The Lomographer's Weekend Checklist: First Aid/Emergency Edition

This week's series is all about providing alternatives and quick-fixes (hence 'first aid') to some analogue grind problems, such as a stuck shutter, lost film ends, crime street or skid-row photography issues, and badly developed redscale film stock shots.

For sloppy redscales: double exposure

We've come to realize that several Lomographers seem to have problems dealing with post-processing of developed redscales, making it one of the trickiest unconventional films to master. The results just don't look as luminous as the photographs in the package. While Photoshop's available for the immediate fix, hardcore analogue enthusiasts should definitely try out double exposing them.

Recommended tipsters (both the analogue & digital methods): When in Doubt, Double Expose Your Redscales, How to Fix Sloppy Redscale Scans from a MiniLab with Gimp

For misbehaving cameras: repair shutters

There are just those stubborn film cameras that would like to give you mini heart attacks. One of the main issues in analogue cameras is the shutter -- it's either the curtain's all gone bonkers or you just need a bit of ointment here and there. Proceed with caution!

Recommended tipsters: How to Repair Rubberised Curtains of a Shutter, How to Repair a Stuck Shutter, Fix the Sticky Shutter Problem of the LC-A

For double exposure woes: retrieve film ends

Here is a quick fix that might just save your analogue lifestyle. Double exposure is a favorite technique among film users, and the most common problem with this is when the film gets inside the canister. Of course, you can purchase a film puller or go to a photo lab, but why not do it yourself? It's incredibly easy -- double sided tape, scissors and a bit of film are the only things you'l be needing.

Recommended tipsters: The Film Retriever, Get the film Out the Canister Without a Film Puller

For worry-free photography in high-risk areas: reload used disposable cameras

All right, all right. This may not necessarily be a general emergency fix, but it's something worth considering for outdoor photographers, especially the serious street shooters who wish to go to the shady places, skid row, or areas with high crime rates. You wouldn't dare to bring your flashy Lubitel or chunky Canon with you now with the possibility of offending people, would you? The trick to this is to be a social chameleon, pack light to none, and use compact, cheap cameras that still produce quality results -- there's no need to buy a new one, just take out your old Kodak disposables and you'll be worry-free for your street excursion.

Recommended tipsters: The Complete Guide to Reloading Disposable Cameras, How to Reload a Used Disposable Camera

Have some other plans in mind? What's in store for you this weekend? Share it with us through a comment below!

2017-04-07 #tutorials #diy #repair #do-it-yourself #quick-fix #tipsters #the-lomographer-s-weekend-checklist