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Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity by Michelle Bates

‘Plastic Cameras’ begins by introducing you to the history of plastic cameras, and how they’ve come to develop an almost cult status amongst photography students and fine-artists.

After the brief history lesson, there are portfolios for 23 different photographers who use plastic cameras on a regular basis. The images and artists displayed are well chosen and interesting to see.

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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).

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The Death of Photography by Andrew Smale

‘The Death of Photography’ is an essay about the perceived death of film photography, and the suitability of film photography as medium for fine artists. It deals with the attitudes film photographers face from the ever increasing digital world, and how going back to basics with manual film cameras can be truly liberating. As you would probably guess the majority of this information is based around the impact of the Holga and its ‘no frills’ feature set. Andrew then goes even more back to basics by discussing pinhole photography. Towards the end of the book there is an excellent guide to semi-stand developing with Rodinal.

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