Analog Bodysurf

This is an introduction to a new column we will be running called “Analog Bodysurf.” 

We are bodysurfers first. But photography is a secondary passion that complements our Ocean pursuits.

fullsizerender-10-copyAfter a few years of ever upgrading digital cameras, Eric found a Yashica TLR film camera from the 70s at a thrift store. Turns out we are both collectors/pack rats of old, vintage stuff. The first time I handled the Yashica, I was hooked. We immediately started searching swap meets, yard, estate sales, antique stores, thrift shops and the Internet for old cameras. A couple years later and we each have about 10 cameras, developing materials and we can turn his garage into a darkroom for printing with an enlarger.

From Tom Blake to Doc Ball to Ron Church, it is incredible that all surf photography before about the year 2000 was taken 36 images at a time on a film camera. It is said that a photographer does not begin taking quality photos until he actuates a camera 10,000 times. Well then, we might not ever take good analog bodysurf shots, but we certainly enjoy the process anyway.  

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Nikon FM2
Morning.
Minolta X-700
Nikonos-V
Nikonos-V
Nikon FM2
Nikon FM2
Nikonos-V
Nikonos-V
Minolta X-700
Minolta X-700

Published by

Swell Lines Magazine

Bodysurfing yarns woven 'tween crest & trough