Jerry Petraglia
When I graduated college back in 1972, I bought myself a brand new, spiffy, feature-loaded 35mm SLR Minolta camera. For those that don’t remember, SLR or Single Lens Reflex is a camera that typically uses a mirror and a prism system (hence “reflex” from mirror’s reflection) that permits the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured.
I had been using an inexpensive (ok - “cheap”) camera to take images of NYC, Yankee games, family and friends, my rock band, summers at the beach, etc. But now I was on to something a lot more serious and seriously better!
I recall walking on NYC’s Broadway in the fall of 1974 and seeing the big billboards for “Godfather II,” which was due to be released in December of that year. I remember taking photos of that big billboard of Michael Corleone as the new “Don” as I anxiously waited for the release of the movie.
Me and my girlfriend at the time (who is now my bride) use to go in to NYC often to visit the sights, eat out, and experience many of the things the Big Apple had to offer. Living so close to “The City” in North “Joisey,” I would take my trusted and sturdy Minolta with me everywhere we went. I had a cool camera bag, too, with the latest Vivitar flash, storage for my 35mm 36 exposure film, etc. Heck, the 24-exposure film was just not enough for me so I would purchase 36 exposure film. Plus, the “100 speed” film provided great color saturation and clarity for outdoor shooting while the 400 film was great for indoors. I wonder if these terms mean anything to this generation!
Today’s smart phones are the camera, computer, navigation system, email communicator and of course a phone! While I doubt that 35mm film cameras would ever make a comeback, it is interesting to note that the music LP’s have started coming back in vogue as they really do sound warmer, “fatter,” and provide a very pleasing sonic experience.
The Minolta camera company is long gone just like many other brands we have seen and loved over the years e.g., Pan Am, Blockbuster, Blackberry, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Radio Shack, Compaq, etc. While I still have the camera, I haven’t used it in years. I must admit, I do like the convenience and quality of today’s smart phone cameras. Plus, they take video too. Wow!