Analog Experimentation

A few weeks back I started out in the realm of film photography, inspired by Olivia Bee, Nick Brandt and others. I am currently using two 35mm cameras: a Praktica L2 and an Olympus XA1. They complement each other very nicely: whilst the Praktica gives great control with a 50 2.8 lens, the Olympus is simple to use and will fit in a pocket – so you can pull it out and take a picture quickly, without having to worry about settings. This is nice, as the Praktica lacks a meter so I am using a combination of guesswork and a vintage Weston lightmeter (a photo of which can be seen below). All of this camera equipment has been passed down through my family, so there is the significant sentimental value attached to it as well.
Film-wise, I’ve been very satisfied to learn of Jessops’ free film policy – for £4.50ish, you can get a roll of 135 36exp. film developed, prints made and a free roll of film given out, effectively meaning you don’t have to buy any film. Compared to other chains’ offerings I was very surprised, and they’ve made the film photography habit affordable! One day I would love to shoot some Portra, but for now the Fujicolour C200 they give out works just fine.
I won’t wax lyrical about why I’m shooting film, but suffice to say the tonal qualities combined with the lenses and grain give it a very refreshing look amongst the 12,000 other digital pictures I have made over the years. Perhaps my favourite aspect is the way colour film responds differently to different types of light – digital comes nowhere near in this respect. Overcast and rainy days give film a soft, cool feel, whereas the last rays of sun of an evening will give you the vintage look that is impossible to emulate with digital.
Anyhow, below are my first two rolls. 6 Olympus images, and then 5 from the Praktica, trippy light-leaks included. Some of the images are two-ups, as I’ve scanned prints.