5 Frames with a Canon A-1 – By Ollie Lattin

I started shooting film last year, and I’ve been pretty obsessed with it since then. After experimenting with a cheap Samsung AF zoom for a month and getting very mediocre results, I decided to invest in a higher-grade camera.

After scanning eBay for hours, I came across a Canon A-1 in incredible cosmetic condition, complete with an FD 50mm f1.8 lens and an FD 35-150mm zoom lens. The 50mm lens is in great condition besides some dust inside the lens and the zoom lens has been maintained quite well, with slightly more dust inside of it (I am planning to get both serviced very soon).

I ran a roll through my A-1 with some excellent results, however, I will be getting the body serviced as well as the lenses due to the fact that there’s some dust on the mirror and there’s some classic ‘Canon cough’, a regular occurrence in 70s Canons, unfortunately. Despite these minor issues, my A-1 is a fantastic camera and FD lenses are of course excellent in clarity and focus. The 50mm produces very well balanced bokeh too.

I set myself a task: Get through at least 6 rolls of film during the summer, two of which have to be black and white. I had some perfect opportunities too. A trip to London, a week in Italy, and four days in Berlin.

I managed to use more rolls of film than I intended to over the summer, especially in Berlin where I used three rolls in one day – the amount I’d intended for the duration of my trip! Luckily, we found an excellent camera store in Berlin called FOTOIMPEX, which had an incredible amount of stock. If you’re ever in Berlin, do check it out! There were some really unique second-hand cameras, and I caught a glimpse of a Leica M6; not exactly rare in Germany I suppose…

Anyway, here are 5 of my favourite shots from my various trips. Enjoy!

If you’re interested in my work, do give my instagram account a follow: @lattinphoto

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