Wednesday, June 29, 2011

My Polaroid Automatic Land Camera is producing black frames! / Polaroid Question and Tip

On set with April-Lea Hutchinson

blog by Michael Raso

For the last 6 months I’ve been shooting almost exclusively with Polaroid Automatic Land Cameras. I’ve been blogging , pod casting and making videos about this wonderful series of cameras, so I’m not surprised that I’m now getting e-mails about camera problems. I’d like to share an e-mail exchange with you. Perhaps it’ll help you with your Polaroid Automatic Land Camera!

Hi, I just purchased a Polaroid 420 from the FPP Store. It got here fine, looks great, loaded it up with FP-100c and my first shot came out just fine. Every shot I've tried since then has been coming out black - no image - just a black rectangle. My ISO is set right (75), I'm cocking the shutter, I can hear it go ping when I press the shutter release, the film seems to come out from the machine just fine, I'm letting the negative sit while it develops as directed by Fuji, but when I peal, no image. I haven't tried anything film other than the original ten FP-100c that I loaded initially. Any idea what might be happening?

Many thanks for any advice you might be able to give me.

Peter via e-mail


********

Michael Raso to Peter
show details Jun 26 (2 days ago)

Peter,

Sounds like the camera shutter isn't getting power or you are not keeping your finger on the shutter when exposing your image.

Firstly, lets test the shutter. (Without film in the camera) shoot in an indoor room. Cock and then press the shutter (keeping your finger on the shutter til it opens and then closes). Do you hear the shutter open, then close. Try in various light situations. Dim, dim light will leave the shutter open. If you swing your camera into a light mid-shot, you'll hear the shutter close.

Still no "click - click"? Might be a power problem.

Carefully open the battery compartment, remove and then return the batteries into their compartment making sure the batteries are making a connection.

Repeat step one. When shooting make sure you keep your finger depressed on the shutter til the camera shutter opens then closes. You will hear two clicks when shooting in dim light. (meaning the shutter is operating)

Please let me know your results!

Best,
Michael Raso

Film Photography Podcast
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

****************



Michael,

Doctor, your diagnosis was excellent. User error. I wasn't holding down the shutter release button long enough. I was hitting it and releasing rather than holding it down. Thank you!

Peter


Top image: April-Lea Hutchinson shoots with the Polaroid 420. Image by Michael Raso

Below: FPP You Tube video about the Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera



Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Polaroid Impulse Portrait / Impossible PX 600 UV+
About me
Michael Raso is passionate about film as a viable and exciting medium for the visual artist, even in this age of digital photography. A photographer, producer and filmmaker working professionally in the visual arts for over 20 years, Michael is also the founder of the Film Photography Project and its fortnightly internet radio show, the Film Photography Podcast. At last count, Michael was actively shooting with over 50 vintage cameras.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

FPP Episode Episode 36 - June 1, 2011 features a spotlight on the Polaroid Automatic 420.






Have a question about your film photography? E-mail me anytime!
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera
Purchase your own Polaroid 420 Camera at the FPP Store!

Content Copyright 2011 Film Photography Project, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Ahoy! The La Sardina "El Capitan" Camera from Lomography!

FPP London - La Sardina Camera & Flash "El Capitan" Camera

blog by Michael Raso

While in London UK this past weekend for our Film Photography Podcast (FPP) Meet-Up, I (along with FPP super-pal John Fedele) had the opportunity to shoot with the new Lomography La Sardina "El Capitan" 35mm camera. With a spectacular wide-angle lens, multiple exposure capabilities, tripod thread, flash, color flash filters and a rewind dial—this is the perfect summer fun camera. Hey, it’s shaped like a can of sardines too!



The camera retails for $99.us and includes the camera, flash, big lomography book (Yup, that a book…not a booklet) and instructions. Three other models are also available. If you’re into W-I-D-E angle film photography, multiple exposures, lens flare and collecting cool cameras, add the La Sardina line of cameras to you wish-list!

