Using an antique camera

[@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.

[@GavinParsons]

@IneptOrange that is one of the best comments I've ever had :-)

[@Someyungrebel]

Imagine how much film you’d need for about 30 seconds of video, but it’d be sooooo worth it

[@lindsaydale307]

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

[@GavinParsons]

Hey Lindsay, that's great news. Glad I could help a fellow writer :-)

[@Sarahbrownmellish45678]

Woah this is so random, that's why I'm here too!

[@MemeBee.]

Cool

[@natalierose9827]

@@Sarahbrownmellish45678 Wow me too!

[@کیمیاقنبری]

Samee 😭😭

[@harrystevens3885]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

Using old cameras does start to get addictive lol

[@fgj4990]

Superb work! Really enjoyed this project.

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks a lot!

[@jplum7708]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

I hope it worked

[@nikonmark37814]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

Glad you liked it Mark. There's no reason why you can't go back and take Black&white film again. My other videos in the film photo series show just how easy it is to develop black &white film and scan the negatives. I don't have a darkroom, just a developing tank, some cheap coffee and a cheap (but top of the line) scanner. Film cameras are so cheap and film is readily available online if you don't have a specialist camera store nearby. :-)

[@WVgrl59]

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. ❤️

[@GavinParsons]

I have not done a plate camera video yet. I am looking for a camera to use though

[@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.

[@GavinParsons]

Hopefully the holes can be repaired otherwise a new set of bellows might be expensive. Good luck

[@homer2336]

I, too, have my grandfather’s camera. I have it displayed in my Secretary. I just looked at it to see which model. It’s the A-116. That’s a cool idea I’m going to try. They’re beautiful photos.

[@AtlantaTerry]

Some people have used Liquid Electrical Tape from the hardware store to repair bellows. Use a toothpick. Others report success with a repair product used to fix holes in SCUBA diver's Neoprene suits.

[@donaldlampert331]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

You should give one a try Donald, they are great fun

[@donaldlampert331]

@@GavinParsons I will try one out! And thanks for the Caffenoll Recipes! You have a lovely kitchen, Too.

[@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!

[@GavinParsons]

It's a lovely camea to use, just take your time and expect a learning curve with it at first. The most important I found was to put a roll of film through to count how many turns per picture.

[@TheStockwell]

@@GavinParsons Hello, Mr. Parsons, and thank you for the encouragement! I'm just old enough to have taken a photography class in school and learned basic photography - including learning not to drink any of the chemicals in the darkroom. (You'd be surprised how many beginners make this mistake! ;) I remember loading film, sprocket holes, sending film off for processing, and hoping what came back was good. So, this will be fun. Next year, I'll be visiting the Ansel Adams home in Carmel, California. It would be wonderful to pull out my vintage No.3A Autographic and say, "Does anyone remember these? It looks like a brick, but it can take photographs!" I'll tell you how my experiments turn out. Question: at 1:50 you mention adding aluminium strips. If you could share their specifications with me, it would save me a lot of work, time, and possibly a lot of harsh language. Subscribed? I most certainly am!

[@GavinParsons]

Hey TheStockwell thanks for such a positive comment. I’d love to visit Ansel Adams’ home and where he worked. It’s on my bucket list. I once took a 100 year old Kodak No.2 to the first world war battlefields and got questioned a lot about it. It was a trip made more special by using a camera from the same era. Ok the strips. The size depends on the camera as Kodak made their models in various sizes. So I make the strips from thin aluminium. I measure the length and cut. The width is the most important. You need to make the gap between the strips exactly the size of a 120film strip so the film doesn’t wander or pinch.. The secret is to measure, measure again and measure again. Clamp the strips and test with a film before glueing as once glued there’s no going back. Next stick down with an epoxy glue and use some clamps to ensure a good fix. When it’s glued paint the strips with matt black paint. Good luck, but be prepared to get obsessed with using the camera 😀

[@TheStockwell]

