Gear Acquisition Syndrome; aka GAS. We all seem to suffer from it one way or another. Whenever I find an excuse (and some extra cash) to buy new gear, I jump on it. Whether that be new parts for my mountain bike, a new bag for a trip, or camera gear I am always finding new ways to scratch the itch. The year 2024 marked the 10 year wedding anniversary of some close friends, friends we met after they had already been married. To celebrate, they invited all their “new” friends on a trip to Tulum, Mexico to celebrate. Think of it as wedding 2.0.
An international trip is always an excuse for new gear, but with the focus of the trip more on spending time with friends and less about finding the perfect shot, and the locale full of white sand beaches and cenote swimming holes, I decided a waterproof camera would be an interesting way to document the trip. A Nikon Nikonos would be the obvious choice, but also a bit expensive and a lot overkill. A small digital point and shoot, like an Olympus or Pentax were other options, but digital didn’t feel right. That left me with 35mm point and shoot options. One model kept coming up over and over again in my research: Canon Sure Shot WP-1.
The Canon Sure Shot WP-1 looks like a toy. Its bulky white plastic build and red accents make it stand out in just about any situation. But the lens seemed decently sharp according to reviews, and functionally its very basic; but taking pictures on the beach or in the ocean while on vacation is its purpose. A Leica M this is not. I fired up Facebook Marketplace and was surprised how many were for sale. The camera I settled on had been used by the seller’s aunt for the past 20+ years on cruises. I was guaranteed it was working on her cruise last spring. Fifty dollars from my wallet, a bottle of marine lube from Amazon to coat the seal, and a roll of Ultramax 400 and I was in business.
There is a certain amount of freedom, or maybe an unburdening of shooting with so many unknowns. Does the shutter even fire? Are there light leaks? Will the camera make it through security and customs? While there be interesting subjects? After firing off two “test” shots at the resort, I headed straight into the ocean and started shooting. I kept the camera with me throughout the trip, on its weird red strap around my neck or in a small pack. My expectations were realistic, and I believe the results exceeded those. Sometimes you need to just clear your mind, and have fun with a camera.
Thanks for reading! You can find my work on instagram (@tenboxphoto) or on Flickr
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Curtis Heikkinen on 5 frames with a Canon Sure Shot WP-1 and Kodak Ultramax 400
Comment posted: 19/03/2025
Comment posted: 19/03/2025
Gary Smith on 5 frames with a Canon Sure Shot WP-1 and Kodak Ultramax 400
Comment posted: 19/03/2025
...also that shot of your wife's head above the water is spectacular.
You ought to have that enlarged and on your wall at home.
Comment posted: 19/03/2025
David Dutchison on 5 frames with a Canon Sure Shot WP-1 and Kodak Ultramax 400
Comment posted: 19/03/2025
I watched a documentary about the street photographer Fred Herzog. He was out taking pictures while discussing his photography, was carrying a well brassed Leica? Nein! He was carrying a red and white Sureshot, just like this one.