If you're looking to take your photography to the next level, consider shooting with an underwater film camera. Whether you're swimming with the fishes, exploring the depths of the ocean or shooting on the safety of land, these cameras are designed to capture amazing and sometimes surprising images.
Underwater film cameras are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so it's important to choose one that's right for you. If you're just starting out, consider a point-and-shoot model. These cameras are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. If you're a more experienced photographer, you may want to opt for a higher end SLR version.
My personal choice is the Nikonos V due to its incredible build quality and it's ability to capture sharp images underwater without the use of a viewfinder. The Nikonos V was designed for use with Nikon's range of Nikkor underwater lenses and was the camera of choice for many scuba divers from the mid to late 80s.
No matter what type of camera you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when shooting underwater. First, the water will distort colours and reduce contrast. To compensate for this, you'll need to increase the ISO setting on your camera. Second, because water is constantly moving, you'll need to use a faster shutter speed to avoid blurry images. This will also help capture fast moving subjects like marine life or surfers.
Finally, remember to take extra care of your underwater film camera. These cameras are delicate and expensive, so it's important to treat them with care. Be sure to rinse and gently clean your camera between each use and store it in a dry, safe place. This will help prevent the mechanisms and seals from wearing down.
Experiment with your underwater camera and don't restrict yourself to only shooting in water. My favourite film photo that I ever took was from a photo walk with the Nikonos V and expired film. My best selling print 'Chill' has become a crowd favourite, was nominated as a BlueThumb Art Prize 2022 and managed to crack the Top 40 for the BlueThumb Peoples Choice award. It's safe to say I owe it all to the Nikonos V!
With a little practice, you'll be taking amazing photos like this in no time. So dive in and start exploring the amazing world of underwater cameras!
Until we meet again
Sean