It seems I forgot how to operate a film camera. I don’t remember the last time I used my Canon FTb. And, operating it required moments of serious focus. Frankly, it has been sitting for a very long time. I hoped it would still work.
I stopped using and developing my own Black & White film probably 16 or 17 years ago. Some time after that I sold all my film and digital SLR equipment, and embracing my Canon mirrorless camera, the M6 Mkii. Nifty little cameras. Full EOS operation and Canon no longer makes them. I did keep the one film camera pictured above. I bought that camera in Vietnam in 1971, just before I left for home.
Embracing the thought of returning to film photography, I bought a few rolls of film loaded the camera and commenced to trying to remember how this particular camera works! Oh, yeah. I have to focus it. I needed a new battery for the light meter, and that seems to work, but I need to remember not only how to use it, but setting the ISO, shutter and aperture in order to make a proper exposure.
Slowly, my memory returned to how to use the camera. Next was finding subjects that were worthy of this fine camera and film. Obviously, my motorcycles became subjects, and then I took a ride to find suitable locations.
I had to remember the film does not automatically advance. You have to push the film advance lever to get the film to the next frame. On just the one roll of film, I must have pressed the shutter button a dozen times to take another picture, forgetting to advance the film. I guess I have been using my auto-focus, automatic everything on the digital cameras, that I forgot how much work goes into film. But, it will be worth it.
I’ll let you know when the film gets back from the processor.
Are you shooting B&W film? Developing it yourself or sending off to a processor? Let me know in the comments.
See you on the highway.
Brent