Kodak Model 3 Fisherman CameraThis is a featured page

Enduring memory of a fishing trip
Kodak Model 3 Fisherman Camera - Light of DayIn August of 2005, I purchased a Kodak Model 3 on eBay, selected first of all because it would fit a combination back for cut film that I had already, and secondly because this particular one had an original roll of 118 film in it. The camera arrived with the red-papered Verichrome film already advanced through. Could it possibly hold any image after so many years?

Using D76 1:1 with one anti-fog tablet added, N+1/2 time, I got pretty much what I expected--the strip was largely abused by random exposures and light leaks through the years (most probably recently, by curious dealers).

Only the very first exposure showed any actual image. It was badly fogged, but it is definitely a keeper--it tells the story of the last trip its owner took it on. I'll let it speak for itself (and for the person who snapped it, I'm guessing as much as 70-80 years ago, as the camera has "July 12 1918" inscribed on it).












Only photo from the original roll:
Kodak Model 3 Fisherman Camera - Light of Day

A few months later, an overcast morning helped set up for a nice "found" still life in my home. I decided to use this same Kodak No. 3 with an f/7.7 Anastigmat lens and combination back, using Fomapan 100 cut down to size. Exposed f/22 for 6 sec, developed in D-76 for 6 min @ 70deg, scanned with an Epson 3800 at effectively 300dpi for 11x14 print, retouched for dust and scratches, and finally resized for a large screen:

Quiet Place
Kodak Model 3 Fisherman Camera - Light of Day

(link to 160K image, 1024x751)


I enjoy coaxing out the best capabilities of great old cameras. This particular photo is literally the first photo (other than a verification snapshot after cleanup) taken by the camera since that fishing trip image!

The No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodaks take film size 118 which gives 3.25 inch by 4.25 inch negatives, or the so called "lantern slide" format. The Combination Back converts the camera to use sheet film in holders, which is handy since the roll film size is no longer commercially available anywhere that I know of. This version, a Model H, must be ground-glass focused by sliding the lens back and forth on the track, as there is no continuous focuser mechanism. This combination is NOT for moving subjects.

The Fomapan film has very nice tonal graduation and scans beautifully. Compared to Efke films, it has the tonal smoothness of the Agfapan APX film yet has good exposure latitude. JandC Photography has it in only a few sizes, so it must be cut to size. All things considered, B&W photography with old cameras and obscure film sizes makes one contemplate one's subject and technique with great care.





donday
donday
Latest page update: made by donday , Mar 8 2009, 12:55 AM EST (about this update About This Update donday Edited by donday


view changes

- complete history)
More Info: links to this page
Started By Thread Subject Replies Last Post
Anonymous found photo 0 Feb 8 2007, 7:58 AM EST by Anonymous
 
Thread started: Feb 8 2007, 7:58 AM EST  Watch
Great old camera, and that recovered latent image of the fishermen is astounding.
- Mike Connealy
Do you find this valuable?    
Keyword tags: None (edit keyword tags)

Anonymous  (Get credit for your thread)


Showing 1 of 1 threads for this page

Related Content

  (what's this?Related ContentThanks to keyword tags, links to related pages and threads are added to the bottom of your pages. Up to 15 links are shown, determined by matching tags and by how recently the content was updated; keeping the most current at the top. Share your feedback on Wetpaint Central.)