For The Love of Film by Liam Matear
With today’s technology, we are guaranteed to take at least one good photo when shooting on digital cameras. Equipped with complex internal computers, high levels of automation and the ability to shoot 10 frames per second, their high practicality makes them the perfect tool for almost any situation.
However, for me, the satisfaction on digital just isn’t the same as when I’m shooting with film. With only 36 shots, without the luxury of memory cards, auto white balance, or the ability to change the ISO mid-run, you have to become much more selective with how you photograph.
When shooting with a Nikonos V, you can’t actually see life through the lens; with no internal mirror, you have to guesstimate what may or may not be in focus using the guidelines on the lens for a given aperture. I’m not great at multi-tasking, so trying to do this while swimming to stay afloat, with a camera that sinks faster than a lead balloon, can be quite a laugh.
So, if the stars align, and you come out with what you initially aimed for, or an amazing result from a happy accident, then the satisfaction and buzz that come with it are just too good to miss. There’s a lot that can go wrong with it but there's a lot that can go spectacularly right, which is definitely the most addictive part. I'd recommend to anyone to get on eBay, find a second-hand 35mm, and go have some fun!
Here’s some of the fun I’ve been having with the Nikonos V over the past month or so:
For more of Liam's work, check his insta here.
Comments
Jc said:
I think the pics are beautiful. Unique style very free on composition and timing. Neverless I can also see that the film shooting is only being seen as a more “difficult” way to take pictures. There’s no one talking about dynamic range, colours shades whatever you want it to pick it up from, or even about gear film whatever, just like “I’m shooting film anything can happen and it’s harder”. I’ve been getting these empty insights from media lately like shooting film is a gimmick and the truth is that shooting film is just a gear choice, and even though art is subjective, no matter what you shoot with maybe it would be cool to get what you’re looking for, more with film wouldn’t it? Spending all the bucks and all… I don’t know. Well sorry for the spelling mistakes English is my secondary language