My mother, who is 87 and often forgets what she ate for her last meal, is a great one for digging into the past and producing some forgotten tidbit of history. Like this vintage black-and-white Agfa Click III camera she found in the old family home at Cotton Green (what a quaint name) that she still occupies with fierce independence and pride. The camera came to me as a hand-me-down from my brother in the 1970s.
On World Photography Day, it took me into a flashback of faded memories. Of sunny and happy days spent without a care in the world. Of growing up not in the lap of luxury, but in the comfort of security, knowing tomorrow was assured. And with it would come three square meals, school and homework, sports and games, outings to the circus and zoo, treats at the Udipi restaurant or Irani cafe.
That was the height of entertainment because the Internet and smart phones weren’t around and even television (Doordarshan with its outrageous coverage) hadn’t come about. Nor were multiplexes and shopping malls on the scene. But how wonderful life was back then. And with these memories came proof of the good times because mother also unearthed an album that is falling apart with ancient photographs.
They photographs are in black-and-white, naturally, because the instant camera taking Polaroid colour prints had not been invented then. But when I look at the photographs I recall the stories behind them in glorious colours. That’s how life was. The camera is a simple optical instrument made of hard black plastic by the Agfa Kamerawerk of Munich in Germany sometime in the 1960s and has a brown plastic case. It took an Agfa Click III roll which gave 28 photographs that had to be developed, fixed and printed by hand in a dark room.
The camera has two aperture controls: for sunny days and cloudy. Plus a third yellow one that is a filter for what I have no idea. It has just one shutter speed. You aimed, focused and clicked. As easy as that. The film had to be loaded by opening the back. Its cover has a red eye telling you how many photographs were taken out of the roll of 28. The Agfa Click III also has the provision to attach a flash for indoor photography. But who needed a flash back in the day when every waking moment was spent out in the sun!
Happy World Photography Day!
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
About Storyofsouls
Leave your comments on how did you like this story. If you love it do share it to bring that change that we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at replytosos@gmail.com. Story Of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN, and Harvard University. On some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our Youtube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google news verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that storyofsouls.com is the official TedX MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
