Throwback Edit Version: I edited this in March 2025, checked the links and converted it to the new WordPress blocks format if needed.

I used this camera on one of the last outings with my mum before she passed a year ago today. That seems to make this camera post appropriate for today. We took a taxi to Fairburn Ings, which she could not say despite hilariously making many attempts to do so. As you can see on the link, it has disabled access, which made pushing Mum around much easier. She got a chance to be out in nature without too much effort. Plus they had cappuccino and cakes in the shop.

This was the first camera I bought when I decided to delve back into film. I saw it on eBay for a bargain price of £20. It arrived on the day I was returning to Japan, so I didn’t get the chance to even open the box. I just put it on a shelf and left it for 6 months. When I got back, I opened the box and found everything was working. The main reason I bought this camera was for the lens cap. I thought it was a nice reminder of a great World Cup.

While searching for details about this camera, I found a wikihow on how to use it. I find it funny, but everyone starts somewhere. Despite the lens cap, this camera was first introduced in 1978… (just as I was writing that sentence, there was a huge earthquake alarm…just a test, onward). This was the first ever camera to be fully reliant on battery power. I do like the option of M90 on the Nikon from the same era, just in case. Every review I have since read on this camera, says this is one of the best and most important SLRs released in that period, if not ever. All the links I have given will tell you all the technical information you need. I cannot add to them. All I can say is, this camera is awesome. It feels solid and well-built. If you get one in good condition it will last and perform well. It is easy to use and I am so glad that I picked up that camera and not one of the others to take shots of my mum at a place our family has great memories.

And here are some photos of Mum from about the same era as the camera. As I was a wee bairn, I didn’t have a camera and digital was a space-age away, we don’t have many.

Keep or Sell: Eventually, I will sell it, as I tend to leave it on my shelf while in Japan. On return, I found it had a squeak. I fixed that with some lubrication, but it made me realise my cameras should be used not stored. Now I have decided to get rid of some of my collection and just keep a few choice pieces. This probably won’t be one. I just prefer the OMs and Pentax cameras for their lightness.

Update 2025 style: I eventually sold this for a hefty profit and the money went towards a lens for my digital camera, shame on me 😉 Luckily a friend gave me a broken one which I managed to bring back to life so I still have a Canon A1 and I use it regularly. It has become one of my favourite cameras.