A camera I received. It has a cap commemorating the Los Angeles Olympics. How many years has it been since then?
When I opened it, the seal was tattered and light was leaking through. So I researched how to replace the seal and learned about it. I also researched how to clean the lens.
Fixing this tool isn't the main goal, but it's become fun. I'm probably looking forward to using this camera again.
But you know. Nowadays, there are digital cameras. You can check the photos you take immediately on a viewer. No film or developing costs.
So... I decided to think carefully about why I'm excited. I don't have any particular reason to like retro cameras. And if I want a camera, there are plenty of more 'convenient' tools out there.
There is a clear answer.
A camera that might leak light, a camera that I can't use well because I'm clumsy with manual settings, that's like me. A camera that, like me, is clumsy and always lacking something, but tries its best to 'remember' things, its effort is endearing. I want to feel the photos taken with such a camera. A camera that I used, feeling this way, might truly become a 'record of my eyes.' That's the question, that's the purpose. So I think I'll take pictures of things I want to be a record of my eyes.
The other day, I finished shooting 36 black and white frames for the first time. Developing takes time. It takes two weeks. It costs money.
That's fine. I know my purpose, and I have the tools for that purpose. The match between purpose and tools is good. This is fine.