While I was packing for my recent trip to South Africa, I was debating on what camera(s) I should take. It was actually quite an easy decision for once: my Pentax MX.
I hadn’t shot film in a really long time (like years), but I knew this trip would be the perfect opportunity. I ordered 3 rolls of Kodak Gold before I left and made it my mission to use at least two of them, which I did!
This trip was quite a big deal for me, and I knew having film to look back on would make it just that little bit better in my memory. Not to mention the thrill of developing an old roll of film and you have no idea what’s on it! I get so excited when the WeTransfer link comes into my inbox, it’s like a lucky dip.
The only thing I wish I did differently was taking more photos of moments and people. I shot a lot of scenery to be honest because that’s what I’m comfortable with. The Pentax isn’t always the best choice for candid moments because it takes me a few seconds to adjust the f/stop and the focus. For that reason, I tried to find a small but mighty point and shoot while I was out there, something that can stay in my bag and be whipped out at a moment’s notice. I didn’t find one, so I am still on the hunt.
The feeling when you get film photos back is hard to beat, I love it. There’s anticipation, wariness, excitement and a little bit of fear in case they’re all shit. I actually came out relatively unscathed. While I was in Joburg I found a photo lab in Linden and developed two rolls, so here are a few of my favourite shots. I’m really happy with them.
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