4 Vintage Cameras You Need to Try

The digital revolution has seen exponential improvement in the quality of cameras. For many of us, the days of film are all but a distant memory. The ease, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital has made film cameras feel like no more than a piece of nostalgia. However, there is, in fact, a lot to be gained from mastering the use of film. Using them is not only fun, but also a good way to improve your photography skills in general. As such, here are 4 vintage cameras you need to try.

The Best Vintage Film Cameras

Canon AE-1

Manufactured from 1976 to 1984, the Canon AE-1 was a stunningly successful and popular camera. In the 1970s Canon led the point and shoot market, but the Canon AE-1 marked the company’s first major success in the SLR space, selling over 1 million units. The AE-1’s success was well deserved. It was the first microprocessor equipped SLR in history. While it was widely used by professional photographers, it was, because of the camera’s straight forward and easy to grasp design, one of the first SLRs that was also popular with amateurs. There are tons of accessories available for the camera, and, most importantly, it takes great shots.

Yashica T4

The Yashica T4 was discontinued in 2002, around the same time that digital cameras began to become popular. As a simple point and shoot, the T4 does not look like it would take anything nearing a quality photograph. The plastic casing and  zoom-less lens might remind some people why digital cameras are considered superior to film. However, despite its unassuming shell, the T4 has gained cult status as one of the best point and shoot film cameras ever made. The 35mm f/3.5 Zeiss Tessar lens is, quite simply, outstanding. In fact, it is of higher quality than most of today’s top digital point and shoot cameras. In fact, the T4 is used by famous photographer Terry Richardson. It is certainly worth a try.

Hasselblad 500C

Released in 1957, the Hasselblad 500C was an immediate game changer in the world of photography. The beautiful and robust Scandinavian crafting, combined with the amazing Zeiss lens, make the 500C a great camera choice even 60 years after its creation. The 500C (although modified) was the camera of choice for NASA in the 1960s. The 500C is a small camera with fast shutter speeds. All in all, the camera simply takes great photographs.

Leica IIIC

 

The Leica IIIC was manufactured from 1940 to 1951 and has remained in the photography world’s collective consciousness ever since. The IIIC’s looks are, in a word, iconic. The chrome plating adds durability as well as style, and the overall usability is great. As for the quality of the pictures, the camera still holds up. In the words of one reviewer, the Leica IIIC embodies: “history, class, and sophistication. Combine these superlatives with the camera’s unique shooting style, its impeccable build quality, and its undeniable street cred, and the IIIc becomes nearly irresistible.” If you needed any more convincing, Robert Frank took all of the photographs in his ground-breaking book, The Americans, on a Leica IIIC.

Rent on BorrowFox

While BorrowFox does not necessarily carry these specific film cameras, there are film cameras available to rent for inexpensive prices. If you rent first, you might find yourself falling in love with the simplicity and nostalgic grace of film based cameras.

 

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8 Locations to Knock Off of Your Photography Bucket List

Unlike other artistic mediums, photography relies just as heavily on the places, and people you can see as it relies on creativity and technique. It is certainly possible to capture beautiful, thought provoking photographs within the confines of your home, town, or country. However, travelling to different destinations can not only provide you with new, foreign subjects to capture, it can also spark a sense of creativity and passion that might be lacking in a place you are familiar with. That’s why BorrowFox has compiled a list of 8 locations to knock off of your photography bucket list. Hopefully this list will inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and take some great photos.

Bucket List Destinations

Iceland

The countless waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and geysers make Iceland feel like an otherworldly place. The geological features and sparse population make it a landscape photographer’s paradise.

 

 

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the true natural wonders of the world. With a length of 277 miles, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, the canyon’s immensity is nearly impossible to imagine unless you actually go to see it. Forged over millions of years by the Colorado River, the canyon is truly breathtaking, and a nature photographer’s dream.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and a brilliant example of Mughal architecture. Situated in the Indian city of Agra, the temple/mosoleum attracts millions of visitors (and photographers) every year who are in search of amazing architecture.