@@GavinParsons My upcoming trip to the Adams house is a fluke. His home and studio are not a museum, although his equipment it as he left it. His son and daughter-in-law live there. It's their home and not open to the public - unless you make some sort of arrangement, which people do. A friend of mine is related to people who were friends of Adams. My friend has been asked to document materials his family sent to Ansel and his wife. That's where I come in. I'll be traveling to photograph and scan a few boxes (!) of family items - and to hang out with Micheal Adams and his wife. It'll be a thrill and an adventure. Showing up with a working Kodak No.3A Autographic should make it a very Old School week. I'll tell them you said "Hello!" I've ordered the 120 to 122 adapters, six rolls of 120 film (black and white, of course), and I'm headed to eBay to buy a vintage - but functioning - light meter. My email address is [e-mail] - email is easier to use than these tiny KZbin comment boxes. You've probably seen it, but here's a video of Micheal Adams giving a tour of the home: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4vPoKmDpdmdr7M Thank you for your support. In a month or so, I'll be able to tell you how the camera performs. Have a great 2019!

[@leonarddaneman810]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

They must have had larger pockets back in the day

[@MrHerrera805]

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.

[@jack12xu]

Just starting out In Photography, Came across your channel Excellent work. The camera I'm using is a Canon eos 700 D and I'm really impressed with it. Many thanks

[@GavinParsons]

Hey Jack, good to hear from you. Glad you are finding my channel useful and I hope my past and future videos will be helpful. If you have any questions or information you'd like to know, let me know and I'll try and make a video about it.

[@jack12xu]

@@GavinParsons Would it be possible to record a video all about lenses, from one end of the spectrum to another that would be great. No pressure

[@GavinParsons]

You may have to be a bit more specific. What would you like to know?

[@corgis6801]

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.

[@stephenarling1667]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks I really love using it. With everything so basic it really makes you think about photography. It's a perfect way to learn what everything on a modern camera is really doing. I am going to use it more often and vlog about it.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

This was great.....please 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.

[@GavinParsons]

I'll try, but I may not be around in 100 years lol

[@comfortablyblind6853]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

Sounds like a fun project. I love using this old camera.

[@MD-en3zm]

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.

[@GavinParsons]

They are fun to use and give a completely different style of image to modern cameras

[@valveanti-cheat9348]

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

[@coffeeinfusedfurry873]

I need some help with mine, it’s a Kodak No. 3 model C-5 with a red bellow, some stuff is in need of repair but it seems that it will work

[@GavinParsons]

You'll be hard pushed to find anyone to repair it, it may need to give it a go yourself.

[@calebmarsters8976]

I have one of those and the inside looks brand new

[@GavinParsons]

Awesome, get using it 😀

[@machacodj]

Buenas tardes. Me gustaría saber dónde has adquirido los adaptadores de la película. No les encuentro en ningún lado. Gracias

[@pwood5733]

Beautiful

[@GavinParsons]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@WVgrl59]

My family are Parsons that came from England. I can trace it back to William Parr... Then it becomes Parsons. ❤️ from West Virginia/US.

[@ibizenco]

A hundred years old camera, and it still works! I remember seeing as a little boy this black, small Rubik's cube (remember those?) sized "box" at my (late) grandparents' house. It may have been defective and/or missing parts, but it was a camera too (I assume?). No idea what brand (or how old it was). Seeing this reminds me ot that "box". Will our DSLR's still work too in 100 years? :)

[@GavinParsons]

The camera sounds like a Box brownie made by Kodak. They were very simple cameras and many still work to this day. I used one for a little project a couple of years ago and it worked fine. I doubt most modern DSLRs will work in 100 years and even if they did the technology to read the RAW files and even jpegs I doubt will exist.

[@Machster10]

101 would be a great roll film to bring back now. 3 1/2" X 3 1/2" Combine it with a light camera body that can use large format lenses and they will sell.

[@GavinParsons]

I fully agree Arcanum

[@Astyanaz]

I've always wanted a larger negative folding camera. Something larger than 6x9. There were so many film sizes that were dropped.

[@Goriza]

I love flim camera and I Like your video! really good 100 year old kodak camera😊😊

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks Goriza it's a fun camera to use.

