My Life Frame By Frame

A Life's Journey In Photographs

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My Life Frame By Frame

A Life's Journey In Photographs

About
Blog
Equipment Timeline
Gallery
Home
My Journey
Resources

Camera Reviews

Technical reviews of camera models

Camera Reviews

Two Cameras, One Vision: The Promise Of EOS

Michael Bernier / April 26, 2026

By the 1970s, film photography had reached an inflection point. Cameras had evolved into two general categories of “simple” and […]

Camera Reviews

A Shoot With The Rarest EOS

Michael Bernier / April 25, 2026

As I’ve grown older, I’ve taken more opportunities to look back at “what was and what could have been”, especially

Camera Reviews

Shooting With The Oldest EOS

Michael Bernier / April 20, 2026

Recently I won an online auction for an older Canon EOS camera body, but at first I was more interested

Canon EOS 620

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2026
– Market Introduction: 1987
– Type: 35mm Autofocus Film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Working collectible. Tested and confirmed fully functional.

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– One of Canon’s first EOS autofocus SLRs, introduced alongside the EOS 650
– Offered more advanced controls than the 650, targeting experienced photographers
– Compatible with all EF lenses
– Uses 2CR5 lithium battery
– Part of the groundbreaking first generation of Canon’s EOS system

MY JOURNEY
An accidental acquisition — the real prize was the Canon 1EG gadget bag it came bundled with in a Shopgoodwill.com auction. The camera turned out to be a bonus worth keeping. Tested with a 2CR5 battery and EF 28-80mm lens, confirming all systems operational including controls, shutter, autofocus, and back panel. As a first-generation EOS body it holds historical significance as part of the system that defined Canon’s autofocus era. Planned for a spring shoot paired with the EOS RT.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2022
– Market Introduction: 2022
– Type: Smartphone (Android)

CURRENT STATUS
Active – Current smartphone

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Android flagship with 108 megapixel main sensor
– Quad-camera system with advanced zoom capabilities (3x and 10x optical)
– Computational photography with AI enhancement
– Represents cutting-edge mobile photography technology

MY JOURNEY
Current smartphone representing the pinnacle of mobile photography capability. The 108MP sensor and advanced zoom system blur the line between smartphone and dedicated camera. Continues weekly recipe documentation for MikeTriesANewRecipe.com – years of consistent food photography representing continuous photographic practice even during the period of reduced activity with dedicated cameras. Used for digital reference shots during film stock testing and convenient grab shots when DSLRs aren’t practical. Mobile photography has evolved from convenient snapshot tool to legitimate photographic instrument capable of professional-quality results.

Samsung Galaxy S9+

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2018
– Market Introduction: 2018
– Type: Smartphone (Android)

CURRENT STATUS
Retired – Still owned but not used in years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Android flagship with dual-camera system (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto)
– Variable aperture (f/1.5 and f/2.4) for adaptive shooting
– 4K video recording capability
– Represented mature smartphone photography technology

MY JOURNEY
Android flagship acquired through special trade-in offer for the LG V10. The dual-camera system and variable aperture significantly improved mobile photography capabilities. Began consistent recipe documentation for MikeTriesANewRecipe.com cooking website – weekly food photography that would represent continuous photographic practice for years to come. Used for grab shots and convenience photography when dedicated camera gear wasn’t practical. Represented the era when smartphone cameras became genuinely capable photographic tools rather than just convenient alternatives.

LG V10

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2015
– Market Introduction: 2015
– Type: Smartphone (Android)

CURRENT STATUS
Traded for Galaxy S9+ in 2018

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Android flagship with 16 megapixel main camera plus dual front cameras
– Manual camera controls for serious mobile photography
– Represented entry into Android ecosystem after Windows Phone decline
– First smartphone with dual-screen functionality

MY JOURNEY
Forced migration from Windows Phone to Android as Microsoft ended platform support. Found Android shared more similarities with Windows Phone compared to Apple’s iOS ecosystem. Never positive about iPhone after experiencing PC vs Mac wars in the 1990s – Apple’s compatibility issues with tools relied upon for business and personal life made Android the logical choice. The 16MP camera and manual controls marked significant upgrade in mobile photography capability. Used for everyday photography and family documentation. Traded in 2018 for Galaxy S9+ upgrade.

