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| My last film camera. It’s the one I was using in 1997. |
I cannot believe it is 10 days into December. How did that happen?
Somewhat fitting the theme, the other day I was browsing through a book called Photomontage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Pictures. It came out in 1997.
“In the future,” it tells us, “people will make their family snapshots with digital cameras. At this time, the best digital cameras are very expensive (in Chapter 10 the illustrations for steps 8 and 9 were done with a $30,000 camera . . . ).”
I was sitting in a coffee shop and nearly choked on my brew. Intellectually, I know I didn’t even have a computer in 1997. But it’s still amazing to contemplate that 13 years ago (ok, almost 14) today’s technology was as futuristic as something out of a sci-fi movie. I can only imagine what features that $30,000 camera had (or rather, didn’t have). I hear there was a Canon then that could boast an awesome 6 MP, but 1.5 was more the average.
And it's also funny how our expectations change. My cousin recently told me she had a Canon Rebel she wasn't using (she preferred her point-and-shoot) and did I want it? I really could use a backup digital SLR so I said "Sure!" When the box arrived I opened and discovered the same camera as in the photo above. :( In 1997 I would've been over the moon. Now? I haven't even gone battery shopping and may never get around to it.
That's funny! I got the camera above in 1997. The motor in it gave out a few years ago. I was one of the last people I knew to finally go digital, and now I couldn't imagine going back (or that it's been less than 3 years since the switch)!
Thanks for commenting. I had a peek at your blog and site. I really like your work!
I remember years ago developing my own black and white pictures. As primitive as it was, compared to these days, it was a thrill watching the image slowly appear on the paper. But instant gratification can't be beat with today's digital cameras. Merry Christmas.
Even though they were commercially developed, I can always immediately tell when I find a photo that was taken on my old, completely non-electronic camera. They had a richness that was never matched even on my later, more electronic 35mm. I miss that. But nowadays I'm dependent on that digital instant gratification! I couldn't ever go back. Thanks for commenting.