Using an antique camera

Film photography: Episode 1

In 1918 Kodak made the No.3A Junior Autographic camera. One hundred years later I picked it up and thought it would be a great idea to use it. This is how I got on.

Oh and for the people asking the polo shirt is from British Divers Marine Life Rescue. I am one of the animal rescue charity's directors.

[IneptOrange]

God damn the coolest thing about that is the contrast between the modern clothes and high "resolution" film and the old camera creating the same vignette and dust scratches as photos from 100 years ago. It's absolutely perfect, and I almost want to do stop motion animation with it.

[lindsaydale]

I've been writing a 1920's novel and this really helped

[harrystevens]

3A a nice 122 roll film camera 620 did not arrive until 1933. Nice conversion though. I often use a single cut paper negative in some of my bellow cameras.

[grahvis]

Many years ago I did try out a Kodak Autographic 1A, which took 116 film, negs were 2.5" x 4.25".
Recently acquired a Voigtlander Avus 6x9 with a roll film back, still had the original shop receipt from 1935.

[fgj]

Superb work! Really enjoyed this project.

[nikonmark]

I started out with a Nikkormat FTn and a 50mm lens shooting Kodachrome 45 years ago. After I retired from the Navy I went to college and started taking photography classes using a Nikon FM2n and N90 shooting Ilford b&w followed by my YashicaMat TLR with Kodak 120 film. Loved it, wish I could go back in time and do it all over again. BTW, this was an awesome video, I learn and discover amazing but simple things from your videos. Many Thanks.

[jplum]

This was fantastic man! I just took a Kodak no. 2 folder out for test drive 2 day ago. Now to see what comes back. Cheers.

[valveanti-cheat]

620 film was only discontinued in the mid 90s. I own a late 30s Brownie Junior Super 620 and I can assure you that 620 film is indeed VERY expensive... about $20 CAD per roll

[tonytfuntek]

This was make another video in 100 years comparing the latest and the greatest camera in 2122 to maybe a Nikon D850. Seriously, film still has that classic look.

[MrHerrera]

Hello, the Kodak No. 3-A is a 122 film camera, which is much larger than 120. 620 is the same size film as 120 but on a skinnier reel. You can still find expired 122 film online. Cool mod btw.

[WVgrl]

I love old cameras. That is really cool! I'll have to look at your videos and see if you did any plates instead of film. ❤️

[donaldlampert]

Nice, I have a few of these Kodaks, but haven't tried them out yet. But great to know how well they work! Thank you.

[leonarddaneman]

Folders . . . love them. I cut my photographic teeth using a 35mm folder, f2.8 Tessar/Synchro-Compur back in the 60's.
I now have a German 645 folder, Rodenstock Robra which Zuiko copied to create their Olympus 1. A Foth-Derby 127 with a working focal plane shutter sits on my desk as we speak.
My latest acquisition is a Kodak Vigilant, a 6.5cm x 11cm frame . . . reduced to 6x11 using self-adhesive acetate. Too thick a frame modification will effect focus on infinity. The later Vigilants were made in the USA and had superior lenses . . . the earlier f6.3 models had limited shutter speeds, but beautiful enameled Art Deco design and Made in England.
I have an Italian Silvestri with a 6x12 back, interchangeable lenses . . . but the Kodak Vigilant f4.5 126mm Kodak Anastigmatic lens works fine and fits into a large pocket.

[calebmarsters]

I have one of those and the inside looks brand new

[MD-enzm]

I got one of these in a lot with some other stuff I had bought the lot for - but I was able to just buy a roll of 620 FP4+ on B&H. Apparently, a lot of these older formats are being resurrected. Now I wish they’d resurrect 220.

[corgis]

I had a go with a 1919 120A folding camera about 6 years ago that functioned very similar to this one. Sadly the film did not spool properly so many of the photos were badly damaged. Only 1 usable photo came off the entire roll I think. I am thinking of trying it again but not sure if its worth the risk with the high cost of 120 film.

[TheJimilagro]

Love this. I have the same camera I inherited from my grandfather. The bellows have a few pinholes though. I think I can fix those. You’ve inspired me to refurbish the camera and try it out. Thanks so much.

[comfortablyblind]

I picked up a Rainbow 2A model B that takes 116 film. The bellows were solid and, being they're black, I'm guessing they've been replaced. I shot it 2 days ago with Delta 100 and adapters I had made for an Agfa-Ansco. I ended up using the 116 spool as a take up spool and unloaded it in my dark room, then wrapped it in tinfoil. We shall see how well the photos turn out. Beauty of a camera, to be sure.
I'll be talking about it on my channel soon.

[TheStockwell]

Wonderful tutorial! I bought this same camera as a prop for a film but, as someone who grew up using Kodak film, I bought a 3A in working condition. I'm finally about to test it and your video is exactly what I need to get me going. Best wishes from northern Vermont!

[stephenarling]

Nice modification. I learned photography using a 1914 3A Autographic. Its size 122 roll film was made until 1971. Glad to see one brought back to use. It was a good camera in its day.
Size 620 was Kodak's version of 120. It was 120 film and backing on smaller diameter spools. Re-spooled film works in cameras made for 620.
Nice photos in a style that might have been made a century ago. This large negative size was often used to make postcard-sized contact prints. That Kodak Anastigmat lens on the best 3A models was surprisingly sharp.