Way back in 1977 when I graduated from college I bought this camera. It is a single lens reflex camera that uses the once popular 110 cartridge film: a Minolta 110 Zoom. I used it for a few years and moved onto other cameras. I always did like its funky shape and its “feel.” I’m a sensory guy and things have to feel right or I don’t like them. The Minolta had a nice heft to it and the sounds it made when you hit the button to take the shot or pushed the lever to advance the film felt just right. I was never very happy with the photos though. They seemed a little grainy and not very sharp.
Well 110 cartridges have become available again thanks to Lomography dot com so I ordered a couple cartridges and loaded them up and over the last couple of months took a few pictures (Cuz, yall are very nice but I’m not a photographer so I don’t capture images, I’m a picture taker so I take pictures.)
I took the pictures and then waited a month or two before I sent the cartridges off to get processed. Some things never change do they. Well I got the photographs back and I am really happy with them.
The photos are sharper than what I remember and the colors much more vivid. It seems they used to be kind of washed out. So I don’t know if it is the film quality now compared to 35 years ago or maybe my dementia as kicked in the last month or so because of the Girl Scout Cookies I’m eating, or just what.
The camera doesn’t have auto much of anything. You set the f stop and it figures out the shutter speed is about all. You have to focus yourself. Above is a slightly out of focus shot. I still like it but it isn’t very sharp.
(World’s Tallest Totem Pole, Foyill, Oklahoma)
Gotta love Orpha’s. Downtown Tulsa’s last dive bar.
Overall digital beats analog hands down. It’s faster and cheaper and you can tell right then and there what your shot looks like.
Analog, you still have to buy the film and then get it processed. It is pretty expensive.
But I love the look and feel of analog. The various apps and filters available for digital images are amazing but they are not the same thing.
This is SOOC but I’m still a major cheater on this photo.
I think analog will always be a part of my picture taking.
(My son about to be swallowed whole by a blue whale!)
Do you still use your old film cameras?
You capture more images than you realize. My first SLR was a Minolta SRT 101. It was the typical 35mm SLR, but it had a wonderful lens. We have more in common than two strangers should.
These are great! And I do love reading about how much fun you are having!! I only had disposable cameras when I wanted to take a few pics, but was never into photography until the last six years when I became addicted to it and to cameras. Can’t wait to be able to play with my new one when we have some more good weather and I get some new knees!! They do sell those don’t they????
Wonderful photos! And I haven’t been eating Girl Scout cookies…but I want to.
You’ve gotten great results from your trip back through old technology. My first good camera, not counting the Rolliflex 2 1/4 square, was a Canon FP SLR. It had no meter or anything electronic on it, all mechanical. Loved that old camera, but haven’t used it in years.
These are great photographs! SPB’s photo is great!
I sure do not! I lost it in the divorce!
I love being able to delete photos, too! Yours are wonderful!
Cheers from Cottage Country!
no .. in fact ihave my dad’s old camera and lenses and will be giving them to a friend who loves to use real film .. she’s as crazy as you!