Alternate Cameras

Kodak Kodet Duaflex II Camera (Through the Viewfinder Attempt)

I stumbled on to this beauty of a camera at the local Goodwill several days ago. Kodak made four different versions of this camera and the one I have is the Duaflex II version. It is medium format camera with an aluminum alloy body and a simple fixed focus 75mm f/15 Kodet lens. It requires 620 film which is now obsolete. However one can use 120 film with some modifications and I am planning to do that soon.

I saw so many examples of this meme called “Through the Viewfinder” that I wanted to give it a shot. It was very difficult to get my Canon SD500 P&S digital camera to focus but somehow managed to pull it off. I don’t think it is the greatest example of a TTV shot but hey I gave it a try.

Alternate Cameras / Cameras / Holga / Indianapolis / Medium Format / Toy Cameras — 1 Comment
28
Jun 10

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL – A simple yet powerful message!

Almost missed this one walking down Virginia Ave. this afternoon. Had a lunch meeting with a couple of good friends in the historic Fountain Square Area in Indianapolis. I noticed this from the corner of my eye and just shot it as I was crossing the street. The message is so simple and yet so powerful.

Alternate Cameras / Holga / Indianapolis / Medium Format / Toy Cameras — No Comments
24
Jun 10

Veterans Memorial (Indianapolis, IN) through the lens of a Holga 120

35 MM / Alternate Cameras / Cameras / Holga / Technique / Toy Cameras — No Comments
2
Jan 10

How to load 35mm film in a Medium Format Holga 120S Toy Camera

Recently I wrote on how I used my favorite 35mm Black and White film, Ilford HP5 Plus, in a modified Holga 120S Medium Format Camera. Many have commented (On Flickr) and I really appreciate that. I did receive some inquiries on how I loaded the film in the camera and kept it in place. Before I show how I did it here is a video on Youtube showing how others have done it:

Unfortunately for me I did not have pieces of foam lying around so I improvised. Instead of foam pieces I used a Bic ballpoint pen. I cut two pieces (you will have to experiment just a little to get the right size) and made notches on one end of each piece to fit into each end of the 35mm film spool. Make sure that the film is centered while you experiment, you will just have to eye ball it.

I then inserted the pieces of Bic pen on either side of the film spool and loaded it into the camera.

Make sure you absolutely remember to do this: I made sure that the film counter window is tapped up on the outside and inside with black electrical tape. You will have to do this because unlike 120 film which has a paper backing 35mm film does not have one. If you do not cover the counter window the film will be exposed to outside light – which could be very bad.

Once you have the lid closed tape up areas (Like in the photo above) to make sure that there are no more light leaks or eliminate any accidents.

Alternate Cameras / Cameras / Holga / Indianapolis / Toy Cameras — 4 Comments
29
Dec 09

Winter fun with Holga

Well before your mind wanders in the wrong direction, Holga is a cheaply built plastic camera with a crummy plastic lens – and the primary reason why many like it. No two cameras are the same which is a testament to the absolutely horrible quality control procedures if there are any to begin with. Despite its short comings the Holga has endeared itself to many artists and serious photographers with its quirky and sometimes other worldly results.

I purchased my Holga in 2004 for some $20.00. Unlike other cameras that might quit working in freezing cold winters of midwest, Holgas are remarkably reliable. With just one shutter speed and aperture setting there is nothing to worry about other than getting the photograph. Just the other day I took it out, loaded it with my favorite 35mm Black and White film and went for a walk at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Using a film smaller than the recommended format gives you some interesting results. In this case you will notice, assuming that you still remember what a developed 35mm film looks like, the area with sprocket holes is also exposed giving it a cool border effect. Many spend ungodly amounts of money to get the same effect in Photoshop – oh the irony.

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