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Back to Basics

Writer's picture: Akash JoshiAkash Joshi

Updated: Jun 25, 2021

Image-making today has become a fairly simple exercise. We tap on our phone screens or press a button on our cameras and we can see the end result in a matter of seconds. Processing these images is also not a cumbersome task: our phones come equipped with the necessary tools; transferring the images on to a computer, one can make the requisite edits on various softwares to achieve the desired result. However, it is always a delight to go back to the beginning, when the luxuries of a smartphone or post-processing softwares were almost non-existent; one had to rely on natural light and some ingenious techniques to produce what today is taken for granted.


The Afghan Box Camera (or simply, the Box Camera) was one of the first 'cameras' to be put to use to 'click' photographs. Having only either read or heard about it, I was always curious to see the camera in operation. Coincidentally enough, during one of the presentations at the International Photography Festival in Hyderabad in 2018, I came to know of a person in Delhi who still retained such a camera, and on special request (and some fee), was glad enough to show its operation and even develop a photograph at the end of it. What could have been better!


Mr. Bharat Bhushan Mahajan is the owner and proprietor of such a box camera. He operates out of the Birla Mandir Complex in New Delhi, the same place where his father landed with the camera nearly seven decades ago. Mr. Mahajan has not moved places since. Although he has now branched on to the digital mode also, that front is taken care of by his son, Amit, primarily catering to events.


Mr. Mahajan, with the box camera


When asked why Birla Mandir, Mr. Mahajan recalls his father. A native of Lahore, Mr. Mahajan's father came to Delhi with his box camera in the late 1930s. An acquaintance of his father worked at the temple complex (the temple itself was built between 1933 and 1939) who asked him to set his shop there. The son took after the father, and has remained here since. Another factor that contributes to his continued presence at the complex is the camera itself. It is a heavy piece of equipment, not travel-friendly and has to be set-up every time when it is to be used, and dismantled afterwards.


Sr. and Jr. Mahajan at work


For the years the camera was in continuous use, Mr. Mahajan recounts countless visits - by the general public and dignitaries alike, from within the country and outside. What he specialises in is not merely operating the box camera (which is an onerous task in itself), but what he likes to call 'trick' photography. Since he operates out of the temple complex, the backdrop is almost always the temple facade; and sometimes a deity, or an animal. His 'tricks' include making one fly above the temple, emerging out of a crocodile's mouth or being blessed by a deity. You can have your pick. (I chose all three!)


The equipment needs to be cleaned thoroughly before it is put to use


In addition to narrating the history of the camera's use, Mr. Mahajan painstakingly tells and demonstrates the working of the camera - how the lens is to be fitted, for how long the paper needs to be exposed, and how the fluid in which the photo is developed, is made. Photography 101.


Making the developing-fluid 


Camera shenanigans


After breaking down the basics for us, Mr. Mahajan takes a back seat. His son, Amit takes over. Getting behind the camera, he follows his father's steps and commences the process of making an image. It is a process indeed. And patience is key. He removes the lens cap, waits for three seconds, places the lens cap back. For this duration, one holds one's pose. If one wants to fly above the temple, one maintains one's stance, hands outstretched, balancing on one's belly, and legs raised. Almost like a warm-up to the finale: the photograph.


Like father, like son


Processing


When asked about the relevance of the box camera today, Mr. Mahajan can't help getting nostalgic. However, he understands the complications of operating the camera in the digital age and has made peace with the fact that this camera is now a thing of the past: something that only comes out when requested for. But he also recounts various instances when people (mostly tourists) flock to the Birla Mandir just to see the box camera, having heard about it from someone. It is then when he realises that the camera has not lost all its glory. This almost hundred year old box still maintains its relevance in Mr. Mahajan's life.


After a day's work

 

Mr. Mahajan operates out of the Birla Mandir complex at Mandir Marg, New Delhi. Although he has no fixed timings, it is advisable to call him a day or two in advance, in case you are planning to visit him. You can email me (joshi.23.akash@gmail.com) for his contact, and his fee.




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