[@violetedwin5656]

Do you have the 3D print files available for the space holder? It would be really useful :)

[@nedparsons5668]

Similar project on a Voitlander, front anastigmat 1:4.5 lens is foggy between the lenses. What tools recommend to take it apart to clean fog out?

[@GavinParsons]

That could be fungus. You could trying gently cleaning it, but you may have to get a new lens.

[@williampichardo1485]

This wasn't ment to be used with 620 but 122 film.

[@GavinParsons]

Hi William, yes you are right, it is 122 film. I have several old cameras and some take 620 and I got muddled up with the sizes. I still had to make the spacers as 122 film is significantly wider than 120 (or 620 for that matter). Thanks for spotting it :-)

[@Walkercolt1]

No, Kodak used 622 film. Smaller spool diameter, all metal spool inside of wooden inner core. I have processed hundred of rolls of 622 for a late photographer who photographed funeral portraits (people in caskets). I worked at a commercial photo lab for over 5 years, and I've seen every size and brand of B&W film ever sold. Kodak camera's roll films all begin with "6" in the film size, and European and many other brands of roll film cameras used film that began with the number "1". Kodak roll film cameras all have the correct film size inside the back in yellow numbers. The AutoGraph line of Kodak cameras are very rare because the lenses have been taken for use as soft-focus portrait lenses for Hasselblads, Mamiya RB's and RZ's, Fuji GX's and other 120 cameras. Wide open the four element Ektar of three element Ektanar makes a beautiful portrait lens. The exception to the 6 and 1 rule was the Kodak Bantam 828.

[@Walkercolt1]

correction to the correction is in order. A #3 Autographic JUNIOR uses 616 size film, smaller than the post card size negative of 122/622 for the #1 AutoGraphic Special. Mr Gregg had both.

[@unbroken1010]

@@Walkercolt1 yeah I'm really into taking old lenses off of cameras and using them on mirrorless. You can do a lot if you have some bellows extension tubes, even vacuum tubes. You just need to make sure you have some air so you don't get any suction on the sensor

[@goo_90]

I have this camera. It’s really dusty and I can’t wait to see how to take a photograph.

[@GavinParsons]

Check the bellows and around the edge of the film back for holes where light can leak in.

[@diwi7659]

very interesting for portaits, what size are your negatifs? Looks like 6x12, very large

[@Walkercolt1]

Even larger! The negatives make a contact print exactly the size of a legal US Postal Post Card, 4.25" x 6.75".

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks. For portraits there is a close up filter, I am still looking for one lol.

[@Astyanaz]

I wish they still made a rollfilm camera with a huge negative.

[@GavinParsons]

I wish they still made the film that fit in this camera

[@gunnarthefeisty]

hey, what are the measurements on those two metal strips? I would like to adapt mine this way so I can get all 12 shots off the film instead of 4 when I dont adapt.

[@GavinParsons]

Do you have exactly the same camera? I only ask as the Junior is larger than the normal No.3A (don't ask me why as I have no idea), and so the measurements will be different.

[@bigmisterlane]

Great video, my grandpa gave me his fathers and I’m planning on using it soon! Could you let me know the dimensions of your aluminum strips? I’m struggling with that part :)

[@GavinParsons]

Hi Michael, Is the camera exactly the same? I only ask as there are so many models and they are all different.

[@bigmisterlane]

@@GavinParsons it’s the same model!

[@jakesissons]

Hi @GavinParsons I’m also interested in the size of the aluminium strips to convert my great grandfathers No. 3-A Kodak Jr. to 120 film. Camera is identical - and so grateful to find your clip.

[@benscott3162]

I have an A130 Pocket Kodak and I can't get the camera portion to fold into the box. Would I damage the camera if I used WD-40 on the gears the fold it in? Or is there a trick to sliding the camera inside?

[@GavinParsons]

They'll be a trick Ben. Don't force it. Mine has a pinch lock on the bellows rail. Not sure about the A130, but have a look around. One of my Kodaks took me two weeks to open until I found the secret button.

