The other is something I wish I had a couple of years ago, it’s a pen-dispensed conductive polymer I got at Radio Shack called “Circuit Writer”. The first is the “Cold Heat” battery powered soldering iron ( The instant-on, near-instant-cool makes it ideal for my oft-interrupted projects in my busy family setting, primarily from a safety standpoint. And always leave the camera open overnight after working on it to let the solvents outgas.ĪDDENDUM Real innovations in tools do come along once in a while and I’ve recently (1/2005) added two such items to my toolbox and expect them to become irreplaceable. Also get some Pliobond for gluing leatherette and foam, and some Duro cement for permanent glue jobs and epoxy for even stronger bonds. Usually, on a camera clean is better than lubricated. For lubrication I use (very sparingly) the Radio Shack Teflon-impregnated light oil for little parts, comes in a pen-like dispenser (you can also use Nyoil watch oil) or for larger moving parts like lens helicals I use a high-quality synthetic bearing grease from a bike shop. Ether is OK but doesn’t dry as cleanly as lighter fluid (which you should use VERY carefully). Lexol is good for cleaning leather and for cleaning moving parts or stuck shutters I use either lighter fluid like Rosonol or 97% isopropryl alcohol as a solvent.
Don’t forget an old toothbrush, essential for getting gunk out of tough spots and designed not to scratch the finish! Cleaners and solvents: Windex/Glassex for glass, I also use vodka – it’s pure ethanol and distilled water, leaves no residue Flitz metal and fiberglass cleaner for chrome and brass is OK but I prefer Circle 7 rubbing compound. You’ll need Kimwipes (or lint-free photographer’s wipes, a $3 box will last forever and you should probably have them anyway), clean cotton rags, and many many Q-tips. Other things you’ll need: a blower and brush for lenses, fine sandpaper, X-acto knife, magnifying glass. The needle files were one of those ‘why didn’t I buy these sooner’ purchases. Then there’s always the old standby, your local Radio Shack, where you can outfit yourself with all the basics: sets of precision screwdrivers, needle files, precision tweezers and clamps, dental picks, soldering irons (standard is the 25 watt, get a coil holder too)*, wire. They have EVERYTHING and the prices are good. The best source is kind of like the of camera repair. “And I think it’s really good that film is a part of that.Get yourself some basic tools, and don’t skimp. “I think that our generation is really obsessed with the past, lots of different aspects of it,” Laughlin said.
Laughlin provided an explanation for her generation’s interest in film, something that some may consider to be outdated. They all turn out amazing when people are genuinely smiling.” “…But with these photos, I was able to get genuine smiles out of them. “I think we all have fake smiles in a lot of photos,” Laughlin said. Laughlin explained her inspiration for the portraits. “I had people tell jokes to the person I was photographing, and I think that got genuine smiles out of them,” she said. Laughlin did a set of film portraits in which she aimed to capture people’s real smiles. It’s a special type of grain that you can’t get with digital photos.” “I immediately thought they were really cool,” Laughlin said. She said she was inspired by looking through her dad’s old photos. Similarly, Soni Laughlin 23’ has been exploring film photography for over a year. “We’ve always talked about it a lot, and she’s given me some of her old books on film photography.” Landscapes Photo: Sami Crafts “My grandma has always been into film,” Crafts said. The introduction of film photography often comes from older family members who grew up using film. “You don’t see it in the moment- you have to wait, which I think makes it a lot more authentic compared to being able to see digital photographs immediately,” Crafts said. Metropolitan Photo: Sami CraftĬrafts explained why film photography appeals to her. “I feel like the film is so much more authentic than digital.” Sculpture in the Metropolitan Photo: Sami Crafts.
“I love how film always captures so much detail, and it’s so recognizable,” Crafts said. Crafts is a part of a growing number of BHS students and teens across the country who are rediscovering the magic of film photography. Using the viewfinder, she snaps black and white photos of the timeless stone sculptures. She removes her Minolta film camera from her bag, loaded with a roll of unexposed film. Sami Crafts 23’ stands in the Metropolitan Museum of Art taking in the surrounding Greek and Roman statues.