These are some thoughts on the progress of the image capture technologies (e.g., film, and digital sensors, metering, etc.) that has occurred within my life time. My second camera was a Minolta range finder, using 35mm film. In the early 1970s, my grandfather gave me his Rolleiflex, which was manufactured in about 1946 (based on the serial number), using medium format film. This film size, among other things, tends to offer more detail and less grain than 35mm film.
In a post I made some time ago, and recent posts on using caffenol, I have been looking at embracing the grain in film. For those trials I used my Canon AE-1, which among the many differences from the Rolleiflex, has a built in light meter. This feature greatly simplifies the process of picture making, over using a handheld light meter.
13 years ago I made the switch to digital cameras, and specifically to a digital range finder, a technology I was both familiar and comfortable with. Unlike DSLRs, this digital camera was largely manual. The digital function focused mostly on the recording of the images; as a replacement for film. This feature alone greatly simplifies dealing with capturing images: no need to load film (every 12 or 35 shots); no need to take the film to the store to be developed; lower cost so one can shoot quite freely, etc.
At the time of this switch-over, I also noted some of the more subtle features of digital, among them being able to use higher ISOs (e.g., 400, 800 and possibly more) and to be able to change it on every shot. In fact, this new accessibility made ISO another [useful] variable for setting the exposure, along with aperture and shutter speed.
My most recent camera pushes the improvements further. First, it is functional at ISO 12800, if one is willing to accept the grain (which I’ve already established I’m willing to do). Secondly, it has image stabilization built into the camera body and the lens I use. As a result, I have been able to shoot, handheld, at 1/6 second at a 72mm focal length without noticeable camera shake.
It is possible I might not find this remarkable had I not started in1963 with ISO 80 black & white film.
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