After going through a few disposable cameras, I found two point-and-shoot film cameras at a thrift store and decided to try them out as a more sustainable and affordable alternative. I found the camera manuals in a quick google search and learnt how to load the film in.

I started with the 35 mm film camera – a chunky, plastic Suntone brand camera made in the 90s that cost me $2.50 (I have yet to test out my Kodak Trimlite Instamatic 18 camera as it takes 110 film and that’s a little harder to come by). Shortly after finding the camera, I found a detachable slave flash also for $2.50 at another thrift store which fit onto my Suntone camera.

My first foray into using my new film camera was during a trip up to Gold Creek with two of my friends. For a setup that cost me a total of $5, I was pretty happy with how these photos turned out, even though my cheap camera allows for many light leaks and doesn’t have great focus. The imperfections just make the photos even more special.

To use up the last remaining frames I took my camera to Steveston. Steveston is a special place to me as my family settled in Steveston pretty early on after immigrating from Ukraine and the cannery is where my Grandad had his first ever job.

I hope you enjoy following me along as I develop my skills in photography!