FPP London - La Sardina Camera & Flash "El Capitan" Camera

Technical Specifications: • Film Type: Standard 35mm (135)
• Exposure Area: 36mm x 24mm
• Lens Focal Length: 21mm
• Aperture: Fixed f/8
• Angle of view: 91 degrees
• Shutter Speed: Bulb (B), 1/100 (N)
• Closest Focusing Distance: 0.6m
• Focusing Steps: Two Step Focusing -- 0.6m-1m, 1m-Infinity
• View Finder: Inverse Galileo-Type Built-in Viewfinder
• Film Counting: Auto Film Counting
• Film Stopping: Yes
• Multiple Exposures: Yes
• Cable Release Connection: Yes
• Tripod Mount: 1/4' Tripod Screw
• Shutter Release Lock: Shutter Locks After Lens Collapsed
• Flash Contact: Unique La Sardina Micro Contact (for Fritz the Blitz flash only)

http://usa.shop.lomography.com/cameras/la-sardina-cameras

What is Lomography?
The desire for spontaneous and unpredictable distortions of developed Lomographic photos have spawned an emerging Lomographic community and the Lomographic Society International, a group of Lomographic photographers ("Lomographers" or "Lomographiers") with the intention to "speak in photos and know no boundaries in our mission to snapshot every corner of the world".

Lomography emphasizes casual, snapshot photography. Characteristics such as over-saturated colors, off-kilter exposure, blurring, "happy accidents," and alternative film processing are often considered part of the "Lomographic Technique."[citation needed] Users are encouraged to take a lighthearted approach to their photography, and use these techniques to document everyday life, as the Lomo LC-A's small size, simple controls, and ability to shoot in low light encourages candid photography, photo reportage, and photo vérité through the "10 Golden Rules" to maximize their chances to capture strange photos and to embody a Lomographers' statement of life being unpredictable curious adventure of "having fun while taking good pictures":

- Take your camera everywhere you go.
- Use it any time – day and night.
- Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it.
- Try the shot from the hip
- Approach the objects of your Lomographic desire as close as possible.
- Don't think! Just Shoot (also the credo of Lomography).
- Be fast
- You don't have to know beforehand what you captured on film.
- Afterwards either.
- Don't worry about any rules.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomography

Check out the main Lomo Site:
http://www.lomography.com/

Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Polaroid Impulse Portrait / Impossible PX 600 UV+
About me
Michael Raso is passionate about film as a viable and exciting medium for the visual artist, even in this age of digital photography. A photographer, producer and filmmaker working professionally in the visual arts for over 20 years, Michael is also the founder of the Film Photography Project and its fortnightly internet radio show, the Film Photography Podcast. At last count, Michael was actively shooting with over 50 vintage cameras.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com


Have a question about your film photography? E-mail me anytime!
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

Content Copyright 2011 Film Photography Project, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Zen of shooting with my Polaroid 420 Land Camera

Image by Scott L. / FPP Blog

Guest Blog by Scott Levine

I take pictures almost always on film.

I prefer older, more inexpensive manual focus cameras to fancier ones. Most of the photos I take are taken with a Olympus XA2, a Minolta X-700 or SRT-201, Canon Canonet GIII QL17 or my Polaroid 420.

No photoshopping or anything, except for a little bit of corrective cropping. What I saw is what you see.

I got my 420 about five years ago for two dollars about at a garage sale in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The seller of it was so eager to get rid of it, for some reason, that he threw in a couple of other plastic 35mm cameras and two packs of film. The battery still worked, the lens was clear, the bellows were in good shape (unlike on the 220 that my father gave me, which he used for many years) and I had film, so I was able to head out and start shooting right away. It was sort of a boon to me because I got it right around when I gave up on my EE100 Special. So all of a sudden I had a new peel-apart camera that worked. It wasn't meant for the square format films, but they work in it just fine as long as I remember to compose my photos as a square.

I don't know where most people stand on this, but I prefer peel-apart films to integral films. There's just something about those colors, and about the delicacy or the fragility of the print. The smell, maybe the warning about the caustic chemicals. Maybe it's just that integral films are tucked away, encased in a spacesuit. I'm not sure.

Whenever I have the chance to use my 420, I really get excited. I don't use it as much as I should, I'll be the first to admit, but I always find that I sort of see the world differently when I use it. I find a certain calm in what I'm shooting that I don't know that I seek out otherwise. I love holding the camera up to my eye, framing a shot, watching the rangefinder's focusing patch line up, and then that pop, not a click, a pop of the shutter.

