In the midst of the initial corona virus lockdown, I came across a used Nikon F80 film camera (not the camera this article is about). I had scant knowledge about film photography, but was itching for something to spark some creative mojo. The learning curve for this camera looked friendly, so I ordered it. If anything, at it would least temporarily take my mind off the current situation.
I had a blast shooting with it. Having to wait to see the results was oddly gratifying, and I found a new appreciation for “straight out of the camera” images. Naturally, GAS started building up quickly. To my surprise (and annoyance), I found that many of the film cameras I wanted seemed ridiculously priced. Meanwhile, a DP Review article popped up on my news feed: “The $20 film camera challenge“.
Bargain hunting + photography? I’m in.
This wasn’t my first rodeo with sites like eBay, and I eventually came across my preferred kind of ad: No description, blurry photos, and a cheap price tag. “Canon Prima 85 for 10€”. That’s all I had to go on, so I researched the specs and reviews and arranged a meeting with the owner.
I took the S-Bahn (subway) to a nearby suburb and walked to the prescribed address. After ringing the doorbell, someone cracked the door open and a withered hand extended out of the darkness holding the camera. I took the camera, it seemed practically new, and deposited 10€ into the disembodied hand. It retracted back and closed the door. Not a word was spoken.
Slightly creeped out, I shuffled over to a nearby bench, inserted a new battery, and loaded in a roll of trusty Fujifilm Superia 400.
“KRrNklick”! It was ready. I had no idea if it was focusing or metering correctly, but it seemed to be taking pictures when I wanted it to. I was especially entertained by how loud and lethargic the zoom mechanism was. It had four focal lengths: roughly 38, 55, 70, and 85mm. Especially the 55 and 70mm shots turned out sharp.
Over the next few days I powered through the roll of film then dropped it off at the local film developer. The results came back, and although the images won’t win any awards, I think the photos turned out marvelously. For 10€, I had got a surprisingly practical, sharp, pocketable, fun little camera.
The photo challenge proved that money doesn’t buy love, or necessarily, a better photography experience.
Thanks for reading my first ever blog post!
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Eric Norris on 5 Frames with a Canon Prima Zoom 85 – By Andrew Bogard
Comment posted: 28/10/2020
Comment posted: 28/10/2020
Kurt Ingham on 5 Frames with a Canon Prima Zoom 85 – By Andrew Bogard
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
Matthias on 5 Frames with a Canon Prima Zoom 85 – By Andrew Bogard
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
davesurrey on 5 Frames with a Canon Prima Zoom 85 – By Andrew Bogard
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
All of them work perfectly, as a bonus they are in great cosmetic condition and the results have been surprisingly good. And the cost was similar to what you paid for your Canon if not less.
It just goes to show that one doesn’t have to throw money at a Leica, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad…..to have some fun and get good results. Very different to the World of digital.
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
Sean Benham on 5 Frames with a Canon Prima Zoom 85 – By Andrew Bogard
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
Comment posted: 29/10/2020
Scott Gitlin on 5 Frames with a Canon Prima Zoom 85 – By Andrew Bogard
Comment posted: 30/10/2020
Comment posted: 30/10/2020