I have 80+ cameras at this point, ranging from the exquisite to some “throw-aways.” But to me, each camera I aquire has the potential to produce great images.

My girlfriend asked me recently, “What is your goal with photography?” My response was immediate and unrehearsed, “I want to create pleasing images with old cameras.” Later, I thought about what I’d said. I was quick to realize that this goal is independent of what camera I use. And “pleasing images” doesn’t necessarily mean high art. Quick snapshots count.

I want to create pleasing images with old cameras.

With the above in mind, I’ve been on a point-and-shoot kick lately. And I’m not ashamed of it! (See my previous posts about the Olympus XA 2 and the Canon Sure Shot for even more point-and-shoot action.) My latest foray was with an Olympus Infinity Zoom 210. It was introduced in 1991. It features a 38-76mm lens with maximum aperature(s) of f4-5.6. It has a built in flash and DX decoding for 35mm film cartridges.

These cameras are abundant and super cheap on eBay, selling for an average of $20. I got mine in a lot of eight cameras (but paying a paltry $20 for the whole lot).

I loaded up a test roll of ten exposures of Arista EDU Ultra 100. Since my roll of film was bulk loaded into a reusable cartridge, there’s no DX code for the camera to decipher nor is there a way for the user to manually set the ASA. I’ve learned that most cameras (this one included) default to 100 ASA if no DX code is on a cartridge, so this worked out just fine since I was using 100 ASA. I later developed the film in Diafine. To me, these are pleasing images. Mission accomplished, but more to come!