The good ol’ Olympus XA4 has always been one of my favourite camera for street shooting. The wide lens plus the boring black look (yawn!) makes things a lot more fun, especially when I love to shoot from the (fat) hip. Well I don’t actually shoot from the hip but I hold it closer to me chest instead.
After some rest in the cabinet, I took it out a couple of weeks ago … and loaded it with a roll of Solaris 400 film. I remember most of these shots were taken around Orchard Rd when I was out with Fitzand one late morning. It is also easier to go upclose to the ‘action’ with a kid in arm because people tend to not notice the camera (that much). I usually set the focusing distance to 1.5m and fire away like there’s no tomorrow. Then I’ll go home, pray hard (that I’ve captured some decent shots) … and then pray again on the way to the lab.
This is the 2nd XA4 I bought. I sold off the first one long ago but later regretted and managed to find a good condition one again. Phew! Ain’t too interested in the ‘macro’ capability it has though.
These 3 above are taken at the market opposite my block. I had to try finish the roll, so risking my butt … I tried snapping some of the ‘actions’ near the market. These folks are usually not so friendly when you point cameras at them (maybe because I don’t look friendly eh??!!) but I made it back in one piece.
I’ve always loved street shooting but due to my busy busy busy life, I’ve hardly time to really do much of it. I hate hiding from far with a long lens and try capture some street actions, so it is usually the XA4 or the Klasse W end up my pick for such photography. A little risky I know … being too close to the subjects but the thrill some how makes it all worthwhile. People are a little paranoid nowdays when they see you taking photos of them … so it is always good to be cautious and be prepared to run or ermmm … kick some butts if you get in trouble. 😛 Don’t quote me on that though.
These two below are some ‘fillers’ on that roll but I ended up liking them pretty much …
I always love seeing street photos in black & white but somehow I always end up shooting them in color. Duh! Maybe the next time … I’ll load a roll of b&w film for more fun on the streets. Hmm … maybe I should try picking up a rangefinder for street shooting? That’s what those rangefinder fans tell me … that those are good for street photography. Hmm. Nevermind.
