What kind of camera and film do I need in order to get that "late 60s / early 70s nostalgia"?

Question

Do you remember that show "The Wonder Years", on in the 80s and 90s? You remember the introduction with the Joe Cocker cover of "With a Little Help From My Friends"??

I am curious what type of camera and film I would need in order to shoot stills of the same quality as that home movie footage in the beginning of that show.

Also, I would be curious to know what type of home movie camera that might have been as well (but mainly interested in taking still photos with that late 60s / early 70s vibe).

Do you know where I can buy these supplies on the net or learn more about this?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

You may be able to get the effects you are looking for by checking out some of the different photo editing software programs that are out there. There is probably a movie software packet out there that can conver the video footage you shoot into different styles. I know someone who made his movie look like an old silent film, grainy, sepia-toned, and skipped at times.
Do some research on the net for these programs.

Answer 2

As you probably guessed the key element to a washed out vintage look that you see in old color photos is simply a process of time, and improper care i.e., excellerated deterioration.
Like the other posts said one way is to create this look is digitally, but if you are not familiar with Photoshop and other digital processes, there is a simple way to create these types of images.
Start with a cheap plastic camera called a Holga or a lomo. A lot of the cameras that were popular in the 60's and 70's utilized really cheap lenses that are reminiscent of the Holga or lomo. The difference between these cameras is that the Lomo is 35mm, whereas the Holga shoots 120 or medium format film (have to go to a pro shop to find the film). For practicality sake, buy a lomo.
The next step is to buy some color film, any kind will work in this case, but if you want a grainy image, use a higher speed film such as one with an iso rating of 800 or higher(this may not be an option with a lomo though because it might not have an iso setting option, so you may be stuck with only a limited range of film you can use). So after you get your film and shoot a few shots, take it to a pro lab and ask them to cross process the negatives, I included a link below on what cross processing is. Some bone head photo technicians will have no clue what you are talking about, or will worry that it might hurt their chemicals, if that is the case just call up or find another pro shop that knows what you are talking about.
Anyway the results should be interesting to say the least, and should have somewhat of that vintage look you are seeking.
As far as what vintage movie camera they were using, try a 1960's 8mm camera from sears, they will give you that vintage look you want, or take the time to learn Final Cut Pro, or any other video editing software for that matter, as this is the easy and cheap way to make those types of vintage films using the appropriate filters.

Answer 3

I believe it was the first Polaroid camera w/disposable film cartridges. U may find something like this in the cheaper 5 and 10
type stores or a "Dollar" store where things r really cheap. If not maybe look on ebay or try the Polaroid website. Good luck!!! I
doubt ur hunt will be long.

Answer 4

You can edit any digital footage with the right software to make it into sepia tones, or that washed matte finish.

Photoshop ->PC, and iPhoto, Aperture, and iMovie-> Mac all work great if you know what you are doing.

There are lots of guides on how to do it, and if you already have a camera, you won't have to spend the extra money.

Answer 5

there is no one camera or film to recreate this type of imagry. it is the photographer and the process itself that makes images.

Answer 6

8mm or 16mm film cameras, but good luck finding any that work, or anywhere that will develop the reels.