Social media, which was supposed to connect the whole world, and bring us together, in fact frequently drives us apart, and somehow magnifies our differences, whether real or imagined. The horror terror attack last week in Christchurch is an example of this. We live now in a digital world, and the convenience of this is undeniable. I took this image with my phone, and I can instantly share it with anyone who wants to see it. Analogue photography on the other hand relies on chemicals, and processes which take time. Surely digital is superior?
Maybe, maybe not. Both have their place, but digital photographers are in a never ending technology race. My phone is less than two years old, and while it has a wonderful camera, and is amazingly capable in many other ways, it is probably already half way through it's useful life. And when it is replaced, it will join millions of others going either to landfill, complete with heavy metals and rare earth minerals embodied in it's construction, or it will be sent to a developing country for "recycling".
My film cameras on the other hand are all at least thirty years old. Each has it's own strengths and weaknesses, but each is capable of producing professional quality images.
This one was given to me a couple of weeks ago by my cousin, a professional photographer. It has not been used for about fifteen years, and so I am replacing the light seals, as the original adhesive backed foam seals have disintegrated over time. Apart from that, however, the camera is in perfect working order, and probably has another thirty years life in it yet. I will be sure to share with you the first images from it when I receive them.....