The Re-Collections Project: Vintage Film Camera Revival

In the summer of 2023, artist Syd Coleman stumbled upon a hidden treasure: an abandoned collection of over 2,000 vintage film cameras. This serendipitous discovery marked the beginning of what would soon be known as “The Re-Collections Project.”

Preserving the Past

Coleman, along with her family members, embarked on a mission to salvage these forgotten relics.

Together, they meticulously sorted and stored the cameras in her cozy home studio, where they now find refuge. The air in the studio seems to carry whispers of bygone eras—the click of shutters, the winding of film, and the anticipation of capturing moments frozen in time.

A Journey of Restoration

For the past eight months, Coleman has immersed herself in the world of film photography and camera restoration. She delved into the intricacies of each camera, learning about their mechanisms, quirks, and unique histories. Her hands, once only accustomed to clay and sculpture tools, now also delicately handle vintage lenses and shutter mechanisms.

The restoration process is both technical and sentimental. Coleman carefully disassembles each camera, cleaning decades-old dust from their crevices. She replaces worn-out parts, lovingly coaxing life back into these mechanical marvels. The satisfaction of hearing a shutter click after meticulous adjustments is akin to breathing life into a dormant soul.

From Neglect to New Beginnings

Coleman’s vision extends beyond mere restoration. Her goal is to breathe new life into these vintage beauties. Some cameras, once refurbished, will find their way into the hands of film enthusiasts who share her passion. These lucky individuals will experience the tactile joy of winding film, adjusting focus, and capturing images with a sense of purpose.

But what about the cameras that cannot be fully revived? Coleman’s creativity knows no bounds. She transforms spare parts and irreparable cameras into art—each piece a testament to resilience and reinvention. From found object assemblages to repurposed lamps, these artifacts find new purpose in our modern lives.

A Fusion of Art and Nostalgia

As an artist, Coleman bridges the gap between the past and the present. Her sculptures, born from camera components, evoke nostalgia while celebrating innovation. The click of a shutter becomes a symphony, and the lens a portal to memories. These sculptures adorn homes, sparking conversations about forgotten technologies and the enduring allure of analog photography.

So, why the name “Re-Collections”? It’s a clever play on words, intertwining two meanings:

1. Recollect: Inviting us to reminisce, to delve into memories, and to honor the past. These vintage film cameras, once forgotten, now find themselves at the center of attention—a revival of their stories.

2. Re-collect: Here lies the magic. It’s not just about collecting; it’s about collecting anew. These cameras, once discarded or neglected, are now lovingly gathered, restored, and given a second chance. They become more than mere objects; they become artifacts of resilience and creativity.

In “Re-Collections,” you breathe life into forgotten moments, weaving together nostalgia, craftsmanship, and artistry. It’s a project that celebrates both the act of remembering and the act of reclaiming. 📷🌟