Exploring Vintage Photography: Using 35mm Film in a Classic Agfa Shur-Shot Special Camera
Vintage cameras have a unique charm, and using them with modern film can be a delightful adventure. Recently, I decided to dive into this adventure with my Agfa Shur-Shot Special, a classic box camera. This was my first time experimenting with 35mm film in this camera, and I wanted to share my experience, tips, and learnings.
Why 35mm Film?
While 120 film is the standard for many vintage cameras, 35mm film is more readily available and offers a different aesthetic. Fujifilm Fujicolor Superia 400 film is known for its versatility and excellent color reproduction, making it a great choice for various reasons. I was eager to see how this modern film would perform in this vintage setup.
The practice of using 35mm film in a camera designed for a different format, such as 116 or 120, is known as "film adaptation" or "film conversion." One notable effect of this technique is that the sprocket holes of the 35mm film become part of the image. This results in a unique aesthetic where the sprockets are visible within the photograph, adding a distinctive border and vintage feel to the images.
Loading the 35mm Film
To use 35mm film in a camera designed for 116 film, I needed some additional tools. I used a 116 to 120 Film Spool Adapter Set/Kit along with a 35mm to 120 Film Spool Adapter. Additionally, a small piece of clear tape was used to secure the 35mm film to the spool, ensuring it stayed in place. Here's how I did it:
Prepare the Camera: Open the back of the camera and insert the 35mm film canister into the adapter.
Secure the Film: Use a small piece of clear tape to attach the 35mm film leader to the spool, ensuring it stays in place.
Advance Past the Leader: Turn the advance knob several full turns to ensure the film leader is past the starting point.
Advancing the Film
The key to using 35mm film in a 116 film camera is adjusting the frame advancement to avoid overlapping exposures. Here’s a simple cheat sheet for advancing the film in the Agfa Shur-Shot Special:
Using 116 Film: Advance per Frame: 3 full turns
Using 120 or 620 Film: Advance per Frame: 2 full turns
Using 35mm Film: Advance per Frame: 0.85 full turns (1.7 half turns)
This adjustment ensures that each 35mm frame is properly spaced, allowing up to 12 frames per roll.
Practical Tips from My Experience
Testing: Since this was my first time, I tested with a sacrificial roll to perfect the frame spacing. After a few shots, I checked the film in a dark room to ensure the frames were correctly spaced.
Adjustments: If you notice any overlaps or excessive spacing, slightly adjust the number of turns. This trial and error process helped me fine-tune my technique.
Final Thoughts
Using 35mm film in a vintage camera like the Agfa Shur-Shot Special for the first time was a rewarding experience. It breathed new life into my photography practice, combining old and new technology. The unique challenge provided an opportunity to produce distinctive images with Fujifilm Fujicolor Superia. I'm excited to share the results soon—stay tuned for the pictures!
Resources and Links
For those interested in the adapters I used, you can find them here:
Stay Tuned
Pictures taken with this setup will be uploaded soon. Stay tuned to see the results of this exciting combination of vintage and modern photography!