Pentax PC35AF

I'm starting my 52in52 2017 project.  One film camera per week.  Possibly a cheapo point & shoots I pick up at Goodwill or a flea market or maybe an expensive camera purchased online.  I have MANY such cameras to select. Therefore the selection process will be a challenge in itself, but a good problem to have!

First up is a recently purchased Pentax PC35AF.  Shoots 35mm film.  The PC35AF feels very well built.  Not a cheap plastic toy camera, this thing is mostly metal.  It reminded me of my much loved Olympus MJU, although it's a bit bulkier and wider.

I bought the Pentax at Goodwill for a stupid cheap price of $2.99.  

What I like about the camera is it's cool looks.  I totally dig the red shutter release button and the small red switch that pops open the lens cover.  There is no manual way to open the lens cover so if you break off the red cover release switch you're screwed.  

The camera has a street photography perfect f2/8 35mm lens.  The shutter is super quiet.  The camera has an autofocus which is cool.  ISO range is only 25-400, so no low light for you.  You do have a pop up flash released using a red switch on the bottom.  Flash is automatic.  Film is advanced using a thumb wheel on the top back of the camera.  Mine is a bit tight, but smooth. A 10-second self timer on the shutter release.  I wasn't able to determine if you can take double exposures, but I don't think so.

Here's the top, bottom & back

I shot a roll of of Ilford XP2 400.  Easy to use.  Flash was responsive.  Overall a fun camera to start the year.  I'll definitely be using it again.

52in52

I've enjoyed shooting film the past couple of years after years of digital only.  Adding to the enjoyment is I've started developing and scanning my film as well.  This provides more control over my workflow and cuts the cost.

Well, in 2017 I've decided to do a personal film photography project.  I'm regularly playing with a film camera so I thought I would do a 52 in 52 project.  I'm going to shoot a different film camera each week in 2017.  

I have well over 100 different point & shoot and SLR film cameras so I have LOTS to work with.  I'll combine the project with my street photography, studio work and general snapshots.  The goal is to try different film types as well.  This gives me an opportunity to try different cameras and then write about them. 

Let's see if I can do this consistently.  Should be fun.  By the way, here is what I have to select from.