Strange how random memories surface from nowhere every now and then …
This week I was visited by memories of a conversation I had with fellow students back in the day , circa 1977’ish …
I have vague memories of a conversation taking place with fellow photo-students that might of started by discussing “what camera was best ” but evolved and ended up creating a “wish list” that included “features that a dream camera would / should possess” ?
My Geordie Leica or Holga to you …
Seventies Student Dreams
Back in 1977 photo-life was almost manual everything as only basic levels of automation were beginning to appear , the list below is memorable because of its insight of what the future would deliver …
The Perfect Camera
Would be totally reliable . ( quite a telling reflection of the dangers of using cheaper , used mechanical kit , as many hard pressed students did )
Would focus and calculate exposure automatically. ( this idea was mocked , especially the focus bit , that’s what hyper focal distance was for )
Would never run out of film . ( Cost conscious students dreaming or a memory card prediction ? )
Would be hand hold-able for longer exposures. ( beyond contemplation at this time , the death of tripods , more mockery )
Would develop pictures within itself , no darkroom required . ( Polaroid was at its peak in 78 , strangely this idea was not that outrageous )
Would automatically set camera movements . ( vew camera technique was a important part of photo education back in 1978 )
These are the ideas I remember clearly but I have vague memories of folk suggesting “A Flying Camera Setting” , “Cameras That Did Not need A Photographer” and one of my mates having a “auto spotting” fantasy , spotting dust marks from prints was the curse of every photographer back in the day , oh how we laughed ?
Within 20 years usable digital photography arrived despite Kodaks best efforts to suppress its own invention , in order to protect film and chemistry sales !
Modern R & D , digital photography and editing software enabled all of our Seventies Student Dreams to become reality …
Some say that you should be careful what you wish for but that is not me , digital photography is a truly democratic medium , enjoy the freedom !
“Flying cameras” sounded funny back then , I’m not laughing now …
MORE…
If your blessed with a bit more time feel free to visit highlights from LIMBOLAND , my State Of Play project or The State Of Britain series , they represent the most turbulent years in modern British history and ten years of my life …