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Gone Analog

Deon

Active Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2024
Messages
57
Last month I sold the last of my digital cameras and accessories that went with them. I have paired down my camera, studio and grip equipment significantly since exiting the commercial photographic world four years ago. Back to basics, back to analog and the darkroom! I am returning to my favorite cameras and formats to design within. Getting out from under a pile of equipment has been nothing short of an eye opening experience, as well as a great relief.
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Columbia River at Altoona, Washington - Hasselblad 501c/m w/60mm - Ilford FP-4

Other than my out of date phone, I no longer have a digital recording device. Stop what you’re thinking! I’m not against or even dislike digital! That is simply not the case at all. The details and resolution are nothing short of breathtaking, not to mention how easy it is to get incredibly accurate colors. If that is your goal, I’m not going to talk you out of it, it’s simply what needs to be done. I personally enjoy the nuances that various films add to an image. Today, I don’t need an image to be ultra sharp or even a sense of accuracy. I’m drawn to shapes, colors and design to convey an idea as opposed to a crisp thing or place to tell a story.
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Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico - Hasselblad Flexbody w/100mm - Ilford Pan-F

It was not that long ago I owned 57 cameras. Today I am shooting with two 35mm cameras and two 6x6cm medium format cameras. I have my Father’s Leica M4 with 50mm f=2.0 Dual Range Summicron (I was 11 years old when I went with him to pick it up at a camera shop), I also reload several Kodak “Fun Saver Panoramic 35” disposables (25mm f=12). In medium format I have a Hasselblad Flexbody and 501c/m with three Carl Zeiss T* CF lenses. A 60mm f=3.5 Distagon, 100mm f=3.5 Planar and 120mm f=4.0 Makro Planar lens. Plus a Holga 120n (60mm F=8.0).

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Silver Springs, Nevada - Holga 120n - Expired Kodak VPS-120

How do you feel about analog or digital? Do you have a strong opinion or no opinion? I personally feel they are just another tool, no different than a paint brush to create an engaging image.
 
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