Nokia Lumia 520

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2013
– Market Introduction: 2013
– Type: Smartphone (Windows Phone)

CURRENT STATUS
Retired – Still owned but not used in years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Windows Phone 8 device with 5 megapixel camera, later upgraded to Windows Phone 10
– Became best-selling Windows Phone device worldwide
– Part of Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft
– Witnessed final years of Windows Phone platform before Microsoft’s abandonment

MY JOURNEY
Continued commitment to Windows Phone platform. The 5MP camera maintained ability to capture convenient moments and grab shots during everyday life. Used for documenting family activities and casual photography when carrying dedicated cameras wasn’t practical. Upgraded to Windows Phone 10 before Microsoft ultimately abandoned the platform, forcing eventual migration to Android.

LG C900

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2010
– Market Introduction: 2010
– Type: Smartphone (Windows Phone)

CURRENT STATUS
Retired – Still owned but not used in years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– First smartphone, running Windows Phone 7
– 5 megapixel camera
– Represented Microsoft’s entry into modern smartphone market
– Part of early smartphone photography era

MY JOURNEY
First smartphone, marking entry into mobile photography. Chose Windows Phone over Android or iPhone – wasn’t enthused about either platform at the time and found Windows Phone appealing. The 5MP camera opened up grab shots and convenience photography when carrying dedicated camera gear wasn’t practical. Used for documenting everyday moments and family activities during a period of reduced activity with traditional cameras.

Canon EOS-3

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2025
– Market Introduction: 1998
– Type: 35mm autofocus film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Active – Primary film camera with PB-E2 power booster

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Professional-level film body positioned below flagship EOS-1 series
– 45-point Area AF with Eye Controlled Focus (improved over A2E system)
– 7 fps continuous shooting with power booster
– Weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction
– Introduced in 1998 as replacement for EOS A2E, discontinued 2007

MY JOURNEY
Primary film camera representing a full-scale film photography renaissance. Nostalgia kicked in hard, fueled by the general resurgence in film photography and driven by the idea that maybe those old film days weren’t so bad after all. Equipped with PB-E2 power booster for consistent ergonomics with digital bodies. Conducted extensive shoots at Hagerman NWR, Frank Buck Zoo, and Frontiers of Flight Museum. Currently testing various film stocks and lenses, comparing both shooting techniques and image quality with full-frame digital. Represents deliberate return to the methodical, thoughtful approach of film photography.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2025
– Market Introduction: 2016
– Type: Digital SLR (Full Frame sensor)

CURRENT STATUS
Active – Current flagship camera with BG-E20 battery grip

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Flagship full-frame DSLR with 30.4 megapixel sensor
– Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 61-point autofocus system
– 7 fps continuous shooting
– Dual memory card slots (CF + SD)
– Latest full-frame DSLR in the 5D series – absolute pinnacle of Canon DSLR technology

MY JOURNEY
Current flagship representing the absolute pinnacle of Canon DSLR technology. Acquired earlier in 2025, then added EOS-3 later in the year to complete three-body professional system. Traded up from 5D Mark III for two primary reasons: first, to enable high-resolution scanning and converting legacy 35mm negatives to digital using professional workflow; second, to establish a professional-grade camera that will provide yeoman service well into the mirrorless age. Sort of proving to myself and the rest of the world that DSLRs are far from dead. Equipped with BG-E20 battery grip for ergonomic consistency across the system (alongside 7D Mark II and EOS-3). Serves as digital reference camera for film stock testing and primary body for wildlife and nature photography.

Canon EOS RT

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2023
– Market Introduction: 1989
– Type: 35mm autofocus film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Working Collectible – Tested for functionality

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– First autofocus SLR with fixed pellicle (semi-transparent) mirror – “RT” stands for “Real Time”
– Pellicle mirror allows continuous real-time viewfinder image during shooting
– Enabled faster shooting and reduced vibration compared to moving mirrors
– Only 25,000 units produced, making it rare and collectible
– Revolutionary but ultimately superseded by improved mirror systems

MY JOURNEY
Acquired for the novelty of the pellicle mirror technology and its low production numbers making it a rare collectible. The fixed semi-transparent mirror was an innovative solution that allowed the viewfinder to remain bright during shooting while enabling faster operation. Tested for functionality to confirm operational status, with a spring shoot planned paired with the 620. Represents interest in preserving significant technological experiments from Canon’s film camera evolution.

