This isn’t the first time I’ve tried analog photography. The first time was when I got a Holga 120 GCFN toy camera as a present 7 years ago. It was one of the best gifts I received ever since. So yea, it has been years since I’ve last used my Holga. I’m not sure where is it now and I’m still looking for it. Maybe it was misplaced when we moved houses. I just hope to find it, so I can use it again. But yeah, this was my first time trying the 35mm film format.

Anyways, I finally bought a new battery and a roll of film for the camera my pap’s gave to me (Canon AE-1 Program). It was my father’s very first camera when he was a teenage boy and he bought it during his stay in Germany circa 1987. He is now 53 years old, by the way. I wanted to use this camera back then, I even bought a battery years ago but I completely forgot about it and it got discharged. And now, I saw it again in a box just collecting dust. I was grateful it is still working when I inserted the battery, now my only problem then was if it was still capturing the photo nicely, or if the lens is still working. I instantly used all 36 film shots, so I can have it processed and scanned. I was worried my efforts and money would be all for naught but after I got the film results, I was really glad everything is functioning and my shots turned out pretty well than expected. I just need to have the lens cleaned (see there’s a light patch on the bottom right of my shots below and I’m guessing there’s fungus on the lens).

Shooting film and its process really fascinate me. I like the thrill of the unknown and also, I get to learn how to be patient. All the waiting makes it more exciting. I know some will say venturing into film photography in the digital age is hard and just a waste of time and money—with all the rolls of film and the scanning,—but I honestly don’t care. As long as I’m happy, that’s all that matters. & I’m so happy!

So here are the result of my first 35mm roll of film. I used the automatic/program settings for these since I’m too afraid to set it in manual mode. As you can see most of my shots are out of focus and blurred. Haha! I’m still bad at this but I’ll try to experiment and practice next time. And I can’t wait to join photo walks! Message me if you’re planning one or if you know someone or a group that I can join. Thanks! Okay, laters! *gotta read and watch more video tutorials/tips and tricks on how to be good at film photog* ♡

Camera: Canon AE-1 Program
Film: Fujicolor c200
Processed & Scanned: YKL/Fujifilm Sto. Domingo (Same day process – 1 to 2 hours)