Film: the social medium

abdoujaparov

abdoujaparov

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I had no fewer than six people either compliment me or start a conversation with me about the Yashica-Mat hanging from my neck today in Cardiff. Theew was a 10 minute conversation with an old fella about street photography that went, via Vivien Maier, to the Ragged Trousered Philanthropist. There was a Turkish cafe owner who wanted to know how it worked, a cashier in Poundland who shouted out "love your camera, mate", a Buddhist monk in Queen's Street who wanted donations but still opened up with camera talk, and a guy who passed me in Morgan's Arcade and said "cool camera" without even stopping.

To be fair, I also had someone talk to me about my D90. He ranted loudly and at length at me because he thought I was taking secret photos (I just had my hand on it to stop it swinging around on the sling), which was a bit scary. He threatened me with untold retribution, I threatened him with the police, and we agreed to disagree.
 
Many film cameras get comments and compliments, but TLRs really do get the most admiration and intrigue of them all. I've had some wonderful conversations that started with my Rollei around my neck.
 
try setting up a 5x4 and hoping to get some peace and quiet. It is a little annoying when people see a digital and think freak, but see some film and think theyre your best mate.
 
I'd take my Mamiya C33 out more but it weighs more than I do. Maybe if I think of it as a workout...
 
Had a 20 minute conversation about Edinburgh after a guy saw me finishing a roll in the folder, a 15 minute chat about RB/RZ (whilst getting eaten alive by midges) with a dutch guy, a lassy complimented my OM one day at the fringe (she was my best friend for that moment) and a chap who was taking a similar shot to me stepped out my way after he got his and complimented the FG.Those are the ones that stick in the mind, compared with none when taking the digi out...
 
I was surrounded by a gaggle of Japanese tourists on Saturday who were all very impressed by my Bronica GS-1 and they spent 10 minutes gathered around as I explained how it works. Funnily enough they all had Nikon's, not a Canon or Sony or Fuji to be seen.
 
Film cameras definitely get looks and positive comments. I have had it a couple of times with my Bessa. Nothing was said using the Rollei yesterday, however that was it's first outing. I clocked a few peoples glances however.
 
Have had a number of friendly comments and a few knowing smiles here and there when out and about (mainly when in London) with TLRs. Last time I got chatting to an American tourist who said he had a Rollei himself and I'd inspired him to get it out and use it when he got home. Got to be said, TLRs are probably the coolest cameras out there :cool:. Chicks seem to dig them especially...

Can't say 35mm SLRs have the same effect, but again have had one or two chats based on what I'm using etc.

Only thing about my new Pentax 645 is that I felt a bit conspicuous....bit like lugging a 1980s video camera around (but it's a dream to use, FWIW).
 
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