Video: DIY 35mm, Part 2 - Unloading the camera

DIY (do-it-yourself) 35mm for Diana or Holga is when you load 35mm film in a camera built for 120 film.

This Part 2 video demonstrates how to unload 35mm film from your 120 film camera. It doesn't matter if you have a Diana or Holga or whatever, the procedure is essentially the same.

I cannot overemphasize enough that your film is light sensitive. Do this procedure in complete darkness, as in a film changing bag or blacked out room (NO light). Otherwise, you will damage your film.

The first part of this procedure, DIY 35mm for Holga or Diana can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBiMV4QFZG4

Video: Lomography Diana Mini Fisheye Lens adaption

I modified my Holga Fisheye Accessory lens to work with my Diana Mini. All it took was a bit of foam rubber weather stripping.

The how to video is posted to my youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0FtmAAyry0

Holga 120 Mod - 35mm rewinder

I saw this on Twitter. It's a DIY mod for installing a rewinder for DIY 35mm posted on Flickr by Justin De La Ornellas. It will allow you to rewind film without having to resort to a film changing bag or darkroom.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ornellas/3491126190/

Polabrownie - Polaroid and Kodak Brownie Hybrid

I recently found the 3 twin-packs of Polaroid 669 film I bought at Glaser's a long while ago. I wanted to do something special with the last of this extinct film, so I dusted off a project I started many years ago.

It's a hybrid camera, with the front end coming from a Kodak Model 2A Brownie camera. This camera used #116 roll film with a frame size of 2-1/4 x 4-1/4 which suited it's adapation to the 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 packfilm back.

The back end is from a Polaroid Colorpack II, most of which has been removed. The Polaroid back is attached to a sleeve made of black foamcore that fits over the body of the box brownie. The back of the brownie was cut away as was the film spool holders. The sleeve allowed me to adjust the film plane to the lens. The reason why this was collecting dust in my closet, was that the first time around, I made a critical error in the back placement. After making test shots, and then gluing the back in place, I discovered that the back had moved out of position, resulting in out of focus photos. I put the camera on a shelf, intending to fix the problem later.

I've adjusted the back placement and for now, the back is only temporarily taped into place. The bits of blue tape you see are used to align the back, and will help me realign the back when it comes time to glue it into place permanently.

And a few test photos:

Successful test shot with the last of a type 667 pack that I pulled from another camera.

And a couple of test shots I shot with the 669 Polaroid film.

Lo-Fi Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Gift ideas for the plastic camera photographer!

Wondering what to get your lo-fi photographer? Here are a few of my favorite accessories and gift ideas.

1. The Ultrapod Mini tripod

This is a mini tripod that will easily stow anywhere without taking up too much room. It also has a handy velcro strap to attach to a railing or post for when you need a higher vantage point.

Cost: $15

Supplier:rei.com (http://www.rei.com/product/777249)

If you need something that will also handle your DSLR, check out the slightly larger Ultrapod II.

2. Holga Camera Diagram Placemats

For a truly unusual gift for the unusual photographer, take a look at these hand drawn diagrams of the Holga printed on cloth placemats.

supplier: http://papernstitch.com/product/holga-camera-diagram-placemats

cost: $25

3. A Fine Art Holga print from Holgajen

For any photographer, it's inspiring to hang really beautiful work on your walls. Run on over to Etsy.com and check out HolgaJen's work.

Supplier: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HolgaJen

Cost: Varies: $15-$50

4. Lomo Camera Keychains

These cute little keychains come in 4 flavors: the Diana+, Lubitel+, Fisheye2 or the Lomo LC-A+.

Supplier: http://lomography.com

Cost: $7

5. The Superheadz Black Slim Devil

Based on the popular 35mm Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim, this little camera can create some interesting photos. With it's wider than average 22mm lens, it has nice vignetting on the corners of it's images. It's a real bargain at $30.

Suppliers:

Fourcorners Store - http://www.fourcornerstore.com/collections/frontpage/products/black-slim-devil

Freestyle Photo Supply Store - http://www.freestylephoto.biz/30242-Black-Slim-Devil-Ultra-Wide-Angle-22mm-35mm-Camera?cat_id=2201

Cost: $30

6. Fingerless gloves

It's wintertime, and if you spend anytime shooting outdoors, you know how hard it is to adjust the settings on your camera and wind the film without having to take your gloves on and off. Fingerless gloves are a great solution.

There are several different varieties. Fingerless, fingerless with mittenlike finger covering. Check them out at:

Target.com -

JCPenney.com

Cost: $15-$30

7. Magnetic Photo Rope

A fun way of displaying all those photos you have squirreled away in boxes under your bed! From the folks at Photojojo, one of my favorite photo websites. While you are over there, check them out and sign up. They have lots of good photo tips and projects.

Supplier: Photo Jojo http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/magnetic-photo-rope

Cost: $12

8. Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity Book

The toy camera book by photographer Michelle Bates is a wonderful resource for all toy camera enthusiasts.

Supplier: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Cameras-Creativity-Michelle-Bates/dp/0240808401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258880176&sr=8-1

Cost: $20

9. Holga Skins

This is a cool way to really make the Holga stand out from the crowd. There are 3 different skins you can buy to dress up your Holga. Chestnut, White Porcelain and Snake Skin.

Supplier: Freestyle Photo Supply: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/644472-Holga-Skin-Chestnut

Cost: $20

10. Film Changing Bag

This is another accessory that you don't realize how useful it is until you need one. When you get a film jam or need to unload your DIY 35mm film solution from your 120 film camera, you need a film changing bag. This one from Freestyle Photo Supply is especially nice because it is big, which gives you more room to maneuver in.

Cost: $22

Supplier: Freestyle Photo Supply - http://www.freestylephoto.biz/322730-Arista-Changing-Bag-27-in.-x-30-in.