In the heart of Jaipur amidst the old city market you'll find Tikam Chand with his 164-year-old Carl Zeiss camera. Set against the backdrop of the Hawa Mahal Chand’s photography setup feels like a window, to a different era: the 19th century.
Back in the 19th century, getting clicked in a studio was reserved for the royals. It was expensive and something that only the royals and the elites did. Street photographers like Tikam Chand and family broke that barrier by capturing the essence of India that lay in its gullies and its people.
This antique camera, handed down through three generations holds greater significance than just being a family heirloom. It serves as Chand’s livelihood and greatest passion. "I was captivated by this camera from the moment I laid eyes on it " he shares, his eyes shining with the excitement he must have experienced decades ago.
The camera, a price-less heirloom, was gifted by the Maharaja of Jaipur to Pahari Lal (Tikam Chand’s grand-father) when he was serving as official photographer to them. Tikam Chand followed his father’s foot-steps giving a new-wing to this profession.
In a world dominated by smartphones and instant digital imagery Chand’s ancient Carl Zeiss camera stands as a symbol of photography’s origins. "The essence captured in a photo taken with this camera is truly unique " he describes, highlighting the allure that draws customers back time and again. It also includes a darkroom, fixer, developer, and film box and weighs approximately 25 kgs.
Tikam serves as the repairer, engineer and developer for the camera and the photos that he clicks. Similar to other street portraitists of the era, he uses the “minute camera” method. To get the right exposure, the front lens cover is removed for one to two seconds instead of using a shutter button. A negative image is converted to a positive image by photographing it after it has been captured and cleaned of all chemicals by submerging it in a pail of water.
Throughout the years Chand and his camera have become a sensation. Visitors and famous personalities alike seek him out for portraits that encapsulate an era. He has even made appearances in Bollywood movies acknowledging his role, as a living legend and captured Bollywood celebrities like Juhi Chawla, Anil Kapoor, Jaipur Royals Diya Kumari and more.
However, it hasn't all been sailing for Chand. The challenges brought by the COVID 19 pandemic dealt a blow to his business halting tourism activities abruptly. But he took the challenge and re-invented his business by taking to Instagram to showcase his art.
What makes Chand’s photos unique is not the gear he uses but also his artistic flair and expertise. From illusions, to beautifully composed cityscapes each photograph is a masterpiece in its own right. Looking ahead Chand is passing down his knowledge of the Carl Zeiss to his sons. While he leaves the decision to carry on the legacy to them, he insists that they grasp the cameras importance.
In a world consumed by cutting edge technology Chand’s narrative serves as a reminder of the worth of timeless possessions. His camera doesn't just capture images; it preserves moments in a manner that resonates with authenticity and humanity.
"I have an understanding with it. It understands me. I care for it and it looks out for me " Chand expresses about his camera. It represents a relationship, between man and machine, creator and tool. Amidst our lives it serves as a nudge that certain things merit our pause and appreciation.
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