One of the interesting things is I remember a lot about what was going on in my life when I use that camera. They stand out in my mind for one reason or another somehow. For instance, I shot this one: www.flickr.com/photos/watusi/223836212/ when my first daughter was only a few days old. I remember the day I shot it. The walk I was on, what I was doing that day, exactly where those sunflowers are, and what errand I was running when I shot it. The same for this one: www.flickr.com/photos/watusi/223836198/
There's more to the photos I've taken with this one than just rectangles of film. There's real memories there. I have memories of my father shooting some photos of my family with his camera, and, now my daughter gets disappointed when I'm not photographing her with my "picture camera." Is it silly nostalgia? They're also great cameras that put out great pictures.

--Scott.
Scott's Flickr Photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/watusi/

Top Image:
Polaroid Land Camera 420
Polaroid ID-UV film.
Image copyright Scott Levine

FPP Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera blog series
- Introductions
- April-Lea's 420 Polaroid Photography
- Mat Marrash and his "Pack-Tastic" 420 camera

Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

FPP Episode Episode 36 - June 1, 2011 features a spotlight on the Polaroid Automatic 420.






Have a question about your film photography? E-mail me anytime!
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera
Purchase your own Polaroid 420 Camera at the FPP Store!

Content Copyright 2011 Film Photography Project, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Mat's Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera - "It's Pack-Tastic!"

blog by Michael Raso
images by Mat Marrash

Polaroid 669, Lima Urban Decay

I met Mat Marrash at the PDN Photo Expo in NYC in 2010. He was already a listener of The Film Photography Podcast and frequently sent e-mails to the FPP google account offering comments and helpful hints. A lifetime student of photography and all around tech junkie, Mat switched from digital to film and hasn't looked back. In 2011, Mat joined me as co-host on the Film Photography Podcast and I recently found out that he owns a Polaroid 420 folding camera. When I asked Mat about his experiences with his 420, he sent me the following response.

Polaroids in Downtown Findlay

"What's not to love about the Polaroid 420 Land Camera? For starters, this baby runs pretty cheap, I scored mine for a cool $5.00us. It only needs a fresh battery and some film, which you can now get both at the FPP store (as well as your own 420!). And with film, you have a surprising amount of options available! You can shoot:

Fuji FP-100c and 3000b (100b BW if you can find it) - gorgeous & saturated
Expired Polaroid 668, 669, 108 (blue/green shifts and edgy),
Impossible repackaged Chocolate, Blue, and Sepia - cool, creative, and sharp

Polaroid 669 Findlay Tulips

Once you're geared up and ready to shoot, all you have to do is fold it out, focus using its rangefinder, compose, and shoot. For creative control, you can adjust exposure value on the fly from +2 to -1.5 stops. Strobists, even you can rejoice, this thing has a PC flash input!

Limitations? Hardly.

Yes, the front element is plastic, this shouldn't come as a surprise. If you're looking for the utmost in sharpness, look for an earlier Land 100 or consult The Land List for a better listing of models that contain glass. Otherwise, enjoy the soft, swirly corners this will produce up close. Pictorialism is coming back in a big way, you can be ahead of the curve!

Polaroid 669, Lauren & Val

If you're looking for a camera that's fun, gives you a print right on the scene, and is a real crowd-pleaser, look no further than the pack-film cameras, namely the 420. For myself, this camera is my goto for parties, family events, and just plain fun in an instant. There's 40+ million marooned Polaroid cameras out there, give one a home and a fresh pack of film today."

Mat Marrash / PDN Photo Expo NYC
Mat Marrash's website

FPP Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera blog series
Previous entries:
Introductions
April-Lea and her Polaroid 420

Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Polaroid Impulse Portrait / Impossible PX 600 UV+
About me
Michael Raso is passionate about film as a viable and exciting medium for the visual artist, even in this age of digital photography. A photographer, producer and filmmaker working professionally in the visual arts for over 20 years, Michael is also the founder of the Film Photography Project and its fortnightly internet radio show, the Film Photography Podcast. At last count, Michael was actively shooting with over 50 vintage cameras.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

FPP Episode Episode 36 - June 1, 2011 features a spotlight on the Polaroid Automatic 420.






Have a question about your film photography? E-mail me anytime!
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera
Purchase your own Polaroid 420 Camera at the FPP Store!

