Recently, my trusty Olympus OM-D EM-10 Mark II decided to kick the bucket. Well, not technically—it was more of a screen malfunction that prompted me to take matters into my own hands for a fix. Fast forward, and now it's disassembled, definitely not in working order. However, this unfortunate incident gave me the perfect excuse to indulge in yet another camera purchase, not that I ever need an excuse.
Initially, I was eyeing something with good video capabilities, aiming for a solid B camera like an old GH4/GH5. However, I stuck with Olympus, going a few decades back in time before video capabilities graced the OM platform. Enter the Olympus OM-1 – yes, that's right, a film camera! I'm aware that the film trend has already made its comeback. Whether I'm fashionably late or at peak film, I can confidently say I now understand the hype.
All those tropes that once seemed trivial to me suddenly make sense. Taking more time for photos, being more intentional, and reducing post-processing – it all clicks now. While I might not consider it for professional work, I've fallen in love with the added creativity that shooting on film instills. The delayed gratification is both amazing and annoying. The most exasperating part? Having to purchase a kit for developing and scanning on my own. I could have avoided it, but the impatience in me couldn't wait for the very accommodating folks at Phototech Labs in Richmond. The developing process, despite its frustrations, adds to the overall experience. My main source of frustration? Accidentally ruining a batch of color developer with B&W monobath, then foolishly attempting it again, thinking I got the steps wrong. Those photos of of a fun night out and the flipped crosswalk sign are lost forever. Yet, that risk is what adds spice to the film process. Consequently, I decided to head to the lab to get the photos from my friend's wedding developed.
Returning to the camera itself, the OM-1 is quite an adjustment. It's fully manual – focus, aperture, shutter speed – with ISO locked to the film of course . This completely transforms how I shoot. While I didn't often shoot in full auto mode, I usually kept it in shutter/aperture priority, occasionally venturing into manual with auto-ISO and white balance enabled. Interestingly, this marks my first experience with a single-lens reflex camera, including those of the digital variety.
I've always heard about what you see through the viewfinder not being what you get, but the OM-1 really drives that assumption home. The split prism focus assist is incredible, helping me maintain focus in all but the darkest or most action-filled moments. The depth of field and aperture gauge, along with the built-in light meter, have become my best friends. This camera made me realize how unnecessary many of the fancy features on modern cameras are. The simple light meter enabled me to correctly expose so many photos, eliminating the need for fancy center-weighted metering or histograms. The same goes for focusing – the split prism and microprisms make it a relative breeze. It still blows my mind that I can capture images without any battery at all, I just lose out on the light meter. The mechanical perfection of this camera has made it last over 50 years where so many cameras with electronics have not fared as well.
In conclusion, my journey with the Olympus OM-1 has been a revelation. Embracing film photography has not only brought back a sense of nostalgia but has also challenged and enriched my approach to capturing moments. Despite the frustrations, ruined batches, and delayed gratification, the experience has been nothing short of rewarding. The OM-1's simplicity has made me appreciate the essence of photography, reminding me that sometimes, less is indeed more.
