PHOTOGRAPH INFO
This was shot two days ago with the Canon 5D through the viewfinder/mirror of an old Ricohflex camera that's been sitting around my house gathering (lots of!) dust. The Ricohflex is a medium format dual lens reflex camera from 1950s; I'm not sure which year this one was made.
The Ricohflex is a film camera, of course, but in this case, I've pointed the digital camera into the viewfinder/mirror of the Ricohflex to take the picture. The old camera acts as a kind of convoluted (and in my case, very grungy) filter.
There is a whole world of 'TTV' images out there -- short for 'through the viewfinder.' For more information about how to create a TTV shot, read this tutorial which I found courtesy of my friend Carrie at Delineated. She's got some niiiice examples of TTV images on her photoblog - check it out.
I've done this as an experiment - but I think I'm hooked on the idea, so look for far better examples of this technique sometime down the road. I need to gather a few pieces of equipment in the meantime. :)
Post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D
Thank you for visiting Durham Township!
-- Kathleen
This picture truly talks. I can't quite explain how, but after such a long time, this photograph invokes an emotive response. Also, curiouly, all your pictures have a "goody-goody" feel about them. This one doesn't!
Posted by Ruchita on March 2, 2007 4:11 AMI like this A LOT. Thanks for explaining the process. I was clueless, and you're generous to do that. Would you also please explain what the circle is?
I look forward to more of these experiments.
Posted by Ruth on March 2, 2007 5:39 AMThis is simply and uniquely beautiful.
Posted by RD on March 2, 2007 6:25 AMI think you've captured the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz arriving in Durham Township, which must be in Kansas, not Pennsylvania, like you thought, because it's, like, black & white. Ha!
Posted by JPH on March 2, 2007 7:31 AMGreat experiment. Good results.
Posted by Alexandru Savu on March 2, 2007 7:37 AMA Ricohflex huh... can I have it? (I just recently got my hands on a Rolleiflex and I can't get enough of it.) Sticking a digital camera in its butt is humiliating for the poor thing! I bet it's screaming "feed me!" "use me [properly]!" :) ... then again, what do I know, I don't talk Ricohflexian.
Posted by miklos on March 2, 2007 8:04 AMWow, this is intense. I love this style ;)
Posted by Martin on March 2, 2007 8:15 AMyeah... great idea... I'm considering some experimenting too. Like that rough texture a lot...
Posted by javga on March 2, 2007 8:50 AMVery interesting - reminds me of a very early photo for the 1800's or a frame from early movies.
Posted by Noreen on March 2, 2007 9:17 AMVery nice! I've been experimenting with this style, as well. It's addicting!
Posted by Teresa on March 2, 2007 9:30 AMNice. I guess the weather was just right for the experiment?
Posted by centralny.info on March 2, 2007 9:54 AMReminds me of The Ring...
Posted by Stephen Walsh on March 2, 2007 9:54 AMThis pic is way cool! I agree with Noreen that it looks like a pic from 19th century. Nice work!
Posted by Steve B. on March 2, 2007 11:25 AMMy initial reaction was "Help! Kathleen, are you O.K.?.....was anyone hurt........? But I read on and am considerably relieved.
The "Rico" Two-and-a-quarter" brings back memories and you do not cease to amaze me. What a hilarious concept for collecting images, instant antique photos. And the circle is, of course, the focus field for the Rico which I first took for a multiple exposure of a sun over the winterscape--but what do I know?
Thanks again,
Posted by david tinnon on March 2, 2007 3:32 PM
I'm relieved that the circle isn't a giant bubble.
This reminds me of an old lithograph. Quite a detour from your usual work, but fun to see that you're out there experimenting like the rest of us.
Thousands of Scandinavian stories hidden in this shot! I love it, I love every shot of yours that seems so "fairy-tale-like" to me. I've never known the power of TTV but the effects are amazing, also on Carrie's blog. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by Marta on March 3, 2007 3:26 AMgosh, that's gorgeous. incredibly emotive. and i like how it looks like it was done in layers. almost like a lightbox of 5 separate photos. thanks.
Posted by yona on March 3, 2007 3:31 AMWow, really nice compo
Posted by Jump on March 3, 2007 3:57 AMK, you've inspired me to drag out my old Yashica Mat and try this. The focus circle does look strangely like a part of the image, making it a touch surrealistic. It's beautiful.
Posted by Joe on March 3, 2007 7:19 AMThis is really interesting, and I love all the textures, including (maybe especially) the circular focus ring. Very nicely done, and I'm looking forward to more like this from you.
Posted by MarkDM on March 4, 2007 11:20 PMI like this one... a lot!
Posted by Ryan on March 5, 2007 10:03 AMnice trick ... love the B&W vintage look in this one
Posted by Crash on March 5, 2007 4:53 PMvery interestin idea, i am going to take my seagull out to try doing this too.
have you tried to take pictures through the Taking lens instead of the viewing lens? assuming this camera is a Twin lens camera.
Posted by laurence. on March 5, 2007 10:30 PMInterestingly different. More please...
Posted by Justin on March 6, 2007 3:32 PMthis is a great unusual shot!
Posted by elaine on March 12, 2007 2:49 PMAbsolutely wonderful mood. I have just purchased a Kodak Duaflex for just this purpose. As of yet, I haven't gotten around to trying but this makes me really want to get out there and experiment! Thanks.
Posted by jason on March 13, 2007 7:00 PM