Possibilities

A camera and film I just can’t make my mind up about…the Canon A-1 and Kodak’s Pro Image 100 film.

I’m a traditionalist when it comes to camera controls. Aperture on the lens barrel, shutter speed dial on the top of the camera just right of the pentaprism. It’s what feels natural and comfortable for me. The Canon A-1 was one of the first cameras to introduce a front mounted thumbwheel to manipulate settings. I’m still getting used to the thing. So with both rolls I’ve shot in my A-1, I’ve shifted the camera into its automatic Program mode and just let the machine do all of the thinking for me. And during this latest outing, that was a very good thing. It allowed me to enjoy the Canon’s big, bright viewfinder and watch this 40 year old camera compute shutter speed and aperture through its brilliant LED display. More importantly, it did what a great camera is supposed to do…get out of your way and let you enjoy photography! I think if I spent several months shooting nothing but the A-1, I would bond with this camera.

As for Pro Image 100, a film stock available only outside of the US, I’m starting to think that it has possibilities. An interesting, subtle color palette. And it has tasty grain for a 100 speed film. I didn’t like the grain at first, but it’s growing on me.

Analog photography takes time and the more time I spend with this old camera and this interesting film stock from Kodak, the more possibilities I see.