analog kansas
Gass Camera Repair
Posted by grant (kansas city, United States) on 19 August 2008 in Business & Industry and Portfolio.
Merriam, Kansas
Holga
Tmax 100
bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada
The wonkiness of the holga is perfect here, with the slight distortion drawing you right in. The vignetting and shadows give this deserted street a wonderful eerie feel!
19 Aug 2008 12:39pm
@bluechameleon: thanks bc - this whole little town is deserted on a sunday!
daina from United States
Love the name. This image combines humor (the name) and a feeling of desolation/lonliness - a very unusual combination and terrific image.
19 Aug 2008 1:19pm
@daina: thanks very much daina (for some reason your name no longer works as a link in my comment section. has something changed on your end?)
Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom
Despite the danger of repeating myself, I'll say again, lovely 1960's effect photo. I don't think I'd take my camera there though. Also cool is the camera shop and right next door picture Frames.
Is this a busy street Grant ? I'd love to see a shot along the street......!
19 Aug 2008 2:17pm
@Observing: thanks. this street is actually the main drag of this little town (in an area where one town bumps up against the next) and pretty busy, except on sunday (when i was there). it's the only camera repair shop within driving distance of my house though, and, i must say, i was extremely pleased with the work. i'm just afraid it won't be around too much longer.
dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States
wonderful and seemingly antiquated shot! ooh -- this just makes me want to get a holga again! (how i loved mine all those years ago!) but the question is... do i want to deal w/ film again? ;) beautiful shot here love your cheeky choice of subject matter!
19 Aug 2008 3:21pm
@dj.tigersprout: yes, yes, yes. get another holga. film is relaxing :)
DonLon from Providence, RI, United States
Very nice shot. The Holga was perfect for this subject. It all comes together so well. The camer becomes a comment on the story of the image. Excellent!
19 Aug 2008 4:25pm
@DonLon: thanks donlon. as i think about it, it seems almost sacrilegious to have photographed this place with a holga. the owner has dedicated his working life to the care of fine cameras...
ordinaryimages from Kentucky Bluegrass, United States
replaced by a dumpster out back, sadly nothing is repaired these days. best...jerry
19 Aug 2008 4:26pm
@ordinaryimages: not yet but soon i'm afraid. when i brought my old rolleiflex in for clarence gass to service, we chatted for half an hour, then he tried to buy it from me, then he told me in fascinating detail why it's a great camera, then we talked business. three weeks later i got back a 50 year old camera that looked and operated like new.
Damon Schreiber from Toronto, Canada
Very cool artistic shot. The Holga really makes it look old.
19 Aug 2008 4:53pm
@Damon Schreiber: thanks damon
P.J. from United States
I am seriously ordering some 120 film soon. I need to get my Holga going again. Your shots are inspiring in that regard. This is awesome. Looks like something my grandfather would have taken. Very cool!
19 Aug 2008 4:55pm
@P.J.: order now, more holgas! thanks p.j.
Howard F. from South Pasadena, Calif., United States
The last place a photographer wants to be, hope you're just passing by.
19 Aug 2008 6:37pm
@Howard F.: true, but the only thing worse than needing his help is needing it and it not being available - won't be long before there isn't anyone left locally to work on the old cameras.
Teresa from Mountain View, United States
Lovin' your Holga shots. I bought one a couple of months ago and have yet to take it out. You have inspired me to get off my duff.
20 Aug 2008 1:16am
@Teresa: i'm honored, and looking forward to seeing your holga shots. i'm sure you'll be happy with it. (i like holgas so much i've somehow ended up with four of 'em).
Mindy from United States
chiming in late, I don't have much to add to what's been said above. cool, retro-feel.
20 Aug 2008 4:04pm
@Mindy: i appreciate it mindy
Twelvebit from Victoria, United States
I like these holga images. What surprises me is that there is any kind of business that can survive in small towns anymore up against these big chains --except maybe restaurants, and even they have to compete with the fast-food outlets.
31 Aug 2008 6:00pm
@Twelvebit: it's a bit deceptive. this guy is in a small town, but it's a suburb of a fairly large city. still, as far as i know, he's the only one around with a storefront for camera repair.
