Tired of mindlessly snapping away on smartphones and digital cameras, Damian Wong (DW) and his wife Sandra Ong (SO) switched to film photography in 2015. In this format, limited frames and manual settings required the couple, who are lawyers, to be intentional with their images (check out their Instagram account (@damianwithsandra). Their combined collection of instant cameras consists of more than 220 models.
What are your favourites?
DW: Ours are mainly analogue cameras, such as Polaroid folding and roll film cameras. Sandra’s favourite is a tie between the MiNT SLR 670-X “Ming Edition” and the Polaroid SLR 680 SE. The former is a fully manual, single-lens reflex camera and its Polaroid film pack includes a built-in battery, so no additional battery is required.
SO: Damian’s favourite is the Leica M6, which shoots 35mm roll film. Except for the built-in light meter, it is entirely mechanical. He loves the camera so much, he takes it on all his overseas trips!
Why instant cameras?
SO: It is a wonderful experience to take a photo and have it appear in your hands. As a result, we began searching for analogue cameras that used discontinued films, such as Fujifilm FP series pack film in 2016 and Polaroid Spectra in 2019. Eventually, we discovered a small but growing community of camera modifiers who painstakingly take apart old instant models to give them a new lease of life. Because of their innovation, we can continue to use a wide variety of seemingly obsolete cameras.
What advice would you give to others trying to start a collection?
DW: Decide what kind of collector you want to be. Would you like to focus on niche models, ready-to-shoot cameras, or those with both utility and unique designs? Collecting is fun for us because of the process of shooting. Analogue photography isn’t for everyone, so if you’re interested, buy a camera within your budget and try it out first.
When and how do you find time for photography?
SO: We schedule time for photography; it helps us to de-stress. It is as simple as using a Polaroid camera on dinner dates or running weekend errands.
Has your love for these cameras brought you closer together?
DW: Of course! We organise daily activities around our shared passion. Sandra decides what cameras we buy, whereas I’m more of the photographer. A happy wife means a happy life, yes?
Photography Cher Him
Art direction Ed Harland
Grooming Keith Bryant Lee, using Kevin.Murphy and Shiseido