Niagara Falls

Niagara falls, which makes up one of the borders between the United States and Canada, is another must see, and must photograph, natural wonder of the world. Whether you are standing on land, or in one of the boats that sails next to the falls, there are plenty of photo opportunities by which you can capture the sheer power and immensity of the falls.

Venice

The city of Venice, which is situated over 118 small islands in Italy, is a must see city if you are interested in photography. The natural beauty, canals, and stunning architecture make it one of the most photogenic cities in the world.

Mt. Fuji

Mt Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and easily one of the most widely recognized features of the natural world. Fuji’s exceptionally symmetrical, often snow capped cone make it a frequent photographic site. The mountain has inspired countless artists of all types, and is sure to inspire your photographic eye.

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The charming trolleys, natural scenery, and of course the magnificent Golden Gate bridge, make it a must visit photographic location to knock off your bucket list.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a stunningly beautiful and sparsely populated region of Northern Scotland. The natural beauty of the large area is nearly impossible to describe, but the region’s wealth of mountains, lakes, and quaint streams make it a nature photographer’s dream destination.

Wherever your dream photography destination might be, make sure to check out BorrowFox before you leave for the best deals on high quality camera and film equipment.

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6 Tips on How to Take Stunning Portrait Photographs

Portrait photography is a beautiful and engaging medium. Unlike other types of photography, portraits are singular in their ability to capture a broad range of human emotions and offer a glimpse into the human condition. That’s why here at BorrowFox, we have compiled 6 tips on how to take stunning portrait photographs.

Portrait Photography

Perspective and Eye Contact

Before you worry about the technical aspects of portrait photography, it is critical to think about what exactly you want to convey through your photographs. The most basic and effective way to change the tone of a portrait photograph is to think about how and why you want to capture your model in a specific way. For example, if you want to take a classic acting headshot, you will want the model to have direct eye contact, a smile, and a slightly tilted head. This perspective conveys a sense of intimacy and flatters the model in question. If you are looking to capture different emotions, consider changing the angles and the way in which the model interacts with the camera. For example, while a head on shot with the subject staring into the lens might elicit a sense of familiarity, a sideways shot that shows the model’s eyes averted might elicit a sense of mystery.

Lighting

How you decide to light a portrait shot can drastically change the mood and emotional impact of the photograph. The amount of different ways you can play with light is nearly infinite, so a creative eye will serve you well. Split lighting, catch lighting, Rembrandt lighting, and butterfly lighting will all produce different effects. If you play around with different lighting kit and different angles, you will be sure to find something that suits your needs.

Take a lot of Photos

This tip is closely related to tip #1, but it is so important that it deserves its own section. Because portrait photography is about capturing a person’s emotions and personality, it is critical to take a lot of photos of your subject. If you let the model portray a range of emotions, and continue to snap photographs, you will be able to pick and choose in the editing booth which pose you like the most.

Lens

Using a smaller aperture is a good idea when taking portraits. You generally want to use a faster lens f/1.4 and f/2.8 are good bets. The faster lens puts more of a focus on the subject’s face and features while blurring the background. Additionally, wider lenses generally produce better portrait photographs.

Background

Portraits are, of course, about capturing the face of a particular subject. However, the choice of the model’s background can be critical to the composition and beauty of a portrait photograph. A background can add context to the emotions that are on display. A background can also serve to focus all of the viewer’s attention on the subject. Whatever background you choose, make sure it’s a decision that is not made without thought. The key, as is mostly the case when it comes to taking the perfect picture, is to experiment.

Framing

Framing your subject in an interesting way can change make a good portrait photograph great. The rule of thirds is important to consider. In portrait photography, the rule of thirds is applied to the eye line. However, sticking to closely to the rule of thirds can quickly get you stuck in a rut. Consider different framing techniques in order to make your photographs unique.

BorrowFox

With all of these tips in mind, your quest to take fantastic portrait photographs is well with in reach. With BorrowFox, all of the tools you need are inexpensive, and at your fingertips.

