My Grandma’s Camera
An analogue camera restored and modified using brass, acrylic, 3D printed PLA and assorted mechanical and electrical components
Owner: Rachael Hymas
Repaired by: Syafiq Jubri in Singapore, 2022
Designed to be held vertically, this Taron Chic camera was originally released in Japan in 1961. It belonged to Rachael’s grandmother, who retired early to embark on a life of travel with her husband in a campervan from 1986-2008.
Rachael's Grandad in Morocco, photographed by her Grandma. Image Courtesy of Rachael Hymas.
Story
Rachael, who is now following in her grandmother’s footsteps by refurbishing a campervan herself, said: “I love the idea of experiencing the world as my grandparents did and I hope to drive to Morocco, which was their favourite destination. This camera doesn’t work anymore, but it has a lot of value to us as a family so I’m looking forward to seeing how it might be transformed."
Photos taken from the repaired camera by Syafiq Jubri.
Repair
Architect and designer Syafiq Jubri has restored the camera by mending the mechanical fault in the gear assembly. Challenging the idea of the camera as a ‘perfect translator of light’, he has added a rotating mirror that captures blind spots and a green feather that ‘tickles the light’ to give the photographs a more playful and spontaneous character. These test images were taken by Jubri in Singapore.
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