Content Copyright 2011 Film Photography Project, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

April-Lea's 420 Polaroid Photography



blog by Michael Raso
images by April-Lea Hutchinson

April-Lea Hutchinson is a film photographer and model from London, Ontario. Shooting primarily with Polaroid and Holga cameras, April says in her own words – “I look for emotion to tell a story and reveal the beauty in my characters. Beyond the aesthetic qualities imparted by instant film and long exposures, my empathetic relationship with the person in front of the camera infuses my images with comfortable intimacy and perhaps a touch of nostalgia.”

April's very first film camera was the Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera. She kindly send me the following e-mail describing her 420 instant photography.



"My very first camera was a Polaroid Land Camera 420, It was given to me by a friend who also happens to be a Polaroid Land Camera photographer. The snapping sound when pulling the shot in anticipation, the thirty seconds to see what you got, is was got me hooked on this camera. The immediacy of the process suits my temperament and has allowed me to put my thoughts into an instant print.



I adore the many films that the 420 uses. The IPF “blue” tone being one of my favorites to work with and of course any of the original expired film. Nothing beats expired film with the funky color tones and degradation.

My camera really is just an extension of me, it’s very easy to control and handle. My 420 produces timeless pieces of art in my eyes. I wouldn’t trade it for the world."


April-Lea Hutchinson's Home Page / On Flickr

FPP Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera blog series
Previous entry - Introductions

Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Polaroid Impulse Portrait / Impossible PX 600 UV+
About me
Michael Raso is passionate about film as a viable and exciting medium for the visual artist, even in this age of digital photography. A photographer, producer and filmmaker working professionally in the visual arts for over 20 years, Michael is also the founder of the Film Photography Project and its fortnightly internet radio show, the Film Photography Podcast. At last count, Michael was actively shooting with over 50 vintage cameras.


FPP Episode Episode 36 - June 1, 2011 features a spotlight on the Polaroid Automatic 420.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com



April-Lea Hutchinson was my featured guest on The Film Photography Podcast / Episode 22 - November 26, 2010
(Use the link above or listen to below)



Have a question about your film photography? I'd love to hear from you.
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera
Purchase your own Polaroid 420 Camera at the FPP Store!

Content Copyright 2011 Film Photography Project, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Super Show Notes for FPP 36

Shutter Open, Painted

Film Photography Podcast Episode 36 - June 1, 2011
Download, Stream, iTune, Zune or listen below!
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/





Show Notes by Dan Domme

In the studio, Michael Raso is joined by John Fedele.

The Dark Room

The Darkroom (http://thedarkroom.com/) is a very versatile lab in San Clemente, CA that offers a host of different services for film in all formats. They’ve decided to offer some free processing to five lucky winners of some 35mm slide film! Send an e-mail to FilmPhotographyPodcast@gmail.com (yo) to enter. Don’t forget to tell us a bit about yourself and your photography!

Below: The Perry Como Show with Live Polaroid Land Camera Commercial



Film is getting donated by and sent out to tons of listeners! If you have film or a working film camera that you wish to donate, send it to:

Film Photography Podcast
Michael Raso
PO Box 152
Butler, NJ 07405

John “Trackman” Casimiro calls in and makes a quick guest appearance. Mike talks about maintaining professionalism, whether it’s operating a (ahem) high-class organization like the Film Photography Project or even your own personal photography blog.

Below: The Trackman

PolaroidOne600 / Impossible PX680

Mike shares a stupid mistake he made with his Polaroid Pack camera, not changing the ASA setting after switching films. Don’t let this happen to you... Watch the video below!

Below: Polaroid Troubleshooting: No Exposure!



April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera

Interested in a Polaroid Packfilm camera, a/k/a a 100-series Land Camera, but don’t know where to start? Mike suggests that you check out a Polaroid 420, which is the Land Camera of choice for photographers April-Lea Hutchinson and FPP’s own Mat Marrash. Not necessarily better or worse than any other land camera, but a model that has found some popularity among certain FPP members. Feeling picky? Check out the infamous Land List to find the model that’s right for you...

