Planning and preparation...

Recently I've spent quite a bit of time planning and preparing for the next few months.  Initially, I didn't have a great deal of plans or ideas about how I would undertake the idea of using a different film camera each month.  I figured I would just find a camera, load it with film and then get any exposed film developed!  Not so difficult when you already have a good range of cameras and a selection of film to use.  I have two companies I use for developing, depending on what I am processing, and that was pretty much all of my thought process.

However, it was only the other day, whilst getting the blog started, I realised I would need to think about several things.  After all cameras, film and developing have never been an issue.  And, as this is meant to be something of a (re)learning process, I figured I should find some cameras other than those I would ordinarily use.

Fortunately I lucked in on a few choice cameras whilst visiting family and scouted around for a couple more.  Including a selection from my existing collection I now have my 12 candidates and am deciding on which to use first.

As I began to check over some of my new cameras I realised that I would need to spend some time researching and getting to know each of them, you know, the simple things like "how does this actually work?" Or, "If I set that dial there what does that mean for that dial there?"

Fortunately the internet can be a wonderful thing and with a little searching I found some of the manuals I otherwise lacked.

Who knew?  I had never thought about the need to get a light meter!

As luck would have it there was one in with all the kit I got from the family attic.  It just needed a battery.  Fortunately this had a manual with it and an exact instruction on the battery needed.  Again, another lesson learned.

Sekonic Light Meter

Also, back in the day our relatives used mercury oxide batteries, now banned in many countries due to their potential environmental impact when disposed of.  This was also the case for one of the cameras in the bag.  A little internet research later and I had found the modern day replacements and a quick look on eBay provided me with a seller.

Replacement LR44 Batteries

I have also subsequently discovered that you can get several light meter apps through Google Play for your mobile and could have saved on the need for research and expenditure.  However, in the spirit of the project I feel that I should steer clear of the modern day app and try to stick to the spirit of the project!

So far so good.

I have 12 cameras.  I have my manuals.  I have some film.

Time to start shooting...