Canon EF-M

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2018
– Market Introduction: 1991
– Type: 35mm manual focus film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Working Collectible – Tested for functionality but not yet shot

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Only fully manual focus EOS type camera ever produced
– Never officially named “EOS”, always referenced by Canon as the EF-M (EF lens – Manual focus)
– Accepts all Canon EF lenses despite being manual focus only
– Unique hybrid design combining manual operation with EF mount compatibility
– Rare and collectible due to limited production
– Introduced in 1991 alongside the autofocus EOS line

MY JOURNEY
Acquired for the novelty of being the only fully manual Canon camera that accepts EF lenses – a unique outlier in Canon’s otherwise autofocus-dominated EOS system. The unusual combination of manual focus operation with modern EF lens compatibility made it an intriguing collectible. Tested for functionality to confirm it’s operational, though not yet used for actual shooting. Represents interest in preserving unusual and rare camera designs from Canon’s history.

Canon Powershot SX500 IS

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2018
– Market Introduction: ~2012
– Type: Compact digital camera

CURRENT STATUS
Active – Pocketable backup camera

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Part of Canon’s PowerShot SuperZoom series
– 30x optical zoom (24-720mm equivalent) with image stabilization
– 16 megapixel sensor
– Compact alternative to DSLR systems
– AA battery power for convenience and availability

MY JOURNEY
Acquired as a tool for Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Encampments where I served as mentor. While cadets used the DSLRs for primary documentation, I used the PowerShot to fill in coverage gaps and demonstrate photographic techniques. The compact size and SuperZoom capability made it ideal for quickly capturing moments without the bulk of an SLR system. Continues to serve as pocketable backup camera.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2018
– Market Introduction: 2012
– Type: Digital SLR (Full Frame sensor)

CURRENT STATUS
Traded for 5D Mark IV in 2025

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Full-frame 22.3 megapixel sensor
– 61-point autofocus system with 41 cross-type points
– Superior low-light performance compared to APS-C sensors
– Dual memory card slots (CF + SD)
– Introduced March 2012

MY JOURNEY
Unusual acquisition story. After buying the 7D Mark II and being pleased with it, began feeling I might be missing advantages of full-frame imaging – particularly better low-light quality. Also enjoyed having two digital bodies available (having used both 7D II and aging Rebel XT). With 5D Mark IV dominating the market, used Mark III bodies became relatively inexpensive. Found low-usage body from private seller and added it to the system. Within a year of re-entering the hobby, now equipped with two matched professional-grade bodies – definitely re-engaging with a splash! Equipped with BG-E11 battery grip for ergonomic consistency. Served well until trading up to 5D Mark IV in 2025.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2017
– Market Introduction: 2014
– Type: Digital SLR (APS-C sensor)

CURRENT STATUS
Active – Current workhorse camera with BG-E16 battery grip

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Professional-grade APS-C DSLR with 20.2 megapixel sensor
– Advanced 65-point all cross-type autofocus system
– 10 fps continuous shooting for action photography
– Dual memory card slots for backup and overflow
– Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
– On sale since November 2014

MY JOURNEY
First professional-grade DSLR, purchased new after 12-year hiatus from serious photography. My wife suggested I re-engage with the hobby, remembering how much I enjoyed it. When re-evaluating my gear, realized my 2006 Digital Rebel XT had lower resolution than even the compact A490. If returning to photography, needed a technological facelift. Presented with choice between 5D Mark III or 7D Mark II – chose the 7D based on familiarity with APS-C format. Somewhat fortuitous timing as 5D Mark IV was released soon after – the 7D brought more advanced features than the older 5D III would have offered. Equipped with BG-E16 battery grip for consistent ergonomics across camera systems. Marked significant step up in capability and renewed commitment to photography.