...Otherwise, pick up a 420 camera from the Film Photography Store today! Want Mike to put a custom package together for YOU? Shoot Mike an e-mail at FilmPhotographyPodcast(AT)gmail(DOT)com and just ask. All profits from camera sales go back into running The Film Photography Podcast!

http://filmphotographystore.com/


Below - FPP video: Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera



Michael breaks the news about the latest product from Lomography, the Lomo LC-Wide

The Lomography LC-Wide Microsite
http://microsites.lomography.com/lc-wide/

A letter by listener James Dean sparks a discussion on the right for photographers to shoot, and how to deal with security guards, even ones who work for Tiny Tim! (Perhaps Michael & John will reveal a shocking tale in a future episode?)

Overall, the philosophy that Mike and John suggest you adopt (regarding security and the police on the street) is that of John Rambo - to simply “Let it go.”

Below: First Blood (Rambo) - Let It Go!



Mike tells us about a recent article in American Photo Magazine that suggests that it’s impossible to make Polaroid image transfers today. His proposed solution is to write a kind and professional e-mail to the magazine editor to explain how you can still achieve the result using Fuji FP-100C Packfilm.

Continuing with the Land Camera theme of the show, Mike talks about an effect he stumbled on by accident - Shutter Lag! Freeze some action by using a flash, then take in the background by keeping the shutter open. Mike suggests moving the exposure dial towards “lighten.” After the flash fires, the Electric Eye of the Polaroid camera should stay open for a moment, allowing you to create dreamy or wacky photos. Watch the following video as Mike explains exactly what to do:

Below: Polaroid Painting with Light



A listener tips off Mike to a new camera manufacturer, Argus! Get the 4-1-1 by checking out the Argus Collectors Group! http://www.arguscg.org/

Finally, FPP Listener Tony Kwong fills us in on the turbulent history of Camerapedia, and how it has split into two similar sites, camerapedia.wikia.com and camera-wiki.org

One of many explanations of the demise of Camerapedia:
http://www.steevithak.com/2011/02/27/goodbye-camerapedia-hello-camera-wiki-org/

Finally, a letter sent to us from Steve at Camera-Wiki

Hey guys,

Just caught your latest podcast where you talk about the death and
resurrection of Camerapedia as Camera-wiki.org. I'm afraid you got a few
things majorly confused! Sorry for a long rant but would really like to
clear up your misunderstanding of things. ;)

Two main points

1. Camerapedia (that is, the website content and community of
contributors) was not bought by anyone, it simply lost it's domain
name.

2. The domain name Camerapedia.org was NOT bought by Wikipedia (the free
online encyclopedia), it was bought by Wikia (a for-profit corporation).
They are not the same thing. The fact that you "don't remember seeing
ads on Wikipedia anyway" is because there are none, Wikipedia is not
Wikia. Wikipedia is an ad-free, non-profit venture.

I realize all these words that start with "wiki" are confusing to people
who are not net-savvy in much the same way that camera jargon confuses
non-camera people. Here's a quick run down:

Wiki: a type of website technology that allows anyone to create and edit
content

Wikipedia: a particular website and non-profit organization building an
encyclopedia based on Wiki technology. Wikipedia is one example of a
Wiki; there are many others. Camerapedia, now known as camera-wiki.org
is another example of a wiki.

Wikia: a for-profit corporation whose goal is to buy up high-traffic
wiki sites by any means available and use them to drive traffic to their
ad servers.

Wikia has a long history of taking over community wiki sites through
unscrupulous means, often by finding a single point of failure, such as
one person who controls a key component of the site and buying them off.
In the case of Camerapedia, one person had full control of the domain
name and sold it to Wikia without the permission or knowledge of the
Camerapedia community.

The problem wasn't primarily image rights but that Wikia wanted to take
control of *everything* away from the community. They would dictate
everything from how the site looked to what content was allowed.

Further you misunderstood the image rights problem. Camerapedia worked
by using flickr for hosting. That meant you could always click on a
photo to get the photographer's flickr page and read more about it.
Wikia put an end to that and mandated local hosting of photos. They
began wholesale copying of photos from flickr without the permission of
the photographers and, in the process, stripped off copyrights,
photographer credits, and any identification of the copyright holder,
replacing it with their own information, suggesting viewers that all the
image were owned by Wikia.

So the problem the Camerapedia community had with all this was far from
just a gripe about ads being placed near their flickr photography as you
suggested in the podcast.

One last point, you indicated that Camera-Wiki.org was lacking content
that used to be on Camerapedia. This is not really correct. With the
exception of a small number of restricted use photos (that were replaced
with new, equivalent photos) Camera-Wiki.org started on day 1 with the
same content it always had under the Camerapedia.org name and, in fact,
now has over 400 pages of new content. This was not a "split" in the
sense that each site ended up with only partial content.

