Strike a pose for 3,000 cameras

An interview with artist AP Shreethar

The wooden camera was the pinnacle of photographic technology when it was introduced around the 19th Century. Now it’s the most-treasured collection of vintage cameras, claims artist AP Shreethar, who’s showcasing more than 3,000 cameras in an exhibition — from the replica of the world’s biggest camera to the latest technological gadget — the 11-gram camera, at the Vintage Camera Museum in the city. painter by profession, and a collector by ‘obsession’, his interest in antique cameras has taken him all across the country. 

“I go on international artistic tours to meet rare camera collectors and dealers. I have had people telling me that they can’t believe some of these cameras even exist. The first one that I collected was a Bellows camera. They were relatively popular in 1900s and resemble that of a large box that can be folded. Cameras were developed rather than invented,” says Shreethar. 

While the collection has grown organically over the years, he says vintage cameras have become more expensive. “I got some of the classic-timeless cameras from Chris, an Australian photography buff. He calls the collection ‘Smile Please’, in Newtown, Sydney. I borrowed the title for an initiative to familiarise school kids in Tamil Nadu with the evolution of cameras,” he explains.

In the exhibition, more than 72 international brands are on display. Shreethar says, “I began collecting them 15 years ago, because I wanted to hold a permanent exhibition. This collection includes cameras from 1885 to 2000. Almost 50% of cameras are vintage. Also, there’s this Mumbai-based jeweller, who has more than 4,500 still-photography cameras. My count is almost close to his.”

Interestingly, the artist says he doesn’t know much about the repairing and fixing the equipment. “I have a friend to help me with that. I am interested more in the evolution of photography and history of camera, but the biggest challenge is to clean them regularly without allowing dust to accumulate,” he laughs. 

Shreethar is happy that the current generation has realised the antique value of the cameras. “Cameras have become an integral part of our lives as everyone has a smartphone these days. I am still learning (about cameras). I am neither a cinematographer nor a professional photographer. But cameras have always fascinated me. Every model has an interesting story behind it and I feel very proud to be called a connoisseur. What I have can be used to educate so many people. What’s the use of keeping these cameras locked up in a room and not sharing them with the world?” he grins.

Some of the other unique cameras include watch-shaped Victorian spy cameras, pigeon cameras, wooden cameras, walking stick camera and first 3D camera and so on.

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)