Thursday, February 26, 2009

Intriguing - TTV Photography


I got an email yesterday from a guy in Australia who was interested in a rusty Kodak Duaflex IV camera, which I had listed at a low price due to its condition, thinking that maybe somebody could use it for parts.

Turns out that he is a member of the TTV: Through The Viewfinder group on RedBubble. TTV is a technique in which photographers use a digital camera to take pictures "through the viewfinder" of an older camera. Browse through the gallery if you have a minute - there are some gorgeous shots in there.

Things like this make me want to get back into the darkroom. I wish I had the time right now, but all my energy is being put into this business. But that's ok - I have never worked for myself before, and every day is an adventure at this point. Maybe in a year or two I'll be able to get back to making art like I used to.

Until then, I've got to dig out all my broken TLR cameras and get them up for sale - it's nice to know that they'll be getting a new life after all!

http://www.thecollectordetector.net

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I need more POWER, Cap'n!

I got this little doosy of a slide projector last week:

Not only does it come in red, green, and TARTAN, but it is actually called the Skot Projector. Whoever the designer was at American Optical, I think it's safe to say that he liked to kick it with a nice big glass of Scotch and some Star Trek TOS.

Truth be told, I hated putting this one up for sale. I want to use it as a holiday decoration. I could get some Angel Hair and a couple of Rudolph and Clarice figurines from those claymation Christmas movies I love so much, and have them flying over this projector. How cool would that be?

OR, I could get 8 of these, and put them on the roof pulling Santa's sleigh! Not that I have a house with a roof, since I live in Chicago in an apartment, but since we're pretending and all...

SCORE!

The Collector Detector

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

So-Called "Cheap Cameras"

I have a bone to pick with people who disdain the less expensive variety of vintage cameras.

It seems to me that the most original, colorful, and funkiest designs invariably popped up on the most inexpensive cameras.

For instance, take a gander at this little guy:
I mean, seriously, Polka Dots? On a camera? Awesome.

That seafoam green color is so evocative of the 60s - I can just imagine how well this would match the living room or kitchen decor. Or the wings on the master's caddy.

And the variations are endless! There are hundreds of different models of the Kodak Brownie Camera alone!

Now excuse me while I go put some pincurls in my hair and slip on my bobbie socks and penny loafers. Has anybody got a strand of pearls they can lend me?

http://TheCollectorDetector.net

Monday, February 23, 2009

Is this thing on?

Hello World. So. I used to be a programmer, can ya tell? Then I realized that I could use my evil computer powers for good instead of making zillions for giant conglomerate banks.

Good as in, spreading the love(obsession) of vintage cameras. I think that qualifies for good, yah?

So I joined my husband's vintage collectible business and now I get to buy & sell vintage cameras all day long! How cool is that! (Check me out - The Collector Detector)

Going to auctions is one of the best perks of this job - you never know what kind of goodies you'll find. And it still amazes me every time I find a Polaroid kit or an adorable 50s snapshot camera in the most incongruous of locations.

My newest baby is a teensy little Bilora Box Camera. He's currently sitting on my shelf between a Polaroid Spirit and a Brownie 8mm Movie Camera. He looks a bit forlorn, like "Who are these freaks?".

Somebody soldered a metal handle on his head. What a tragedy. I think I'll move him to the shelf with the wooden horses and that weird alien cat statue.

I got an Argus A2B delivered yesterday - it's in pretty nice shape except for a little speckling on the lensplate. For some reason I love the look and feel of these cameras and the Dasco/Pickwik/Detrola style cameras. They just scream Art Deco. Although I suppose they're a little more Art Nouveau in reality.

Ok kids, back to work for me. I've got about 100 new cameras in to clean up and get out into somebody's lucky little mitts.

Toodles!

http://TheCollectorDetector.net