More…]

RETO3D is an $80 3D film camera for modern photographers

by 4 Comments

If you shoot film and want to try something new, there’s an interesting new camera coming up. RETO3D is an affordable 3D camera aimed at film photographers of the modern day. It relies on the already familiar concept of 3D film cameras, but it sells at a way more affordable price.

[Read More…]

Five tips for buying your first film camera

by 2 Comments

If you only shoot digital, you may want to learn something new and try film photography for the first time. While it’s exciting (and nowadays kinda exotic) to shoot film, you might find it difficult to choose your first film camera. To make the decision easier and help you do it right, Casey Cavanaugh will show you the five most important things you should look for before you buy a film camera.

[Read More…]

Film 35 is yet another solution that converts your old film camera into digital

by 6 Comments

There have been plenty of analog-digital blends in the market. From I’m Back digital back for SLR cameras, to Yashica Y35 with faux film roll, which raised over $1 million on Kickstarter. Now there’s another Kickstarter campaign promising to breathe a new life into your old analog camera. Check out Film35, the latest invention that turns your film camera into a digital one and even gives it a “vintage feel.”

[Read More…]

“I’m back” is back with an update on digital backs for film bodies

by 19 Comments

Digital backs for old film bodies has been a dream for a lot of people who want to resurrect their favourite cameras of yesteryear. There have been a lot of promises and a lot of hype for various products over the years, too. One project who seems to actually be doing it, though, is I’m Back.

It’s been an interesting journey for I’m Back, and you can see how that journey has progressed from 2016’s initial idea to now on their website. But it’s the now that’s interesting. I’m Back digital backs are currently in production and will be exhibiting at Photokina 2018.

[Read More…]

This Russian spy camera is cleverly disguised as – a camera

by 1 Comment

From vintage golden rings to lifelike animals, hidden cameras come in many interesting shapes, sizes and purposes. But in a recently sold collection of Russian spy cameras at Aston’s Auctioneers in the UK, one of them caught my eye. It’s a spy camera disguised as – a camera. Sometimes works best to hide things in the most obvious places, and this is a perfect example.

[Read More…]

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts