Experimental Camera

Background

Quarantine has reverted us in many ways to older forms of technology, evoking feelings of nostalgia for past decades. This nostalgic movement can be observed in the resurgence of y2k fashion and disposable film. The above camera captures three different decades of film through the use of filters. The 1980s button employs the use of 8mm film, colloquially known as "Super 8." The 1990s captures the light leaks and date stamp of kodak disposable film. The 2010s button showcases the use of the popularized Instax camera, featuring a portable Polaroid frame and filter. The purpose of this camera is to showcase our idea of capturing moments across the past few decades. When these technologies were created, their main purpose was to capture the subject. Now, the popularization of these older cameras has more to do with the mood that the stylistic qualities of film evoke, rather than the subject itself. Through seeing the subject through this experimental camera, the medium begins to take center stage rather than just the subject. The concept of "capture" is extended to what is behind, and in the lens. The 'Rarevision' marking at the bottom was found on a VHS collection cover that I had while going through old VHS cassettes. I felt it captured these same emotions of nostalgia throughout the experimental camera and tied together the theme conveyed through this project.

Design Process

The ideation process lent itself to several ideas I was excited about. Below are a few ideas for film exploration, a traditional facial pixel blur, perspective exploration, and an interactive "mood" camera.

I decided to pursue the film idea, although I would love to revisit these other brainstorms at a later date. Originally, I was planning on changing the pixel input/output in order to filter the images to look like film works, but quickly realized that I could not do so without the programming crashing or changing the pixel size to produce a remarkably grainy image. After reaching this roadblock, I pivoted to creating overlays within each input button that will provide a similar effect. I employed the use of the array to change the button x-positions, and the use of tint and if/else statements to create on/off toggles and transparent overlays.

Reflection

Throughout the process of designing a camera, I became aware of the process of seeing especially when running into my initial roadblock. The crash of code reminded me of how much processing is required to go through each pixel, a thought-provoking, unintentional accident that made me wonder about the amount of processing our own eyes do, without crashing! In addition to the process of seeing, this project also focuses on what it means to be perceived through different time periods. What mood is the seer trying to create through their chosen camera?