Olympus Trip 35

The Olympus Trip 35 was I camera I had wanted for a while and was lucky enough to receive one as a gift last year. Both sets of our parents oohed and ahhed and reminisced about the TV ad's during the 70's. While looking for information about the camera I found there is a way to date it. Mine was built in July 1979 (as long as it is not refurbished using other camera parts that is). 

My first set of prints from the Olympus Trip came back this week and I'm delighted the camera is in working order. The film used Agfa Vista Plus 200 which I was purchasing from a pound shop (the shops no longer stock 35mm film, I'm down to my last 2 films)

All the photographs I got from the film were taken in Wycoller last August. 
The only trouble I had using the camera was when I came to rewind the film the rewind button stuck in. After a quick search online it seems there is a way to remedy this so that is something that I need to sort out. 
Besides the film rewind mishap, I think the Olympus Trip may be my new favourite camera to use.

Kodak Tele-Instamatic 330

I've started this year as I always mean to go on (yet never do) by sending off some films for developing. The first film was used in this Kodak Tele-Instamatic camera which Anders had purchased with the case for 99p.

The camera takes a 110 cartridge film which pops straight in to the camera. I chose to use redscale film as it was no more expensive than using a normal colour one. 

The effects can't be seen on some of the photographs so maybe it wasn't bright enough when I took them. Caleb commented that they just look like they have had an Instagram filter applied.

Some turned out OK though.

I'm not sure if I'll be in a hurry to use this camera again as the cost of developing a 110 cartridge is almost double that of a 35mm film.

Polaroid 900 FF

Today I received a set of prints from the first time using my Polaroid 900 FF.

This was another cheap one from Ebay, £3.49 with the case. The camera uses 35mm film and 2 AA batteries. Once the film and batteries are in everything else is done for you. The lens cover turns the camera on and off, it has film sensing and motorized film advance and rewind. It has to be the most simple point and shoot camera that I've used.

Most of the photographs were taken at Chester Zoo and Ruthin on days out earlier this year.

I'm pleased that the camera does still work but I think that it has been the most boring one I have used due to everything being done for you.

All of the photos from this set can be seen here.

First Set Of Prints

After phoning our local photography shop to enquire about film development I found out that they no longer develop films on site and send them away for processing. I worked out less expensive for me to post them away to another company for processing and it didn't take any longer to receive the prints back either.
These are some of Little L's first set of prints.

I wasn't even sure if the camera would work or not so I'm pleased that it did. I think they are pretty good considering that she is only six years old. My Dad says she has a good eye. Now when we nip off out for a quick walk she asks if I have any film for her. I'm sure she thinks that I have an abundance of film squirreled away.

The Budding Photographer

Last week Little L asked me if she could have a proper camera. By that she meant a film camera. I explained to her that they are very different to digital cameras, no deleting the photos that didn't turn out how you would like, no simply popping them in to the PC but she was adamant that she wanted one. After looking in our local charity shops I only managed to find one analogue camera. Maybe they are being sold Ebay or being thrown away thinking that it is something that nobody uses any more.

This is the one that I found for her. It came boxed with the instructions and neck strap still in the packet for £1.50. Little L thinks its brilliant.

Yesterday the weather here was lovely, far too nice to be sat indoors so in the morning we set off with some cameras for a wander along the canal. We took Little L's camera, 

this Fuji Instax 100 ( I don't use this very often as I think its too chunky and heavy to carry )

and a Kodak Retinette 1B which had a partially used film in. This is one of my favourite cameras. For it's age it is like new and I think it only cost me about £7 when I found it.

These are a couple of the photos Little L took with the instant camera ( to be honest some of hers were better than mine ). Both films were finished and are now ready to be posted off. It's a shame that nowhere local still develop film on their premises. Its seems that Little L will never know the joys of one hour developing, rushing back to the shop and tearing open the packet the minute you step outside.

Retro Style Photos

Yesterday I found a tutorial on giving your photos a retro look by adding light leaks and thought I'd try it out. I do like the look of photos taken using analogue cameras and don't mind light leaks on images but I do have a camera that lets in so much light you are lucky if you get any image at all. I've even tried blocking any gaps up with duct tape but nope, that didn't work.

I found some photos that were taken in LLandudno and gave the tutorial a go.

 For this you do need to use Photoshop, something that I'm still not too good at using but this was even simple enough for me to do.

The light leaks tutorial can be found here. The download for the effects are at the bottom of the page.

A Blurry Snap

Yesterday the weather here was a bit dismal. The boys managed an hour of fishing before the rain forced them to return home but they did catch two little tiddlers so they were still pleased with themselves.

In the afternoon Little L was having her nap while I was blog reading and found these tips on self portraits Now I really hate having my photo taken. My most recent one was taken when Little L was about three months old so I thought while we were kept prisoner due to the weather I'd have a go at snapping myself. 

The biggest issue was lack of light. This house is pretty dark anyway and the sky being so overcast didn't help so I tried snaps in three rooms. Another thing is I must shake a lot when holding my camera out at arms length because my photos were really blurry plus I don't seem to have any idea of where my face is. I had quite a few pics of a blurry eye and if I was lucky a bit of nose.

I was happily keeping myself entertained when poof .. the batteries in my camera died. This is the best blurry pic which was taken. I'll have to have another go some other time. Maybe by then I can figure out where my face is.

Snapping pics like a tourist!

Well I recently received my letter from yale about applying for their photograhy course, which I have to do an interview for first with a portfolio about me in the style of 3 different photographers!

Needless to say my camera is now glued to my hand to make sure I get every good photo opportunity (Although the wasps ruined it for me a bit yesterday!), so I thought I'd show you some of my best pictures so far and you can tell me what you think!

Cock-a-doodle-doo!!

Squeee!! Baby goldfish!!

Dining in style.

Memories of the Moor.

Just a doodle I knocked up.

T.J. is one crazy doggy!

The view from my yard.

Hope you liked them!

A New Creative Outlet ..

for my school friend Stewart.
He amazes with the things he can do with Photoshop and Cinema 4d. Maybe its because Photoshop just doesn't sink in with me. I go on it in short bursts and forget anything I have learnt so the best I can do on there is a bit of digital scrapbooking. These are just a couple of pics that he has come up with.

His new creative outlet is photography. Some of his work can be seen here on Photobox. I especially like some of the photos in the Manchester collection and the pic of the carousel in the Ireland set. Stewart has also just started up a blog, OUTLAW ALIEN DIGITAL WORLD. ( He has been very busy for the past few days )

Stew has been told by many of his friends , including myself, how talented he is so I'm glad to see that he is now putting his work 'out there' for everyone to see and I wish him all the best with his new venture.