Canon EOS A2E

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2011
– Market Introduction: 1992
– Type: 35mm autofocus film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Working Collectible – Has been used to shoot film

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Canon’s flagship film camera sold from November 1992 until replaced by EOS-3 in late 1998
– Revolutionary Eye Control Focus system – selected focus point by looking at it through viewfinder
– Five focusing points with predictive autofocus for moving subjects
– Professional-grade build quality and features
– Innovative but problematic – Eye Control proved difficult for eyeglass wearers

MY JOURNEY
Acquired out of curiosity to see if its advanced features over the Elan would have been useful had I continued working with film. The Eye Control Focus was a fascinating novelty but couldn’t get it to work accurately due to wearing eyeglasses – a known limitation of the system. Actually shot film with this camera at Hagerman NWR and Frank Buck Zoo, continuing the theme of using reference locations for equipment testing and evaluation.

Canon Powershot A490

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2009
– Market Introduction: 2009
– Type: Compact digital camera

CURRENT STATUS
Retired – Retained with meaningful personal history

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Compact digital camera with 10 megapixel sensor
– 3.3x optical zoom lens
– Simple point-and-shoot operation
– AA battery power for convenience and reliability

MY JOURNEY
Originally purchased for my son to take on a school band trip in 2009. He was the younger of my two children who learned photography with Polaroid cameras in the 1990s and insisted on keeping his own album of photos. The images and videos he captured with this camera have been preserved. After his passing in 2010, the camera was retained and has seen little use since, but remains a meaningful connection to those memories.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2006
– Market Introduction: 2005
– Type: Digital SLR (APS-C sensor)

CURRENT STATUS
Gifted to daughter after retirement from personal use

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Early consumer DSLR, also known as EOS 350D internationally
– 8.0 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
– Compatible with entire Canon EF lens ecosystem
– Represented affordable entry into serious digital photography
– Made DSLR technology accessible to enthusiast photographers

MY JOURNEY
First DSLR, purchased with hotel points accumulated from business travel. Became my go-to camera, replacing the EOS Elan in regular use. Used in stock configuration for most of its service life. Added BG-E3 battery grip in 2017 for improved handling before its final major outing at a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Encampment that summer, where I served as PAO Mentor and the camera was used by Cadet PAO staff to record daily activities. Continued using even after acquiring the 7D Mark II. Finally retired and gifted to my daughter after acquiring the 5D Mark III, passing along a camera that had served faithfully through the digital transition.

Minolta Vectis 30

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2005
– Market Introduction: 1997
– Type: APS film camera

CURRENT STATUS
Legacy – No longer in collection

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Advanced Photo System (APS) compact camera
– APS film format offered three switchable aspect ratios: C (Classic 4:3), H (HDTV 16:9), and P (Panoramic 3:1)
– Magnetic coating on film recorded metadata with each frame
– Format ultimately unsuccessful, discontinued in 2011

MY JOURNEY
Impulse buy during a business trip to San Francisco. Intrigued by the APS film format and its promise of switchable aspect ratios. Shot a couple of rolls on the trip around Fisherman’s Wharf area, experimenting with the different format settings. Notable shots included ducks with Alcatraz in the background and a panoramic (P mode) shot of the WWII Liberty Ship museum. Part of ongoing curiosity about different film formats and emerging technologies.

Polaroid PDC-640

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 2000 or 2001
– Market Introduction: 1998
– Type: Digital point-and-shoot camera

CURRENT STATUS
Legacy – No longer in collection

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Early digital camera with 0.31MP sensor (640×480 resolution)
– Represented consumer-level entry into digital photography
– Part of Polaroid’s transition from instant film to digital imaging
– Primitive by modern standards but groundbreaking for its era

MY JOURNEY
First digital camera ever owned. Acquired out of curiosity about whether digital imaging was capable of producing decent images for website use. Found it inferior to Photo CD scans from 35mm film rolls, reinforcing my commitment to film photography for several more years. Did not keep long, but marked my first exploration of the digital revolution that would eventually transform my photography.

Polaroid Impulse

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Mid to late 1990s
– Market Introduction: 1988
– Type: Instant camera (600 film format)

CURRENT STATUS
Stored – Still owned but not accessed in 10-15 years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Distinctive sonar-based autofocus rangefinder built into front of camera
– Compact design with built-in flash
– Rugged construction ideal for active use
– Simple operation perfect for small hands – chosen specifically for teaching children

MY JOURNEY
Primary teaching camera alongside the 600 OneStep AutoFocus for photography adventures with my two oldest children in the late 1990s. Acquired multiple Impulse cameras to outfit myself and the kids. Rugged, simple to hold and use, with virtually foolproof self-contained film – perfect for youngsters. Used during weekend outings to parks and museums where I would show them what to look for, then we’d take photos together and compare results. The instant format’s immediate feedback was ideal for teaching composition and building confidence. The younger child insisted on keeping all his photos in his own album.