Wikia has not faired well with their commercial copy of the site because
1) they have almost no contributors adding new content and 2) many old
contributors have since removed 50-75% of the images from their site.

To sum all this up, a better way to look at the whole mess is that an
annoying company took away Camerapedia's domain name and we got a new
one, Camera-wiki.org. Otherwise, things are continuing as usual.

-Steve


Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Polaroid Impulse Portrait / Impossible PX 600 UV+
About FPP Founder Michael Raso
Michael Raso is passionate about film as a viable and exciting medium for the visual artist, even in this age of digital photography. A photographer, producer and filmmaker working professionally in the visual arts for over 20 years, Michael is also the founder of the Film Photography Project and its fortnightly internet radio show, the Film Photography Podcast. At last count, Michael was actively shooting with over 50 vintage cameras.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Have a question about your film photography? E-mail me anytime!
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera
Purchase your own Polaroid 420 Camera at the FPP Store!

Content Copyright 2011 Film Photography Project, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera - Introduction

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera

blog by Michael Raso

Welcome to my series of blogs dedicated to the long line of Polaroid "folding" Automatic Land Cameras. Also known as the Polaroid 100 Series Land Cameras or Polaroid Folding Pack Cameras, Polaroid Corporation first introduced in 1963 with the Polaroid 100 Automatic Land Camera and continued the series through 1977, ending with Model 450. Other folding camera popped up years later like the Polaroid Reporter, Polaroid Pro-Pack Camera and the "hard-bodied" Colorpack series. This Film Photography Project blog series is dedicated to all these wonderful and durable instant film cameras. I hope to cover all of them in the weeks and months ahead.

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring
"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring"
Polaroid image using the Model 420 by April-Lea Hutchinson


What's the "buzz" about the Polaroid Model 420? Besides the fact that Film Photography Podcast (FPP) co-host Mat Marrash and awesome photographer April-Lea Hutchinson shoot with it, this plastic Polaroid "pack" camera ranks high as one of the favorite models in the long line of Polaroid instant cameras. It's handsome looks with gold trim make it a recent fav!



Introduced in 1971 and produced through 1977, this Pola-Pack-Tastic camera features a plastic body and plastic shutter/lens housing, a 114mm f/8.8 2-element plastic lens, parallax viewfinder with distance estimator in the eyepiece, a 1/1200sec to 10sec (automatic) shutter, an aperture of f8.8 to f42 (automatic), exposure compensation dial with range of -1/+2 stops (Lighten/Darken control) and Film speed settings of 75asa (for 100asa film) and 3000asa (for BW 3000asa film)

Camera uses Fujifilm FP-100c, FP-100b, or FP-3000b instant films as well as many expired Polaroid "pack" films still available at the FPP Store or at The Impossible Project.

Film Photography Podcast - March 2011
What is FPP?
The Film Photography Project seeks to inform, engage and inspire amateur and professional photographers working in the traditional film medium. Launched by FPP founder Michael Raso in 2009, FPP provides a forum for photographers from around the globe to share their creative output, challenges and product reviews, while promoting the viability of vintage cameras and film through frequent give-aways and exchange programs. In addition to the Film Photography Podcast Internet Radio Show, the Film Photography Project network of imprints includes the FPP Flickr Page, YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, Twitter Account, newsletter and the Film Photography Project Store.

Polaroid Impulse Portrait / Impossible PX 600 UV+
About me
Michael Raso is passionate about film as a viable and exciting medium for the visual artist, even in this age of digital photography. A photographer, producer and filmmaker working professionally in the visual arts for over 20 years, Michael is also the founder of the Film Photography Project and its fortnightly internet radio show, the Film Photography Podcast. At last count, Michael was actively shooting with over 50 vintage cameras.

http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

FPP Episode Episode 36 - June 1, 2011 features a spotlight on the Polaroid Automatic 420.






Have a question about your film photography? E-mail me anytime!
Michael Raso
FilmPhotographyPodcast (AT) gmail.com

April-Lea Hutchinson's Polaroid Automatic 420 Land Camera
Purchase your own Polaroid 420 Camera at the FPP Store!

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