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The Toycam Handbook by members of toycamera.com

I first discovered the ‘Toycam Handbook’ shortly after buying my first Holga. I’d just been introduced to a world of plastic toy cameras and I was so intrigued I had to learn more. The book starts off by introducing the reader to over 20 different toy cameras - including the Diana, the Fujipet, and the Holga 120FN. Each camera has its own page featuring a glorious colour photo, example images and specifications for the geeky folk amongst us (I proudly include myself in that category).

The next chapter concerns modifying your camera. Thankfully, this information is mostly geared towards Holga users. The mods included are; the PinHolga mod, macro/close focusing, the Holgarama, and 35mm, complete with a hack which lets you rewind 35mm from within your Holga! This chapter also includes an excellent guide on using filters with your toy camera.

Following on from the mod chapter is a guide to film and developing. This includes explanations of the different kinds of films and papers for those wishing to get their hands messy and DIY. Towards the end of the chapter is a nice guide regarding scanning tips and digital imagery.

The final chapter is a collection of interviews with members of the ToyCamera.com community. Each interviewee is asked what inspired them to start with toy camera photography, who are there influences, their favourite toy cam, amongst other questions.

The book is another Lulu publication and is beautifully presented with full colour pictures throughout. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for all things plastic and fun!

Buy the book at Lulu.com

Tags: book review

This entry was posted on Friday, February 8th, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Featured Photos. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.