I thought I would save you a shock and send you some information about the equipment and supplies you will need before the course starts. Additionally, I would like to suggest some local vendors to purchase these materials and some Internet sites where you can order them with a credit card.
First, you will need a 35 mm, single-reflex camera that is capable of fully manual operation that has a working light meter. If you don’t have one, your best option is to purchase one for the class. There are cameras available for checkout from the RCTC library. You pay a one-time, non-refundable fee of $20.00 + tax and can check out a camera for three days at a time. Obviously, it is a pain to return and check out the camera over and over again, owning your own camera is a plus.
There are several camera shops in the twin cities that sell used cameras, notably National Camera and West Photo. They will even help you find a camera over the phone and mail it to you, and are generally good at taking returns if a camera doesn’t work. Explain that you are taking a beginning photography course and indicate that you need a 35mm single lens reflex camera with a working meter. Links to websites are below:
http://nationalcamera.com/goldenvalleyshutterbugcontact.html
http://www.westphoto.com/usedequipment
Another great solution is to order a camera or materials on-line. I am partial to http://www.freestylephoto.biz because they cater to students and teachers. They also have good prices on 35mm cameras. You could also call them and talk to a customer service representative for help.
Many people have 35mm cameras floating around their family that no one is using. Especially now that digital photography has taken off. Ask parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents if they have a 35mm camera in their around the attic or basement. Any name brand 35mm camera (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc) is likely to work. Make sure to take it to a camera shop and have a new battery installed and ask to have the camera looked at to make sure it is functioning properly. I am partial to the Pentax K-1000 when it comes to old 35mm cameras from your family or when buying used. It is built solidly and great for new photographers.
In addition to a camera, you will need the following supplies:
- 20 rolls of 400 ASA, Black and White Film, 36 Exposures. We will give you several rolls early in the class, and there is more for sale at the RCTC bookstore. Please wait to buy film until we have had a chance to talk about it during class.
- Scissors. Just bring plain old scissors.
- Hand Towel. Chemistry on hands and fingers is not only unhealthy and dangerous, but it can contaminate and ruin prints. A good darkroom towel has no lint and gets washed every few weeks.
- 8 x 10 inch, Resin Coated, Variable Contrast Enlarging Paper. Again, we will hand you some in the first days of class, and there is more for sale at the RCTC bookstore. We will discuss this in class, so wait to purchase any.
- iPod or MP3 Player. The darkroom is a whole lot more fun with music, but chances are good not everyone in the class likes the same music you do. Bring headphones and your favorite tunes.
- Three-ring binder that zips closed.
You can expect to spend $80 - $120 on supplies for this class, depending on how careful you are (or how much you enjoy printing in the darkroom).
