The Oldie That Will Make You Obsessed: Miranda Automex III

What makes a camera your favorite camera? If you are early in your photography interest like me, you’ll probably say, “The camera that gets me the best, clearest, photographs.” While I agree the final product is pivotal, my favorite camera is the one that truly got me hooked on shooting film photographs: the Miranda Automex III, 35 mm.

I will never forget stumbling into a crystal shop in Connecticut where, in between old Guinness tin posters and hand-dripped candles on a shelf with old non-functioning camera parts, sat this hunk of metal from 1965 with a bent lens and no guarantee of actually working. It called out to me; it was on sale for $35, so I bought it on the spot.

It is not as important where or how your camera finds you; what truly matters is that it turns you on like a flash (eh?) and instills in you that confidence to walk around with a new appendage and stick it in a stranger’s face because you want to capture a piece of time that you find beautiful.

The Miranda weighs in at approximately 2 lbs., so it isn’t the easiest to carry around and sneak shots without your subject noticing. You will need to appreciate the practice and pseudo-weight-lifting that comes with using it. But trust me when I tell you: if you stick with it, the results are extremely satisfying.

My favorite film goes hand in hand with my favorite camera. For the Miranda, I have found that standard Kodak Gold 200 works really well; however, my preference is black and white 400 TX film. As an artist, my first true passion lied in trying to tell a pictorial story were drawing with pencil and charcoal. Now, I’m painting with the muted, bleak colors of the world. While the Miranda is best suited for close-up portraits – try using a 50 mm lens up to a foot and a half from the subject – it is also wonderful for capturing landscapes. Having always been fond of extended depth subjects in my paintings, I truly love the depth of field capabilities this camera permits.

The Miranda is equal parts challenging enough to keep one intrigued but not discouraged, and – with patience – capable enough for a beginner to produce results that keep the photographer willing to stand up to the challenge of using this practical antique. Ultimately though, it really is about the wizard, not the wand. But, if you’re looking for a versatile, sturdy, and fun piece of equipment, I highly recommend this wand, the Miranda Automex III. It’s my favorite camera and it’s changed my perspective on how to use photography to tell a story.

Sean Patrick Smith is a freelance photographer in Brooklyn.

Latest

5 Beginner-Friendly Film Cameras Under $100

Are you eager to dive into the captivating world...

Rediscovering Instant Photography with the NONS SLR

In a world dominated by digital images, the allure...

Capturing Brooklyn’s Heart: A World Photo Day Journey Across 3 Bridges

World Photo Day is more than just a date...

Music Photography on Film

For fans of live music, making good images at...

Newsletter

spot_img

Don't miss

5 Beginner-Friendly Film Cameras Under $100

Are you eager to dive into the captivating world...

Rediscovering Instant Photography with the NONS SLR

In a world dominated by digital images, the allure...

Capturing Brooklyn’s Heart: A World Photo Day Journey Across 3 Bridges

World Photo Day is more than just a date...

Music Photography on Film

For fans of live music, making good images at...
Sean Smith
Sean Smith
Sean Patrick Smith is a freelance photographer, playwright, and artist living in Brooklyn.
spot_imgspot_img

5 Beginner-Friendly Film Cameras Under $100

Are you eager to dive into the captivating world of film photography but unsure of where to start? We've got you covered! Here, we'll...

Rediscovering Instant Photography with the NONS SLR

In a world dominated by digital images, the allure of instant photography is experiencing a powerful resurgence. And at the forefront of this revival...

Capturing Brooklyn’s Heart: A World Photo Day Journey Across 3 Bridges

World Photo Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a celebration of the art of photography and its ability to...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here