A film photographer has engineered a unique 35mm SLR camera that captures an unprecedented 180 exposures on a single roll of film. This custom creation, dubbed the 'little stupid camera,' allows for significantly more shots, challenging traditional film photography practices.
Key Takeaways
- Japhy Riddle developed a custom 35mm SLR to shoot 180 frames per film roll.
- The camera uses an extreme 4:1 aspect ratio, fitting five exposures into the space of one standard frame.
- This innovation reduces the cost per shot, encouraging photographers to experiment more freely.
- The technique involves advancing the film completely, then rewinding in precise increments.
Pushing the Boundaries of Film Photography
Japhy Riddle, known for his experimental approach to analog photography, has once again innovated within the medium. His latest project involves a heavily modified 35mm SLR camera designed to maximize film usage. This camera can capture 180 images from a standard 36-exposure roll.
Riddle's journey began with simpler modifications. He previously converted a full-frame 35mm camera into a half-frame device. This involved masking the film gate with electrical tape and running the film through twice, achieving 72 shots per roll instead of the usual 36.
Interesting Fact
A standard 35mm film frame measures approximately 36mm x 24mm. Riddle's custom camera reduces the individual frame size to allow for five exposures in that same space.
The Birth of the 'Little Stupid Camera'
After the success of his half-frame experiment, Riddle sought to push the limits even further. Following an initial failed attempt, he developed what he humorously calls the 'little stupid camera.'
The name, though self-deprecating, refers to the camera's unusual format. It is a standard 35mm SLR body with an added handle for easier manipulation. The 'little' and 'stupid' parts of its name derive from the extremely narrow format created at the film gate.
"It's not a good name for it," Riddle commented, "but it kind of stuck."
He applied a similar masking technique to his previous half-frame project, but this time he took it to an extreme level. Instead of two exposures per standard frame, he managed to fit approximately five photos into the same space. This results in an extreme 4:1 aspect ratio for each image.
Ingenious Film Advance Mechanism
Achieving 180 exposures required more than just a narrow film gate. Riddle devised a unique method for advancing the film. Unlike traditional cameras, where film is advanced after each shot, his system works in reverse.
First, the entire roll of film is advanced onto the take-up spool. Then, for each shot, the film is rewound back approximately one-sixth of a full turn. Riddle even marked the rewinder every 60 degrees to guide this precise backward movement.
Background on Film Cost
Film photography has seen a resurgence, but it remains an expensive hobby. The cost of film rolls and developing services can deter enthusiasts. Innovations that increase the number of shots per roll can make the medium more accessible.
This method ensures that each of the 180 exposures occupies its own distinct, tiny frame on the film strip. The process requires careful handling but opens up new creative possibilities.
Freedom in Photography
The primary motivation behind the 'little stupid camera' was to foster a sense of freedom and experimentation in film photography. Many photographers feel pressure to make every shot count due to the cost and limited number of exposures per roll.
Riddle's invention aims to alleviate this pressure. With photos roughly one-fifth the normal size and, consequently, one-fifth the effective price per shot, photographers can be less precious with their exposures.
"The whole point of this camera was to feel free," Riddle explained. "It's easy to think of film as this really precious stuff and you want to make every picture count. But with photos roughly a fifth of the normal size and a fifth of the normal price, it allows you to just go wild."
- Experimentation: Encourages photographers to try new angles and subjects without fear of wasting film.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Dramatically lowers the per-shot cost, making film photography more accessible.
- Unique Aesthetic: The extreme 4:1 aspect ratio creates a distinct, letterbox-shaped image.
A Camera for Fun, Not Perfection
Riddle emphasizes that this camera was designed for enjoyment rather than professional work. The unique aspect ratio and smaller image size mean the photos will have a distinct, often quirky, look.
Despite Kodak's efforts to stabilize film prices, film photography remains a costly pursuit. Getting 180 shots from a single roll offers a compelling advantage, even if the resulting images are unconventional.
Riddle developed and used the 'little stupid camera' for a few rolls before passing it on to another enthusiast. His work continues to inspire those looking to break away from traditional photographic norms.
This custom camera represents a significant step in DIY analog innovation. It proves that with ingenuity, photographers can overcome limitations and rediscover the joy of shooting film without the constant concern for expense.