Polaroid Spectra SE

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Mid to late 1990s
– Market Introduction: ~1986
– Type: Instant camera (Spectra film format)

CURRENT STATUS
Stored – Still owned but not accessed in 10-15 years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Wide-format Spectra film provided larger, more upscale images than standard 600 format
– Enhanced image quality over consumer-grade instant cameras
– Sonar autofocus system for improved accuracy
– Represented Polaroid’s premium instant photography line

MY JOURNEY
Added later for personal exploration and edification, separate from the children’s teaching cameras. The larger Spectra format offered superior image quality for family documentation while the kids focused on learning with the simpler 600-format Impulse and OneStep AutoFocus cameras. Part of ongoing interest in understanding different instant film formats and their capabilities.

Polaroid 600 OneStep AutoFocus

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Mid to late 1990s
– Market Introduction: ~1981
– Type: Instant camera (600 film format)

CURRENT STATUS
Stored – Still owned but not accessed in 10-15 years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Popular 600 film format designed for mass consumer market
– Autofocus capability using sonar rangefinder technology
– Rugged construction suitable for family use
– Simple operation made it virtually foolproof for all ages

MY JOURNEY
Gift from my wife during the late 1990s teaching phase. Became one of the primary teaching cameras alongside the Impulse for photography adventures with my two older children (ages 8/9 and 5/6). Used during weekend outings to parks, small museums, and places of interest. The 600 film format standardization made it easier to manage supplies while teaching.

Polaroid OneStep

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Mid to late 1990s
– Market Introduction: 1977
– Type: Instant camera (SX-70 film format)

CURRENT STATUS
Stored – Still owned but not accessed in 10-15 years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Consumer instant camera using SX-70 film format
– Simple fixed-focus operation perfect for beginners
– Self-contained film eliminated complicated loading procedures
– Became one of Polaroid’s most successful and recognizable camera lines

MY JOURNEY
Initially acquired for teaching photography to my children in the late 1990s, but later switched to 600-format cameras (Impulse and 600 OneStep AutoFocus) to avoid managing two different film types. Represented my first step into building a collection of instant cameras for family photography education.

Canon EOS Elan

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 1991
– Market Introduction: 1991
– Type: 35mm autofocus film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Retired – Still owned but no longer in regular use

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Marked Canon’s “enthusiast/prosumer” level between consumer and professional models
– Innovative whisper-quiet belt-driven film advance system – advertised as quietest 35mm camera on market
– “Electric eye” sensor tracked sprocket holes instead of traditional geared motor
– Advanced autofocus with Canon’s Ultrasonic motor technology
– Ergonomic design with intuitive control dials for adjusting settings without leaving viewfinder

MY JOURNEY
Landmark decision representing complete system replacement after spending a decade building my first camera system around Minolta. After finding Minolta’s Maxxum line underwhelming with boxy plastic bodies, the Elan felt natural and ergonomically superior. Purchased new with 28-80mm Ultrasonic kit lens. Entry into autofocus era and the Canon ecosystem. Became my mainstay for 15 years and countless rolls of film, documenting my 1993 proposal, our first son’s birth in 1994, and everyday family life until its retirement when I switched to digital photography.

Minolta X-570

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 1984
– Market Introduction: 1983
– Type: 35mm film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Working Collectible – Reacquired 2014 and professionally refurbished (original no longer owned)

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Advanced amateur SLR with aperture-priority automation and manual modes
– Multiple exposure capability for creative techniques
– Built-in motor drive option for rapid shooting
– Offered X-700 features without program mode – chosen for manual control preference

MY JOURNEY
Building on experience with the XG-A, this became my advanced film camera. Photographed two weddings for college classmates, demonstrating growing confidence and skill. Took it on a memorable driving trip from Georgia to New Mexico to visit friends. Like the XG-A, valued enough to reacquire and professionally refurbish in 2014, preserving a meaningful piece of photographic history.

