Why 90s Childhood Photos Lack Bokeh: Understanding Fixed Focus Cameras and Aperture

Introduction

Ever wondered why your childhood photos from the 90s don't have much bokeh? The reason lies in the simplicity of the cameras used during that era. Let's delve into the reasons behind these photos and the limitations of fixed focus cameras from the 90s.

Why the Lack of Bokeh in 90s Photos?

Many point and shoot film cameras from the 90s did not have autofocus capabilities. These cameras often featured fixed focus lenses, which were set to a specific distance, usually around 3 meters. The aperture on these cameras was relatively small, often ranging from f/11 to f/16, which created a large depth of field, effectively covering everything from about a meter to infinity.

Due to their limited capabilities, these cameras were not well-suited for low-light photography without the use of flash. This characteristic contributed to the notoriously blurred and underexposed photos often associated with early digital cameras.

Fixed Focus and Aperture Lenses of the 90s

During the 90s, cheap point and shoot cameras mostly favored wide-angle lenses, which reduced the extent of the out-of-focus background. Here are some specs from typical cameras of that era:

Nikon AF600 28mm f/3.5 lens Canon SURE SHOT M 32mm f/3.5 lens

Both cameras were equipped with lenses with a maximum aperture of f/3.5. When shooting outdoors with 200 or 400 ISO film, the aperture would automatically close down further to achieve a balance between exposure and sharpness. This is why, in daylight, everything in the frame would usually be in sharp focus, contributing to the absence of bokeh in these photos.

Practical Examples and Historical Context

To illustrate, here is an example of a 35mm point and shoot photo taken in the early 1990s. The wide-angle lens and small aperture worked together to achieve a large depth of field, resulting in well-defined subjects and backgrounds, without any background blur.

Example of a 35mm PS shot taken in the early 1990s

It’s also worth noting that simple cameras, like the Ful Vue from the 1950s, were capable of producing excellent results. The fact that these cameras were designed for maximum depth of field means that a wide range of distances from the lens could be focused on, ensuring sharp results in a variety of settings.

Conclusion

The reasons why 90s childhood photos often lack bokeh are rooted in the technology and design of the cameras used during that period. Fixed focus lenses, small aperture settings, and the emphasis on sharpness rather than bokeh were the norm. Understanding these limitations helps us appreciate the artistry and technical challenges faced by photographers in the past.

If you're a photography enthusiast, exploring the history and capabilities of vintage cameras is both educational and rewarding. Keep exploring and enjoy the journey of understanding the evolution of photography!