First Roll With: Canon A-1 by Jake Millward-Davis

Well hello. My name is Jake, I live on the Gold Coast and I’m just a kid with a camera. I haven’t been taking photos for while. 

It’s been 3months since I picked up a Canon A-1 from gumtree. I feel as though there really isn’t much to say about this camera just because of how iconic the camera is. Even before when I didn’t know about film photography I knew about the Canon A1 and the AE1 program just from the internet showcasing it as this “tumblr camera/prop”.

One thing I’ll say about this camera is that I love how it has this utilitarian look. When holding the A1 you can just feel that this camera is made to last. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve already dropped my camera. That being said I care for this camera as if it were my child, and I would recommend the A1 to any beginner or professional photographer.

I’ve already put soo many rolls in this camera so this isn’t actually my first roll, but I’ve always wanted to contribute however I can with Beginning Film by showing my support and belief with what they do with showcasing some of my photos with the “First Roll” segment.

So I took the time to head up to Brisbane and burn a roll of Portra around the city. I wouldn’t say there is nothing sentimental about these photos I took that day. My state of mind at the time I was to just document the energy and architecture of Brisbane. And that’s one of many reasons why I value photography as a whole. I just love how therapeutic it can be walking around in any environment with a camera slinged around your neck or arm and just taking photos. I’m particularly someone who  has a lot on my mind and if I’m ever needing to relax and have some “me time”, I can just pick my camera and go out and take some photos.

So with that being said, I hope you use every bit of spare time to go out and take photos. Because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed out on those photo opportunities. 

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"First Roll With" is a new series we started dedicated to those initial moments spent with your camera or lens. "First Roll With" is open to all levels of photographers, whether it's your first film camera or your 100th, we welcome you to share with us your own unique perspectives and experiences!