If a LF photographer is asked why he (almost always a he) bothers with big cameras and film, his response is much more likely to be given in technical terms about resolution, enlargement factors, dynamic range, etc. than anything approaching whimsy. That being said, I think lots of people do see old cameras as being very cool, and there is often a hint of admiration that they can be made to work at all. It's discouraging that old cameras are seen as novelties, but encouraging that people find them interesting. It's discouraging that people are impressed by the ability to make a film camera work, but encouraging they think it's cool. I think the best thing any of us can do to promote the use of film is to emphasize the experience, and not its results.
Bookmarks