Kodak “The Handle”

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 1984
– Market Introduction: 1977-1979
– Type: Instant camera

CURRENT STATUS
Stored – Still owned but not accessed in over 10 years

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Part of Kodak’s instant camera line that led to famous patent lawsuit with Polaroid
– Kodak forced to exit instant film market in 1986 after losing lawsuit
– Used Kodak’s PR-10 instant film format
– Distinctive handle design made it easy to hold and operate

MY JOURNEY
Purchased at a flea market. Reflected nostalgic interest in instant photography – my mother had a Polaroid pack film camera during my childhood. This early exposure to instant photography may have influenced my later decision to invest in multiple Polaroid cameras in the 1990s for teaching my children.

Kodak Disc 3000

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Late 1982 or early 1983
– Market Introduction: 1982
– Type: Disc film camera

CURRENT STATUS
Legacy – No longer in collection

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Revolutionary (but ultimately unsuccessful) disc film format
– Ultra-compact design fit easily in pocket or purse
– 15 exposures on rotating disc instead of traditional film strip
– Represented Kodak’s attempt to simplify photography even further
– Format discontinued in 1999 due to small negative size and image quality limitations

MY JOURNEY
Part of ongoing interest in exploring different film formats and camera technologies. An example of curiosity-driven acquisition to understand how various systems worked and what they could (or couldn’t) deliver.

Minolta XG-A

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Late 1981
– Market Introduction: ~1977
– Type: 35mm film SLR

CURRENT STATUS
Working Collectible – Reacquired 2017 and professionally refurbished (original no longer owned)

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– First camera in Minolta’s popular XG series of amateur SLRs
– Manual focus with match-needle metering system
– Interchangeable lens capability launched true “camera system” ownership
– Compact, affordable entry into serious 35mm photography

MY JOURNEY
First owned 35mm SLR and first camera system. Traveled everywhere with me including frequent trips to Stone Mountain for equipment and film testing – an early version of today’s systematic approach at Hagerman NWR. Accompanied me on a college driving trip from Georgia through Virginia and the Carolinas. Loved enough to reacquire and refurbish in 2017, decades after selling the original.

Vivitar Tele 603

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 1978-1981 (multiple units)
– Market Introduction: ~1972-1980s
– Type: 110 format camera

CURRENT STATUS
Legacy – No longer in collection

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Compact 110 film format in easy-load cartridges (unlike Diana’s 120 rollfilm)
– Dual focal length capability with normal/telephoto switch
– Built-in electronic flash for versatility
– Pocket-sized convenience made photography truly portable

MY JOURNEY
Multiple units purchased during high school years. Documented holidays, get-togethers with friends, and locations around home. In late 1980/early 1981 while in college, used for visits to museums in the Atlanta area. The compact size and cartridge film system made it perfect for carrying everywhere.

Keystone Super 8 Movie Camera

TIMELINE
– Acquired: Late 1970s
– Market Introduction: ~1970s
– Type: Super 8 movie camera

CURRENT STATUS
Legacy – No longer in collection

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Super 8 film format was the consumer standard for home movies during the 1970s
– Silent film capture at 18fps (frames per second)
– Cartridge-loading system made film changing simple and foolproof
– Represented affordable home movie-making before video cameras

MY JOURNEY
Inherited from father and used to document family life on film. Most notably captured a family gathering where all of my mother’s living brothers talked together as a group – possibly the last time they were all together. An early lesson in the power of preserving fleeting moments.

Diana F

TIMELINE
– Acquired: 1974
– Market Introduction: ~1960s
– Type: Medium format toy camera

CURRENT STATUS
Legacy – No longer in collection

KEY FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE
– Shoots 120 film in square 6x6cm format
– Simple plastic lens creates distinctive dreamy, soft-focus aesthetic
– Cult following among Lomography enthusiasts for unpredictable, artistic results
– Represents the “toy camera” movement that values creative imperfection over technical precision

MY JOURNEY
First camera, purchased on a planetarium field trip. Used for several months to document school activities, including a memorable class visit to Six Flags amusement park. This simple plastic camera sparked a 50-year photographic journey.

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