Theblues and her Weapon of Choice: Konica C35 Automatic

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Looking for a dependable camera for street photography? For Agathe, or theblues in the community, the Konica C35 Automatic rangefinder is the perfect companion for her daily photowalk in Paris. Find out why in this installment of Weapon of Choice!

Name: Agathe
LomoHome: theblues
Location: Paris
Weapon of Choice: Konica C35 Automatic

Credits: theblues

Tell us more about yourself and what you do.

I currently work in the computer software industry. Besides analog and digital photography, I’m also a huge fan of horse riding. Though I wish I could ride more.

Thanks to my friend, agaltier, I got myself a Holga. I had it for at least four years but didn’t do much with it. Recently, I took out an old SLR and it put me back into analog photography for real.

Why is the Konica C35 Automatic your Weapon of Choice?

To try something new, I looked for a rangefinder because I’ve never use this kind of system. I came across a used one which I bought for around €40. I wanted a compact camera and I heard that rangefinders were great for street photography. Paris is like huge playground for street photography!

The first roll I tried was so easy to finish! The viewfinder was clean, the focusing is manual, and the maximum aperture is 2.8. The camera’s not too big and it easily fits in my bag. When I saw the results, apart from the artistic side, the images were very sharp, bright, and colorful. Sometimes when I’m focusing, I think more about the final picture.

Credits: theblues

Any memorable experiences you’ve had while using this camera?

When I took my first photo with it, I easily framed the image, set the focus, and fired the shutter. I immediately thought, “Ok, I have strictly NO IDEA of what the result is going to be, but that surely feels awesome!” That photo is not my favorite but I’m still very happy with it.

Another memorable experience with this camera happened when I was in the subway. In the station, we have those green seats with funny shapes. I saw them in line and I had the idea to shoot it. Right then, two women were passing by and they wondered what I was doing because it was just seats in the subway! I didn’t really know the reason myself, but after seeing the result, I definitely had a good feeling!

Would you recommend this camera to other Lomographers? If yes, to whom do you have in mind?

Though I have nobody in particular in mind, I would definitely recommend it! it’s small and fast. You can use it very quickly or take your time. The lens is 38mm which is pretty close to the human field of vision. It’s very easy to use and it’s kind of pretty, too!

When using this, what are you favourite subjects to photograph and why?

I either like repeating things with great depths, like those green seats, because you can play with depth of field! Or people coming through the picture, creating contrast with the static background. I’m also fond of shop windows at night or with colorful displays. I’m using the subway a lot and I have to say it’s becoming very inspiring, too.

Agathe shares her five favorite photographs taken with her Weapon of Choice, Konica C35 Automatic:

Credits: theblues

Any tips or tricks with using your Weapon of Choice?

When trying to focus, start from the extremes to the other, so you will see if you focused it right or not. Also, beware of the difference between what you can see in the viewfinder and what the lens can capture. I made that mistake and the girl I photographed had her feet cut from the picture!

Thank you for sharing your Weapon of Choice, theblues!

written by icequeenubia on 2015-04-11 #gear

7 Comments

  1. icequeenubia
    icequeenubia ·

    Thank you @theblues! :)

  2. theblues
    theblues ·

    @icequeenubia thanks to you for having me doing this!!!

  3. srcardoso
    srcardoso ·

    Joli récit :-)

  4. lorrainehealy
    lorrainehealy ·

    Merci bien pour votre beau oup "likes", Agathe! Et peut-être donner la Holga un autre chance??

  5. pierrickmorin
    pierrickmorin ·

    @lorrainehealy Her Holga got another chance : I bought it from her =D

  6. carsten-schmitt
    carsten-schmitt ·

    @theblues Rangefinders simply are the best! :-D

  7. theblues
    theblues ·

    ah ah! I only see that now! it is true @lorrainehealy : the Holga is now in the good hands of @pierrickmorin, could be happier to know it's taken care of ;) !!
    @carsten-schmitt this is so true!!!! Truth is, I got the Olympus XA since then, another weapon of great pictures!

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