Old Cameras for a nice vintage look in prints?

Question

I have had a few old cameras just for looks sitting on my shelves. I have been curious however if there is some that can give you a cool vintage look in print? Also is there anything I should know about high cost in film or hard to find films for old cameras. Last, is there any companies that specialize in developing vintage films?

Answer 1

Part of that vintage look which you see in older photographs is attributed to shooting a larger format film usually 6x6, 6x7,6x9 or 4x5. As far as film prices it is not all that expensive. An average roll of 120 size black and white film will cost anywhere from $3-$5 a roll and anywhere from $3-$5 to process the negatives at a professional photo finishing shop (much much cheaper if you develop on your own). Just look through the yellow pages to find a professional photo finishing shop and ask if they process medium or large format film.
In terms of printing the image, I would actually suggest going digital. Vintage prints are typically printed on fiber based papers as your plasticy RC based papers really didn't come out until fairly recently in terms of photo history is concerned. Buy yourself a decent Epson printer and negative scanner. When you get your film developed only ask for the negatives, take your negatives home and scan them. As for the type of paper to print on try a heavy stock watercolor paper. There are many types of watercolor papers, so I would suggest something cold pressed and without much texture. Digitally you can also tone your images quite easily to give it somewhat of a sepia tone.
If you are really into vintage style prints I would suggest you take a look at http://www.alternativephotography.com/

Answer 2

Old vintage cameras dont equal vintage photographs (prints) thats just silly. If you would like "vintage looks" to your photographs u can create that using photoshop or some other photo editing software.

Most film uses a C41 process(color negs), D76 (Black&White negs),E6 and K14 (color trans. process). There really isnt a vintage film process sorry

Answer 3

If you find the filem it makes sense that the images would come out "old time"

You can vintage a photograph on photoshop so easily, "old time" photos are usually faked.

Post back later with your discovery...

beaux Patrick

Answer 4

The quality of photos depends primarily on the photographer, and secondarily on the films and equipment. Polaroids are fun, if you can still find the film. Rangefinder cameras are good for normal and wide perspectives, but not so good for telephoto and/or close-up applications.