Thursday, December 31, 2009

Blackbird Fly... higher... and further!

Film : Kodak Professional EliteChrome 100
Date Taken : December 2009

Here are some outdoor sceneries at the Cityhall area, before the Blackbird actually flew all the way to Hong Kong for a 3-day trip! Not many nice pictures taken in this roll as some of them were either under- or over-exposed.

Holga 135BC... 3rd roll


Film : Lomography X-Pro 200 
Date Taken : December 2009

I went on a hot afternoon "date" with Holga and the Blackbird! :)

Monday, December 21, 2009

My 2nd toy camera... Blackbird, Fly

I found myself "sinking deeper" into lo-fi photography after playing with the Holga for about 2 months. Very soon, I laid my eyes (and hands) on my next toy... Superheadz Blackbird, Fly! I love it for its cool and unique appearance! It's both a 35mm, as well as a TLR (twin-lens reflex) camera!


Film : FujiChrome Sensia 100
Date Taken : December 2009

These were the debut shots of the Blackbird Fly (check out the sprocket holes!!!), and also my first try on cross-processing positive film!

About the Blackbird, Fly


The Blackbird, Fly is in short a Twin-Reflex 35mm Plastic Camera. It is unique for several reasons:

ONE
It’s a successor to a classic! It seems the Blackbird, Fly is considered the Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) version of the classic Holga, which is in turn a successor to the Diana, both of which have a real cult following. Some call the Holga a "toy" camera, which is of course a bit of a misnomer. Many have relied on it to take beautiful photographs. Yet the Holga is also known for its unpredictability, as every one is just a little different. Most have light leaks, and those leaks are not going to be the same between any two Holgas. This unpredictability contributes to much of their charm, and was taken to the extreme by some photographers as it became a popular camera for “shooting from the hip”. Many Holga mods have also become very popular.
TWO
It's a TLR! The Blackbird, Fly, is a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera, meaning that there are two objective lenses: One for taking the photograph, and one for the waist-level viewfinder. Behind the viewfinder lens is a mirror at a 45-degree angle (hence the term “reflex”), which reflects upwards through a matter focusing screen surrounded by a hood/enclosure used to block some light and reduce reflection on the screen. This creates an image on the screen identical to what will be captured on film through the photographic lens.
THREE
It uses 35mm film! Most TLR cameras use 120 format film. Although 120 film is very cool, it can be much harder to find and even harder to get developed. With 35mm film you can just drop it off at the nearest 1-hour photo!
FOUR
3 formats! You can shoot in 3 formats (using provided masks): normal 35mm (24mm x 36mm), square format (24mm x 24mm), and large square format (36mm x 36mm).
FIVE
It’s VERY reasonable! Many TLRs are hundreds of dollars, and although some of them are worth it, the Blackbird, Fly is just $100+. It’s an amazing TLR for hobbyists to creative professionals to everyone in between.
SIX
Colors, colors, colors! Seriously, how many cameras have multiple color options?

Specifications
  • Apertures: f/7 (cloudy) and f/11 (sun)
  • Shutter speeds: 1/125 and B (Bulb mode — to let in as much light as you want)
  • Lens: Wide-angle 33mm lens
  • Focus: Visual distance estimates 0.8, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 10, ∞
  • Additional features: Yes, you can take multiple exposures!, attach optional flash

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Holga 135BC... 2nd roll


Film : Kodak BW400CN
Date Taken : December 2009

This is the first time I tried black and white film. Most of the pictures are taken at Pulau Ubin. 

Thursday, October 15, 2009

My 1st toy camera... The Holga 135BC (Snow)


Film : Kodak Gold 200 and Kodak Max 400
Date Taken : September 2009

These are the debut shots of the Holga 135BC, taken in the vicinity of my workplace and home. I developed the negatives in hardcopies and later scanned them into my computer, hence the resolution of the pictures did not reflect the exact of what the camera produced. My amateur photography skill only enabled me to take a few "OK" shots out of the 2 rolls of film.

About the Holga 135BC


This 35mm Holga Black Corner is master of the shadowy vignette. It specializes in creating mysterious images with dramatic effect. The combination of the otherworldly mystique of the plastic Holga lens and the Black Corner’s unique masking effect – radiates an atmosphere of Hitchkockian suspense. Build on this effect by experimenting with the unlimited long and multi-exposure feature. Like the 35mm Holga it has two shutter and aperture settings and uses standard 35mm film and processing.

Overview
  • Size: 4.5"x3"x2.5" (11.5cm x 7.5cm x 6.5cm)
  • Weight: 6oz (170g)
  • Format: all 35mm film (colour negative, slide, b&w)
  • Lens: Plastic 47mm, f/8
  • Focus: manual zone focus with four distance settings
  • Approximate 35mm format equivalent focal length: 38mm
  • Aperture settings: f/8, f/11
  • Shutter speeds: 1/125, "B"
  • Flash: standard hotshoe
  • Rear mask for enhanced “Black Corner” Effect
  • Uncoupled advance & shutter release for multiple exposures
  • Standard tripod & standard cable release threads
  • Standard 35mm processing that can be done at any lab, supermarket, etc.

Holga 35mm Features
Black Corner Mask
This unique mask creates a shadowy vignette in the four corners of the photo. The effect draws your plane of focus to one point and then lets you discover the rest of the shot. It is precisely this masking effect that produces the Black Corner’s intriguing atmosphere.

Plastic 47/8 Optical Lens
Without this unique plastic lens the Holga would undoubtedly lose her mojo. Simple as it may be this little plastic gem is responsible for radiating the Holga’s signature, otherworldly essence.

