Hope Camera Brokerage

07/21/2021

06/15/2021

Have you ever been frustrated trying to find a good subject or an interesting way to photograph something? Ever just wander around with your camera trying to find that great shot to share on your Instagram or capture something that would be your next art print but just can't find that magical shot? It's like writer's block, but with a camera. Here's a good solution to that dilemma: Stop trying.

To tell the truth, a lot of great photos are unexpected accidents. Some of my best photos, ones that wow me personally, have been unexpected, shoot and forget moments. Every now and then I'll just shoot something that catches my attention and move on. And it's only after downloading and looking at what I captured later that I realize I got something great. Sometimes it's just the way I spontaneously framed the shot, or how the light played on the subject that I really didn't consider in the moment. Or in that instant when I fired the shutter something happened to change what was framed. Maybe a combination of any of that. But sometimes what I capture is completely different from what I thought I had while I was in the field. Sometimes it's something fantastic.

Don't just get caught up just picking what you think will be some fancy, clever photo that will get you likes or something you think will sell. Take some chances. Be spontaneous. Surprise yourself. That's how some really great photography memories are made.

Jack Bennett, Admin

06/15/2021

The Canon F-1 : The Camera that Launched the Canon vs Nikon Rivalry.

The Canon F-1 was produced from March 1971 until the end of 1981. This is the model that introduced the Canon FD lens mount system and it was Canon's first successful professional grade SLR camera. This was due to not only the quality of its photos, but on its adaptability for different uses through a huge selection of available accessories and interchangeable parts. Between 1970 and 1979, a total of 68 different FD mount lens models were produced, ranging from 7.5mm to 800mm focal lengths. Canon's super-telephoto FD lenses were the first to use white-colored housings to protect its heat-sensitive elements. This white casing finish is still used today but out of tradition as the lenses now use parts that aren't so heat sensitive.

This is a real photographer's camera- built like a tank with an all-manual approach to photography, it was the first shot in what became a decades-long rivalry between Canon and Nikon and was built to go toe to toe with the industry giant's Nikon F and Nikon F2.

So all in all, this is a historically important camera and a great daily shooter. If you're looking for a great vintage camera to explore film photography with, this is it. If you want one of your own, we have one in our eBay store as of this writing. You can get it here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/333942948153

06/14/2021

The Canon Sure Shot AF35M: The first autofocus 35mm lens-shutter compact camera.

The Canon AF35M, by Canon Japan, or as it was known in the USA as the Sure Shot, was an innovative, easy to use workhorse of a camera. Introduced in November of 1979, the AF35M quickly became a hit with the everyday consumer.

The Sure Shot autofocus used a triangulation system with a near-infrared emitting diode (IRED) which worked well in low-light situations. That and the 2-way motorized film transport, integral flash and a host of auto features made the Sure Shot very easy to use and produced great photos. Within the model's first 2 years it received the Good Design Award from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry and production reached 110,000 units per month.

If you want to get into film photography or if you're an old school shooter who wants to add a great 35mm point-and-shoot to your arsenal, this is your camera. Come see this and other excellent vintage cameras in our well-stocked showroom at 5523 Wares Ferry Rd in Montgomery, AL. Or you can grab one from our eBay shore at the link below:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334016960774

04/11/2021

The Canon A-1: The First SLR camera with electronically controlled programmed autoexposure!

The Canon A-1 was manufactured from April 1978 to 1985 by Canon Camera K. K. (now Canon Inc.) in Japan . It employs a horizontal cloth-curtain focal-plane shutter with a speed range of 30 to 1/1000 second plus bulb and flash synchronisation speed of 1/60 second. This was one of the most advanced SLR cameras of the time and it was an immediate hit, especially with newer photographers who loved the ground-breaking and innovative automatic features which made it easy to use. It was the first SLR to offer an electronically controlled programmed autoexposure mode making it a very significant camera historically. Whether you're a seasoned film shooter or are looking for a camera to experience film photography for the first time, this is the camera for you.

Come see us at 5523 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, AL 36117 and get your own Canon A-1. Or click on the following link to go to our eBay listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CANON-A-1-35MM-VINTAGE-FILM-SLR-CAMERA-BEAUTIFUL-CONDITION-50mm-LENS/233944148215

04/02/2021

One of the most common topics of debate and conversation in photography is gear vs talent. Some people have the mindset that one needs fancy or expensive equipment to make good art. The truth is, fancy or expensive equipment can afford the artist more options to express his creativity. But it can't give the artist talent. An artist with very little who hones his craft and takes the time to create with what he has outshines the artist who has fancy gear but no creative drive.

This truth extends to all things creative. To illustrate, allow me to introduce Sergi Estella. He's a Spanish musician who makes instruments out of rubbish and household items such as soda cans and brooms and tennis racquets. And with them he's an entire band all by himself and his work is now seen all over the world.

Don't let your creativity be limited and stifled by what you have to work with or fall into the trap of needing to impress others with your fancy gear. Create. Express yourself. Find your way with what you have and what you can afford. That's what real artists do.

www.instagram.com/sergi_estellawww.facebook.com/sergiestellaoficialwww.sergiestella.com

04/02/2021

The Nikon F: Solid as a Hockey Puck!

The Nikon F model was Nikon's first SLR camera. Introduced in April 1959 and produced until October 1973, it was one of the most advanced cameras of the time because it featured so many industry innovations in one beautifully designed, durable package.

This was the first 35mm SLR camera widely used by professional photographers. It was a favorite of photojournalists covering the Vietnam War and even NASA astronauts who used modified versions in space. This beautifully designed camera was so durable and reliable it quickly earned the nickname "the hockey puck." It is no exaggeration to say the Nikon F revolutionized the photography market. It influenced the design of Nikon cameras for decades and grabbed a significant amount of attention away from iconic German brands like Leica and Zeiss. If you're looking for a historically important collectable or looking for a great camera for film photography, this is the camera for you.

We currently have some beautiful examples of this iconic camera ready to take amazing photos. Come by our store at 5523 Wares Ferry Rd in Montgomery, AL. Or give us a call at (334) 284-9967. Also check out or eBay auctions that feature a few of the great deals in our massive inventory of classic and vintage cameras. The weather is turning really nice- Spring is here! So let's get out and shoot!

See our Nikon F on eBay here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/333943158009

03/30/2021

Photography Fact:

If you have enough camera gear bags, you don't have enough camera gear!

Here's another fact: We have bags! Not only do we have an amazing selection of classic and vintage cameras, we have new and vintage camera bags of all shapes and sizes including hard cases. We have Lowepro, Eddie Bauer, Samsonite, Ambico and MANY more as well as genuine Canon, Kodak, and Poloroid.

No matter what kind of bag you need, chances are we have it. Come check them out!

03/27/2021

Spring is here! Time to dust off that camera gear, go outside and take some photos! Or maybe you'd like to kick off the season with something new in your gear bag. Come browse our showroom and check out or deals on eBay!

We're working towards getting our showroom hours back to normal and continue our great service to the photography community here in the River Region and throughout the Southeast. Starting Monday the 29th we'll have expanded hours at our Wares Ferry Rd location so come see us! We'll even open up by appointment. Just give us a call or message us directly and we'll be there to serve you, whether you're looking for something specific or just want to browse.

It was the first 35mm SLR widely used by professional photographers. It is no exaggeration to say the Nikon F revolutionized the photography market.