 

 

 

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Top Parks in London to Capture Stunning Nature Photographs

When people think of London, they often think of a thriving metropolis. The city’s diversity, fast paced lifestyle, and bustling streets are iconic. However, the city is also home to some of the most beautiful public parks in all of Europe. For Londoners, these public green spaces offer a respite from the sometimes overwhelming pace of the city. For London based photographers and filmmakers, these green spaces offer tranquillity as well as an opportunity to grow creatively. In these spaces it is easy to forget why London received the infamous moniker of the “Big Smoke”. Here are some BorrowFox’s favourite parks in which to capture beautiful nature photographs:

The Best Parks in London to Photograph

Hampstead Heath

 

Hampstead Heath runs from Hampstead to Highgate and is one of the largest public parks in all of London. Covering an incredible 790 acres, the Heath is the perfect place to visit if you want to feel like you have fully escaped London. The park is especially known for its various ponds that offer Londoners and tourists alike a chance to cool down on the hotter summer days. Additionally, the Hampstead Heath Woods, an ancient forest that is located in both the South and North of the Heath, is a site of special scientific interest. The woods attract rare insects and the trees are a site to behold. Hampstead Heath is one of the most untamed and natural feeling parks in the entire city. Unlike the manicured grounds of other public green spaces, the Heath offers photographers the chance to capture what feels like a true wilderness setting.

Regents Park

While not as wild or secluded as Hampstead Heath, Regents Park, which spans 410 acres, is a beautiful space to relax and capture nature based photographs. The park boasts a variety of beautifully manicured gardens that are perfect for photographers who want to practice their macro photography. The playgrounds, as well as the London Zoo, attract many visitors, which make it a good place to capture the interactions between people and the natural world.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich park is one of the largest public green spaces in South East London, and one of the most special parks in the city as a whole. At 183 acres, it is the largest enclosed Royal Park in the country. As a former hunting ground for King Henry VIII, a large variety of wildlife still call Greenwich Park home. It is an animal sanctuary smack dab in the middle of the busy city where it is a common occurrence to see deer, foxes, and over 70 different species of birds. If you are a photographer who wants to hone your animal photography, Greenwich Park is a safe bet.

Richmond Park

 

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in the city of London. Measuring 2,360 acres, the park is roughly three times the size of New York’s Central Park. The park’s vast territory makes it certain that photographers can capture truly unique shots. Like Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park, Richmond offers photographers a chance to capture the serenity of nature while still in the confines of the city. Deer, woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, toads, frogs, and rare beetles call the park home. There is even a thriving population of parakeets that emerged from members of the species escaping captivity. The animal population, combined with the beautiful ponds and plant life make it a great place to hone photographic skills that would otherwise be impossible to maintain in the city proper.

BorrowFox

Which ever one of the many beautiful London green spaces you decide to visit and practice your nature photography, it is imperative to bring along some great camera equipment. Make sure to check out some of the great deals on BorrowFox in order to get the best pictures from your next trek into London’s wilderness.

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Featured Tech: RED Raven

Like most of the offerings from RED, the RED Raven is an extraordinary cinema camera that produces great results. The Raven is cheaper than its RED siblings such as the Epic and the Dragon, but for a lower price, the Raven still manages to pack a great punch. It is a perfect option for filmmakers who want to shoot content on a smaller budget without sacrificing quality. On BorrowFox, you can rent different RED Raven packages for between £160 – £230 – a great deal considering the camera’s £10,000 price tag.

Camera Feel and Build

Like other cameras produced by RED, the Raven is impeccably designed to offer an intuitive user experience. The camera’s interface is simple and straight forward enough that even an operator who has never touched a RED before will quickly master the controls. Additionally, the camera is impressively lightweight and features no hanging cables which make it a great option for gimbal use. While not as important as the other features, the Raven, like the other offerings from RED, is a great looking camera with sturdy construction.

Specs

The Raven’s specs, especially for the camera’s price point are, in a word: impressive. The camera can record 4.5k at 120 FPS and 2K at 240 FPS. It records ProRes in 2K either stand-alone or simultaneously with RAW recording which gives you plenty of options in the editing booth. The camera also boasts built in WiFi, which comes in handy if you are looking to live stream at high quality levels.

If you want to see the true power of the Raven in action, check out this video.

All in all, the Raven is a great, affordable camera that is sure to meet your filmmaking needs.

 

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