New (Old) Camera

2025-05-26T19:33:31Z

So I have a camera now - an actual non-digital film photography camera. I'd vaguely thought about taking it up, because there's something about having to figure out good shots for yourself looking through a viewfinder, not relying on a screen showing the image you'll get & knowing how it'll come out, & having to wait to see if you actually captured the shot properly. Plus having to actually think about the photos you're taking because you only have so many. But whenever I saw cameras in charity shops & flea markets they're often £10+, &/or are not guaranteed working, & the possibility that a particular camera model might be shit even if it is working & you need to research, so it's a gamble so I'd have to be sure.

Then a few weeks ago I went to a car boot sale & a guy had a whole box of cameras for sale. Not tested, & most were grimy & had clearly been left on a shelf somewhere gathering dust & dirt, but they were only £1 each, so not too big a loss if I choose poorly. I rummaged through the box, &... recognised one of the cameras. I was the one my family had as a kid. A Hanimex 35HS. Bought it for the intense nostalgia alone. And also since I'd used it before, I knew it took decent pics. Though sadly when I got it home, away from the crowd, it was unlikely to work, as something was rattling around loose inside. Still, it was nice to know the make & model of camera I learned to take photos on.

Then a week later I was in a vintage/antiques store, & there was another one. This one would be more than £1, but had a higher chance of working, but there was no price. A tag had been attached, & there was even a £ sign, but no price, & the lady at the counter explained that the guy who valued stuff & set the prices wasn't in that day, but I don't live in the town so I couldn't just come back.

At that point it felt personal so I went on eBay & looked & someone was selling one boxed with the manual for £4, so I bid & won.

Now I have film for it (which cost more than the camera did lol). Just got to find stuff to take photos of that are worth the cost of developing them.

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Tantai Jin Apologist

New (Old) Camera