I’m so excited about this project I couldn’t wait till New Years to tell everyone.
A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a used Canon AE-1 Program off of Amazon. According to Wikipedia, the AE-1 Program was the successor to the AE-1 and was introduced in 1981. The AE-1 was a widely successful camera in its day. Today the AE-1/AE-1 Program is a legend with an iconic design. Production of the AE-1 Program was stopped in 1984 so this means I’ll be learning on a camera that is older than I am. To the best of my knowledge, it’s in fine working order.
My project for 2013 is to become a better digital photographer by learning to shoot film (thus Project Film). While that may not make sense at first, it might when you realize that film is a much more unforgiving medium. Not only do you have to wait to develop film (oh, the horror!), you can also screw up and not know it for a while (aka the 3rd roll of film I shot and it wasn’t properly wound so I didn’t get anything). The various types of films available, from normal to “lomo”, is breathtaking. Plus, not knowing the “holy trinity” of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture can make or break a shot (literally). My goal is to get familiar enough with the “holy trinity” where I can shoot on manual on my DSLR’s without a second thought.
How will I get there? By shooting film this year (alongside digital in some cases). I’m still looking for an economical way to get my negatives on a computer without spending a fortune but I plan to keep these scanned shots true to form (no to minimal digital edits). At the end of 2013, I’ll compile my best shots into a book that I’ll sell in 2014.
So, while I’ll be sharing my trials and tribulations with you here, I could also use some help. The Canon FD mount that my camera uses has been out of production for some time. If you know of anyone that rents/sells FD mount glass, please point them my way. If you shoot on a AE-1, also give me a holler- I would love to talk to you about it!
Do you have any big projects for 2013?
[update]: My buddies over at Photojojo just added this idea to their blog post “7 Photo Projects to Start on January 1st“. Pretty cool, eh?
Pingback: Kodacolor ISO200 + Flickr Meetup (#projectfilm) « Blog of Joe
Pingback: Lomography ISO400 film, part II (#projectfilm) « Blog of Joe
I left this on the thread on facebook but I figured I’d also leave it here as well
Hello, this was a great post! I also shoot with a Canon AE-1, all of the film photos in the most recent album uploaded on here have been shot with it. It’s a great tool! As for your FD mount problem; true they have been out of production but the lenses are not hard to find. Try searching the used section on BHphoto.com and KEH.com, they often have lenses for your camera for sale that are in great condition. I know right now they have a few 28mm and 50mm up for sale. Are you familiar with my blog (120pearls.wordpress.com)? It may be helpful to you on your journey to strengthening your craft in film
Kaitlin,
I am familiar with your blog- I heard about you from the Mobbies
I’ve been reading up on film- would you like to join the Photowalk Alliance. A bunch of us are shooting film this year- would you like to join us?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thephotowalkalliance/
Joined
I have canon ae-1 and a nikon fm10. the canon is a great camera. I suggest you try black and white film. Look forward in seeing more of your film project.
Thanks Mikey! Come join our FB group (http://www.facebook.com/photowalkalliance) as we have a couple other people doing this project as well. I would love for you to join us!
Pingback: 7 projets photos | guylaine.ca images
Pingback: #projectfilm goes Macro! | Blog of Joe
Pingback: #projectfilm goes to the beach « blog.joesterne
Cool idea, Joe. I have the same camera– it belonged to my dad. Maybe I’ll follow your lead and try some photo projects on film again!
Thanks Jen! Would love to see some of your shots if you decide to do that. Thanks for checking the blog out!
Hi Joe! I’m an amateur photographer and I use the Canon AV-1 more than I use any DSLR. I recently bought some FD mount lenses on ebay from this shop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/grandaddavesclassiccameras – the prices are reasonable and the products are almost as good as new! I do however trust more in the original 50mm 1:1.8 but it does obviously depend on the subject of the photograph! Here’s the link to my current work http://www.cargocollective.com/collarbonesmile and would love to chat about film photography
I also can’t wait to see some of your photos!
Hi Emily! Thank you for the store tip! I will check it out. Let’s connect on twitter/FB. You should join the group I helped found- the Photowalk Alliance. We love to talk about all types of photography!
http://photowalkalliance.com
Pingback: 7 Photo Projects to Start on January 1st » Pixels On Paper Creative | Idaho's LOVE Photographer
Awesome project Joe! Good luck. Where are you developing? I’m going to try a one second video project this year,
Currently Walgreens- probably moving that to Costco in a bit. Any suggestions?
No! I honestly didn’t know where you still could!
Pingback: A Wonderful (film) Accident « blog.joesterne
I have a number of film cameras … but my Canon A-1 is the one I’ve been shooting with the most. B&H has some FD mount lenses … and I’ve seen some great deals on eBay.
Awesome! I’m getting a group of people together to shoot film in 2013- wanna join us? (everyone reading)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thephotowalkalliance/
This seems like a really cool idea. Good Luck!
Thank you! Looking forward to results.