Uncoupled Advance and Shutter
This feature allows you to shoot limitless times on the same frame – thereby multi-exposing the shot. Try this feature to create a layered air of mystery with the Black Corner.

Variable Shutter Speeds
You get two to choose from. “N” - the standard daytime speed of 1/125 second or the exotic long-exposure "B" setting – where you can hold the shutter open for as long as you want. Use "B" to capture dazzling night images without a flash. Pair the "B" setting with a flash shot to freeze your sharp, flashed subject in front of a streaming, glowing background. Team the "B" setting with a tripod (via the bottom tripod thread) for a sharp night portrait.

Variable Aperture
A two-option weather guide helps you to select the right aperture size. The ‘sunshine’ icon represents f/11 – or switch to ‘cloudy’ f/8 for dull and nighttime shots.

Iconic Zone Focus
The lens has four focus settings. An easy-peasy iconic focus indicator allows you to opt for portrait, small group, big group or infinity.

Standard Tripod & Shutter Release Threads
Take the shake out of your shot with these tricks for long exposures! Fit a tripod into the bottom and a cable release into the top, and you’re set for solid, shake-free shots of a few seconds to a few hours!

Standard Hotshoe
There is no need to be in the dark with the Black Corner – its hotshoe means standard electronic flashes will shoot in sync with the shutter release.

Normal 35mm processing
Cheap and cheerful – easy and convenient! Whether you opt for colour, B&W or slide – developing your shots will not be a problem!

About the Holga 135BC


This 35mm Holga Black Corner is master of the shadowy vignette. It specializes in creating mysterious images with dramatic effect. The combination of the otherworldly mystique of the plastic Holga lens and the Black Corner’s unique masking effect – radiates an atmosphere of Hitchkockian suspense. Build on this effect by experimenting with the unlimited long and multi-exposure feature. Like the 35mm Holga it has two shutter and aperture settings and uses standard 35mm film and processing.

Overview
  • Size: 4.5"x3"x2.5" (11.5cm x 7.5cm x 6.5cm)
  • Weight: 6oz (170g)
  • Format: all 35mm film (colour negative, slide, b&w)
  • Lens: Plastic 47mm, f/8
  • Focus: manual zone focus with four distance settings
  • Approximate 35mm format equivalent focal length: 38mm
  • Aperture settings: f/8, f/11
  • Shutter speeds: 1/125, "B"
  • Flash: standard hotshoe
  • Rear mask for enhanced “Black Corner” Effect
  • Uncoupled advance & shutter release for multiple exposures
  • Standard tripod & standard cable release threads
  • Standard 35mm processing that can be done at any lab, supermarket, etc.

Holga 35mm Features
Black Corner Mask
This unique mask creates a shadowy vignette in the four corners of the photo. The effect draws your plane of focus to one point and then lets you discover the rest of the shot. It is precisely this masking effect that produces the Black Corner’s intriguing atmosphere.

Plastic 47/8 Optical Lens
Without this unique plastic lens the Holga would undoubtedly lose her mojo. Simple as it may be this little plastic gem is responsible for radiating the Holga’s signature, otherworldly essence.

Uncoupled Advance and Shutter
This feature allows you to shoot limitless times on the same frame – thereby multi-exposing the shot. Try this feature to create a layered air of mystery with the Black Corner.

Variable Shutter Speeds
You get two to choose from. “N” - the standard daytime speed of 1/125 second or the exotic long-exposure "B" setting – where you can hold the shutter open for as long as you want. Use "B" to capture dazzling night images without a flash. Pair the "B" setting with a flash shot to freeze your sharp, flashed subject in front of a streaming, glowing background. Team the "B" setting with a tripod (via the bottom tripod thread) for a sharp night portrait.

Variable Aperture
A two-option weather guide helps you to select the right aperture size. The ‘sunshine’ icon represents f/11 – or switch to ‘cloudy’ f/8 for dull and nighttime shots.

Iconic Zone Focus
The lens has four focus settings. An easy-peasy iconic focus indicator allows you to opt for portrait, small group, big group or infinity.

Standard Tripod & Shutter Release Threads
Take the shake out of your shot with these tricks for long exposures! Fit a tripod into the bottom and a cable release into the top, and you’re set for solid, shake-free shots of a few seconds to a few hours!

Standard Hotshoe
There is no need to be in the dark with the Black Corner – its hotshoe means standard electronic flashes will shoot in sync with the shutter release.

Normal 35mm processing
Cheap and cheerful – easy and convenient! Whether you opt for colour, B&W or slide – developing your shots will not be a problem!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

How it all started...

It was one fine afternoon in September 2009, when I came upon an old-fashioned bookshop selling sweet little plastic Ikimono 110 camera keychains that can easily fit in your palm or pocket. It's the tiniest and cutest, inexpensive film camera that I've ever encountered! I fell in love with it at first sight... though it wasn't my first toy camera and it was never part of my camera collection, the reason being that 110 film is so hard to find and even harder to get it developed. Nevertheless, it triggered my neverending interest and curiosity to research into the world of lomography and toy cameras!

There are so many fun toy cameras out there, and trying to figure out which one to get for a lomo-beginner can be quite confusing. Eventually, I considered starting with a 35mm film camera. Why? Coz 35mm films are relatively cheaper in cost and processing, and they're easier to find and get processed. The Holga 135BC (Snow) became the first toy camera for my latest hobby, simply coz it's easy to use, low in cost, easily available, and most importantly I love the corner vignetting it was created to produce!