I think I’ve done it again. I’ve fallen. Hard. A new love affair has begun.
I know, I know. It might not have been the most prudent decision, buying a camera for which some of the film is currently being discontinued. And maybe rationalizing that not all of the film is being discontinued (yet) wasn’t the wisest of mind-games to play with myself. But alas, I took the bait. Hook. Line. And sinker. I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t pass up this beauty I had longed for, had wanted, had desired. I also had a few enablers who pushed me into this affair. How could they not?
She’s beautiful, right? The Polaroid 195 Land Camera. A fully manual, controllable instant film camera. Dreamy. While I adore my SX-70 and my SLR 680 Polaroid cameras, I’ve been frustrated with them on many occasions because I have no control of their aperture or shutter speed. As fellow photographers, you can imagine that this is MADDENING. With the 195, I have the joy of instant film AND the ability to control the aperture and shutter speed. How could I not fall in love?
I’m still learning how to use the rangefinder to focus, and getting used to adjusting all the manual settings. But the first pack of film I shot with the 195, well, it had me at “hello.” Here’s a sampling.
A still frozen creek bed here in Lincoln, Nebraska…
Light and shadow in the state capitol building…
Oh, and did I tell you the 195 has a built-in self-timer?!?! Not that someone like me would need that (HA!)…
And this still life from my morning journaling ritual, it just makes me fall that much harder in love…
Meghan of Life Refocused
I’m still so sad that they’re discontinuing the FP-3000B as I really love the results I’ve had with it and I’ve found the colour film to be so temperamental in comparison. After seeing your results, I think I’ll keep practicing with it though đŸ™‚
It is a total disappointment about the FP-3000B film. I’m still in denial. But I’m really loving the color film, Rhianne, and glad to have inspired you to try it out again!
Wow those photographs are lovely. It’s nice to see an instant camera producing photographs that aren’t so unpredictable to be honest. It’s a shame the film is being discontinued when it’s such a lovely little camera!
Thank you, Beth. Yes, having control of the settings is SO helpful!
Um, that camera was meant to be in your hands! So glad you took the leap. That self portrait is amazingly beautiful.
Thank you so much, Vanessa! xo
Loooove my pack film Pola the bestest and I’m still devastated (and fussy) over losing the B&W film, but I, too, cling to the thought that there’s still the color film. Love to see your results with the 195 and that you’re having so much fun with it!
Thanks, Kendra. I have other pack film Polaroid cameras, but none with the control like this 195. So excited! Hoping a new company swoops in to make the B&W film!
these are beautiful Meghan.
Thank you, Amy!!
Such beautiful photos! And what a way to give you a jolt of excitement in for the end of your project too! One camera inspiring the other! I got a new 104 for xmas that I have yet to play with. So off to buy a battery and film I go…you’ve inspired me!
Thanks, Holly. I’ve been looking for some new inspiration and this baby is doing the trick. Can’t wait to see what you shoot with your 104!
That last photo is just stunning! Gorgeous camera too.
Thanks, Chinwe. That last one is my favorite of these, too. And the camera is swoon-worthy!
Cannot wait to see what you do with this. Yum!
Thanks, Kris. I’m inspired all over again!
That state Capitol shot is amazing. So impressed with how steady you had to be to get that last one too in those dim conditions
Thanks, Cara — I appreciate your kind words. And yup, hand-held for that last shot. đŸ™‚
I’ve been using my 250 again lately and I do love it! Such fun to peel apart that film…
The peeling is half the fun!!
Oh, yes! Love these!
Thanks, Staci đŸ™‚
A beautiful result!
Thanks, Bella!
Beautiful blog, and about a camera I know nothing about. Oh my. I fell back in love with the SX70 and just this week went to the Impossible store in NYC. They are closing that sweet downtown store to make way for other retail stores over the next two years. My heart sank, just as I am back into polaroid. Now I want this one too, love the light streaming, it’s so wonderful. Thanks so much.
Thanks, Nancy! Sounds like you are falling hard for all things Polaroid (like me!).
Makes me have that much more resolve in the way I like to create and the tools I choose to use…love. Thank you Meghan.
Glad to hear that, Jeri!!
Looks like your new paramour loves you, too! It’s a match made in heaven. Is Tony jealous?
So glad to see you’re enjoying your new camera.