My second vintage SLR : Canon AE-1

I would like to introduce my second vintage SLR via my blog. I bought this back in July as an early birthday present for myself. I named her Stella and almost forgot about it. I'm suffering from pre-Alzheimer's disease.

 

This baby is older than me for sure. But I did not buy the program version because it was not available for sale when I had the money. It was manufactured and sold back in 1976 - 1984. 35mm SLR that requires a 4LR44 6V battery to work.

 

All pimped out with motor drive and a big ass Canon flash. Courtesy of Koon Yik from Bang Bang Geng, Publika.  *For photo shoot purposes only*

 

My camera with a simple National flash. Also courtesy of Koon Yik from Bang Bang Geng, Publika.

*For photo shoot purposes only*

 

Stella on her first trip with me to Malacca. And I had a pretty fucked up time coz I did not load the first roll of film properly. I am now very careful when loading the film.

Because of this, a lot of historical shots were missed and I kick myself everytime I think about it.

Instead, I simply shoot some random places to have a feel of how the photos will turn out. Here are some sample shots of the first roll.

 

This sour-ish plant has always been interesting to me. I never know its name and did not find out.

 

What's left of a plant at my parent's backyard.

 Waste and moss. 

 

Backstreet boys.

 

Same same but not quite the same.

 

My sister the ever digital camera user.

My experience with La Sardina The Guvnor

The La Sardina was a gift, to read more click here. And I did a lot of reading and stuff about it before putting in my first roll of film. I enjoy the process of research before doing it or else I'll regret it big time when nothing comes out. And I'll just give up on it. In order to prevent myself from doing that, I study. Sounds like a lot of work for a toy camera but I love it so shut up and keep your thoughts to yourself.

I came across a few blogs and most of them said that their first 2 rolls came out blank. I was worried and had to make sure that I got it right or else I'll cry. Mine came out with images BUT it's SIGH. Maybe I put too much expectations on it.

Here are some images from the first roll and the bad thing is I can't remember what film I use. Double fuck!

 

Starbucks at night with Fritz the Blitz (flash).

 

Random shot of recycling bins. Outdoor evening shot with cloudy sky.

 

Also taken with Fritz the Blitz.

 

Double exposure. One day, one night.

 

Taken indoor with yellow lighting and Fritz the Blitz.

By the end of the roll, the photos are shit and I've put it in Bulb mode (without realizing it) for daytime shooting. Slap myself silly!

I will still try the La Sardina and this time be very careful with every shot.

Lomography Tungsten 64 on Olympus Mµ II

I took a trip to Bangkok 2 weeks ago with Mr Hubs. The last time we went was around end of 2008 or early 2009. Can't really remember coz it was too long ago. This time around, we stayed for a week. Walked a lot, didn't do much to be honest. The best though is our trip to Ayutthaya. 1 hour away with taxi and we rented a taxi with free wifi from 7.45am to 3pm for 2700 Baht. (approx. RM280.80) We sent out around to 5 Wats and a Floating Market there. So it's well worth it.

Although our initial cheapskate plan was to take a train (like KTM) and buy a 3rd class ticket with no aircond for 15 Baht each (approx. RM1.56). And the journey's about 2 hr 50 mins. And lots of tuktuk rental from there on. We chose not to and we're glad coz it's the raining season.

I've got some rolls of film processed and want to kick my stupid ass for not checking the settings of each camera properly before using it. I want to cry to be honest. All is quite blurry except for my Olympus Mµ II camera. I set my La Sardina to Bulb for Daylight exposure arrrgghhhhh MF!!! FML!

Anyway, here are some shots that I can accept.

 

Majestic prang.

 

Rows and rows of Buddha figures that are not destroyed during the war. Donned in bright yellow cloth.

 

Random bricks. Reverse bokeh.

 

Clock tower at Chatuchak Market. One of the many popular meeting point in the ever busy weekend market in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

Colourful taxis outside of Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand.

 

Victory Monument. The busiest area in the whole of Bangkok as it is the public transport hub.

 

Random electrical cables outside of Exit 1 of Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station. We were taking a breather and an iced cold bottle of mineral water waiting for the day to end.

 

Busy roads near Indra Square, Bangkok, Thailand. View point from a pedestrian bridge.

I want to end this and say that Tungsten 64 is still my favourite slide film. It has not failed me yet. But I now know I dislike Lomo's negative film and their redscale. Those should be discontinued.

Olympus Mµ II

I'm back with something to blog about. I've recently acquired a pre-loved unit of Olympus Mµ II from  my client. (No, I'm not a camera seller just an amateur collector) I remember that my high school friend used to own a unit and was so jealous coz the camera was so sleek  and its subtle gold colour is beautiful like a glass of bubbly.

This beautiful baby is also known as Stylus Epic in the US of A. It was an award winning 35mm compact point and shoot back in 1997. I will not go in depth about the specs because it's boring. All I know is that this is a very reliable and light film camera to bring around. The photos are crystal clear and easy to use.

I test a roll of Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 35mm film (24 exposures) on this baby. And I love the results. If you were wondering where I got the 24 exposures film, I bought it from Amazon. Malaysia only have the 36 exposures type of film.

 

See the clear details on Doraemon ? This was taken indoor with flash with another hour or so of sunlight.

 

PJ Live Arts - with flash around 8-ish in the evening. I feel that red tend to 'pop' in Fujifilm Superia range be it 200 or 400 ISO. 

 

Interior of Publika without flash around 5pm. Soft hues and reverse bokeh. I love this shot among all of it from this roll.

 Shot without flash indoor of Nando's Sungai Wang. I was expecting blank from this shot but am truly surprised with the result.

 

Happy couple - shot at Fatty Crab Restaurant PJ around 6pm without flash.

 

Same as above. Shot without flash around 6pm. Even the chairs in the background are crystal clear.

++Can't wait to shoot slide on this camera. I'm very very happy with my new toy++

 

Rant for the hundredth time

My post has been sporadic this year. Have I had more time, I'll prefer to sit in a quiet corner to read and write. Sipping on a hot cup of cappuccino.

Almost half of this year have gone by and what have I achieve? I asks myself this every single day.

I know I'm living my day-to-day life. Wake up in the morning, drive to work, work, drive home, sleep and it's a repeat each day. With the exception of the weekends where I don't have to go through this mind numbing process.

I've been suppressing my tears of unhappiness and am mentally drained. I can't see beyond my work deadline. I am trapped with the constant worry that I will not make it. What if I let everyone down ?

I am bored with the constant cycle. I need a change. Any kind of change. I want to travel more.

When I used to travel everyday for work, I complain. Now that I don't, I crave for it.
Is the grass always greener on the other side?

Can't wait for my vacation that's coming up in a month's time. Double yay! to the mildly depressed person writing this.