Success!

Thursday I anxiously loaded some Fujica 200 speed film into the Fujica GER camera.  I was so nervous and unfamiliar with film (Its probably been 10 years) that I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't load.  I was trying to put it in upside down.  So finally getting it in right, duh! and the film sprocket holes in place, I closed the film case and said a little prayer to the butterfly gods. It appeared to advance fine and everything seemed to be working according to the instruction manual. It was time to take my first photo. I aimed at our garden, set the distance, focused, pressed down on the shutter release, and advanced the film. A number two appeared in the film window, and I was ready to find my next subject.  I quickly moved around the house and yard, taking pictures of Elle, our 2 year old Golden Retriever, flowers, and anything that seemed suitable for a quick photo. 24 exposures came along very quickly and I found I was at the end of the roll of film.  I pressed in the film rewind button and hand cranked the film, according to the instructions all looked as it should and it appeared that the film was rewinding.  As I opened the back of the camera I expected to see the film all crushed up, broken, or over exposed, but instead found a neatly wound cartridge of film all ready to be developed. I decided to take it to a cheap local chain photo developer and pay the extra 1-hour photo service fee just so I could see if I was able to capture anything, or instead get 24-4x6 sheets of black/white photo paper. I returned to pick up my photos 30 minutes later, paid $7.96, and was on my way out the store.  I was going to open the pocket of photos in the car, but couldn't wait the extra 30 second walk out the door and tore into the package.  To my surprise I pulled out a group of photos that weren't that bad, the first couple you could make out what the intended subject was, they were blurry, but I accounted that to not being familiar with the camera. At this point I was just pleased that it was working.  Then towards the end of the 24 photos I came across three photos that I was pleased with, a photo of Elle that was in focus, and well framed, one of our garden, and one of a basket of flowers. According to Granddad's theory 1 photo out of a roll of film, I was three to the good! I had to hold back the tears as I finished walking out of the store, so pleased that I was able to get the camera working.  I'm now only just coming off of what I call my "photo high" as I write this.  I am so pleased to be able to experience the film world of photography once again, that feeling of waiting for the film to be developed and opening a package of photos, instead of the instant gratification of my digital camera is one that I surely miss. Now I have the best of both worlds, where the two will complement each other quite well.

"Capturing Memories As Life Flutters By..."