[@benscott3162]

@@GavinParsons Thanks! I ended up using a dab of WD-40 and the camera slid back in the box.

[@PandorumAI-dc4bk]

Hello Mr. Parsons, I recently bought a Kodak Eastman No.3 Model B4. And, I was curious if you could tell me the dimensions for the aluminum strips and the 3D printed parts. Otherwise, excellent work on your behalf👍

[@GavinParsons]

Hi Nicole, Unfortunately it wouldn't be worth me telling you as the models are all different sizes, so you'll have to measure your camera for both the metal strips and spacers. Sorry

[@Bob32328]

So is the number one above the first frame? Cuz I’m trying to use mine and I’m new :/ so like I was wondering if the number one was above the first frame or below the first frame?

[@fotolookconde]

@Gavin Parsons I received mine yesterday! Even with the 3D adapters included! I have a problem to solve though... My model is slightly different (older?) and it doesn't have the back little window to lift and check film advance/number to put the film on nr 1 shot! I think that I have to drill a window on the back and cover it with a red filter( which is a shame to change the aspect of the camera). So just to clarifying I think you said on the video that you need to give 3 full knob turns to advance the film to the next frame? Could you please confirm this? Thanks. Great video!

[@GavinParsons]

Hey Luis, congratulations on buying a piece of photographic history. If you don't have the window, then I would recommend sacrificing a film or two and practising loading film and working out how many turns you need. Each model will be slightly different. My camera creates a big image, others aren't so big so don't need so many turns. I used some tape and wrote on it what I needed to do and stuck it on the camera back. You can use one film and rewind it so you get used to working the camera. Good luck :-)

[@fotolookconde]

@Gavin Parsons thank you for your reply. Yeah I need to use a dummy film and with the camera back open I can mark on the film paper with a pen and counting hiw many turns until the next frame. I am thinking to use 120 film and maybe glass plates.

[@fotolookconde]

Thanks for the video! I have this camera model as well! I am uploading videos on my KZbin channel dedicated to film photography as well!

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks for the comment Luis

[@anonymousr1918]

Very helpful mate, subbed ✊🏽

[@GavinParsons]

Glad it helped. I plan to make a few more videos like this going forwards

[@pmaxjr0761]

I loved it 🤩

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks for such a positive comment pmaxjr :-)

[@shadow6409]

My granddad just got me one of these for my 21st birthday

[@GavinParsons]

Awesome, I hope you get to use it

[@ibizenco]

You must be at least 121 years old, then?

[@7000DASH]

I hope u see this question my version is model b4 and doesn't have the flap just the red view hole

[@GavinParsons]

The flap is just for the autographic pen. However, if you don't have it you'll need a sacrificial film or two to work out how many turns you need to work through the film. Good luck

[@steveg8322]

Brilliant!

[@GavinParsons]

Thank you :-)

[@arthurc1971]

I was just looking at one of these cameras online. Now I have an excuse to buy one.

[@GavinParsons]

Just make sure the bellows are light tight Arthur, cameras this old can have worn bellows.

[@arthurc1971]

Thank you, I will, it would look nice sitting on a shelf too.

[@LibertyTalkFM]

B&H Photo in New York City, U.S.A. still sells 620 Roll Film for approximately $17.00 per roll.

[@GavinParsons]

That's a lot of money for a roll of film, but good to know. Thanks

[@davidemarranon]

How you printend in 3D the pecies? Can you shar the link of the project or something similar please?

[@GavinParsons]

I took the camera to a 3D printing company who made them to measure. As most cameras are different and film spools have different ends its not easy to show what I mean, but I am going to do an indepth blog post soon.

[@davidemarranon]

@@GavinParsons thank you!

[@terrywbreedlove]

Some people shoot paper negatives out of them for a stunning almost Wet Plate look.

[@GavinParsons]

Thanks Terry, I can feel a new purchase coming on :-)

[@Velocity-95]

I have the exact same camera how can I make it work again any contact?

