Tripping

Some time ago I started photographing with analogue cameras again. Just for the fun and to relive the experiences of the old days. Not knowing the results, waiting for the outcome and the surprise of seeing photos I already forgot I took. A couple of weeks ago I decided to buy another analogue camera. One that's a bit more pocketable than the Olympus OM 10. Namely, the Olympus Trip 35.

The Olympus trip 35 is a film camera that uses a focussing system that's called zone focusing. Depending on the setting you choose, you set it for something (or someone) close by to be in focus (such as a persons head), something far away (such as a landscape), or on one of the settings in between. You don't get to see the result of your setting through the viewfinder, as you do with an SLR. Which makes it sort of a guessing game, and the results you have are mainly based on how good you are at estimating distances. The lens determines which aperture to choose, depending on the available light with a light meter powered by a nifty system. It uses little selenium cells near the lens. These work more or less the same as a solar cell. It powers the light meter and it therefore does not need batteries. A disadvantage of this power system is that these "crystals" wear out over time and stop working after a certain time being exposed to sunlight. When you buy such a cam, you never know how much the cells have been exposed to light. Unfortunately the selenium cells of my camera don't seem to be so reliable anymore. I think they're almost worn out. The camera didn't come with a lens cap when I bought it, so it's not that surprising. So this might be my first and last time shooting with this (particular) camera.

I must say I really loved shooting with this camera. It looks and feels great and you can take it anywhere because it's so small.  It easily fits in your jacket pocket. Hereunder are some of the pictures I shot with this little cam. ​Although I was still getting used to the camera and it's focusing system, I like some of the pictures I shot with it. Maybe I'll buy another one (they're very cheap) and try again.