This course is designed for anyone interested in using old cameras to make ‘non-digital’ negatives and prints. Whether you have a vintage camera already or not, you will learn how to use a wide variety of models to make pictures, both with and without a darkroom.
From the humble 'Box Brownie’ to large nineteenth century plate cameras, a folding Kodak or a 1980s SLR, almost anything, working or not(!) can still be used.
Aims: To explore ways of using film-based cameras to make photographs using paper and other materials.
Objectives: To achieve a sound knowledge of the workings of analogue cameras, exposure control, processing chemicals and darkroom practice, contact printing, lumen images and historic techniques.
Outcomes: On completion, each student should be proficient and confident in using a range of analogue camera types, mixing and using print chemicals and able to make direct paper negatives and prints. They should also be confident and ready to progress to using film in the future if they wish.
On the first evening there will be an introductory talk, plus discussion of the historical context, the potential for experiment and development and individual expectations.
On the first full day we will cover:
Camera types
Assessing condition, repairs, repurposing and possible modifications
Exposure measurement and control
Using silver bromide darkroom papers to make negatives and positive prints
On the second day we will cover:
Contact printing
Lumen images
Historic processes
Specialist / experimental camera designs and builds.
Students should bring their own cameras, plus tripods, film holders etc. if they have them. – Don’t worry if your camera is broken or damaged! - We can often make them work well with paper. There will also be plenty of cameras of all types for you to use.
