Sometimes it’s nice to get a break from the perfection of digital photography. There’s something cathartic about relinquishing some control to the tool you’re using. Generally I’m in total control of my shot. I set my lights how I want. I create the composition. I control the capture of the image with my camera that gives me exactly what I want. And if it doesn’t, well that is what Lightroom and Photoshop are for. In a way these “toys” allow me to turn off the desire for perfection and focus (pun not intended. really it wasn’t) on the joy of taking pictures and the anticipation of the sometimes unpredictable results.

These “toys” aren’t really toys but I call them that because I won’t ever use them as a staple of my work, and their image quality is a bit lacking, but they’re a nice way to recharge my creativity.

First up is the Kodak Duaflex II camera. This thing is about the same age as my parents. Because of it’s age it has some imperfections that I find pleasing (wish I could say the same for mom & dad—kidding). I just got this one so I’m really still learning how to best use it.

First this camera’s age has allowed some mold(?) and dust to gather in the camera and on the lenses which can add a nice texture—especially in the corners.

Next, and probably my favorite part, is the frame that the camera places around the image. I can get an effect close to this in Photoshop but the true border is just a bit better. Even though most people probably couldn’t tell the difference, I can. Plus, I know it’s real and not a digital creation. I also like it because it forces me to compose the shot in camera. If I crop the photo later I lose the border. When I was developing and printing my own 35mm film I loved leaving the border of the negative holder around the edge of the print. I guess it was proof to me that the composition was completely thought out in camera.

Last is the soft focus vignette around the edges. Because of the curved nature of the lens the center of the photo is extremely sharp, but the focus falls off sharply toward the edges. I see this being a nice feature in macro and still life shots.

I’m still not sure if I’ll leave the grime on the camera or clean it up. The dirt can really be distracting if it falls on someone’s face. Let me know what you think

Here are a few shots I took with it. Have yourself a look-see…