[@GavinParsons]

I love using this camera, but don't get much time to at the moment. If it is exactly the same camera you can use 120 film in it, but you need the spacers. I got mine 3d printed.

[@LightenupandshootMikey]

Gavin, I inherited the same camera from my grandparents who used this camera to photograph their lives from the 1930's to the 1970's. Can you send me the 3D printer file so I can try and get my old Kodak working? Love the video!

[@GavinParsons]

Hi there. I'm sorry I no longer have the 3D printer file as it was on an old computer that died. All I did was take my favourite film (Ilford FP4) and the camera to a 3D printers and they created the spacers for me, so you shouldn't have too much problem.

[@LightenupandshootMikey]

@@GavinParsons Thanks Gavin...easy enough.

[@trondsi]

The mechanism of that camera seems almost identical to my Voigtlander.

[@GavinParsons]

How old is your Voigtlander?

[@trondsi]

@@GavinParsons I believe it is from the 1930s.

[@GavinParsons]

@@trondsi Do you still use it?

[@trondsi]

@@GavinParsons Occasionally yes. I have to be careful to avoid double exposures though.

[@GavinParsons]

@@trondsi yes same here. But I do enjoy the work it takes to get an image

[@StanyDrums]

i don't have that long thing to take picture can you help me i have to go tommorow to buy a 3A special

[@GavinParsons]

Do you mean the shutter release? If so, then no you should be able to take a picture without one.

[@ranchersharma4111]

95 year old mere pass camera hai kya use ho sakta hai

[@copyright2024]

Do you mean 616 film, 120 is bigger then 620 rolls, 616 are bigger and need spacers

[@spitfireraf8646]

Mines all crusty and dusty I don't know if it closes anymore

[@GavinParsons]

You can clean it

[@spitfireraf8646]

@@GavinParsons oh I can I hope I find more information on how also do you know we're I could find reproduction film

[@GavinParsons]

@@spitfireraf8646 Sadly any film that will fit is probably long out of date. You're best bet is to do what I did and get some spacers to allow 120 film (Medium format film) to fit. This is readily available.

[@spitfireraf8646]

@@GavinParsons ok thanks I'll look for tutorials on this a other question is this do able to all cameras or just some

[@mythocrat]

Where to buy the film rolls for this camera?

[@GavinParsons]

I buy mine either online (ebay) or mostly in a local photographic shop. Some places still have good camera shops, although they are harder to find.

[@mythocrat]

@@GavinParsons hey, thank you for the video. I have brought one Kodak Junior I (1954) yesterday. I am so lost. What could be the best ISO for these cameras? High ISO is better?

[@trytoneee]

how do I close the big lens pls help

[@AtlantaTerry]

How did you open the lens? Some shutters have a "T" or "B" setting. If your shutter is set to one of those, click the shutter release a second time to see if it closes.

[@trytoneee]

@@AtlantaTerry yeah I got it

[@terryallen9546]

Would you be able to link your spacer maker? I have the same camera. Thanks.

[@GavinParsons]

Hi Terry, I had them specially made at a 3D printing company. They took the camera and a film spool and created them, so I don't have any drawings or anything like that sorry

[@cloudsilver1]

eBay now sell adapters for 122 to 120 film for this camera, check it out :)

[@ranchersharma4111]

Yah sale ho sakta hai

[@ranchersharma4111]

Mujhe 95 years old camera sale karna hai

[@haydencseve1567]

I got mine for $5

[@GavinParsons]

Great news, I hope you have fun using it :-)

[@Foxglove963]

Since you are English, you are expected to be proud of your photographic inheritance (the first images using light sensitive emulsion was made in England) and use an English camera and lens made by a renowned English maker. You would not necessarily need to resort to introducing changes to a historic collectors camera. When exposing film, don't use a digital camera as that is an entirely different process, either use the sunny 16 rule, or an exposure meter and use slow film.

[@GavinParsons]

Hi Foxglove, There's no way I can get the right sized film for this Kodak (which I believe was actually made in Canada), so to use it I had to make modifications. And it would be a shame to resign this beautiful camera to a shelf.