I got a camera, Vivitar V3000s, from a friend who almost threw it to trash, and I picked it up. It had problem with film winder and I intended to have it repaired. I thought this camera deserves salvaging, it has 50 mm, f/2 lens from Pentax in very good condition.
I brought the camera to a repair shop. This shop is located in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, a street full with shops on both sides, and was known in the past (and still is today) as popular spot in Central Jakarta, where people come to buy anything, from shoes to hats, from clothes to watches, new and used cameras, and many others. This shopping heaven, built in 1820, was popular during colonial time for Dutch people to shop (and show-off).
After having been successfully repaired (it costs about 18 dollars), I took it around, strolled the street, and started taking pictures. The camera feels good at hand and is easy to operate, and the result is more than what I expected. I used Ilford Delta 100 film in black and white. The pictures shown here give at glance the situation of this place 199 years after it was first constructed. The entrance gate, that you see in one of the photos, was added later as reminder to the past.
I have been using many other analog cameras, including Leica M4, but the result here is beyond my expectation. What I learned here is, good picture is not merely due to fancy or expensive gear, but many other factors seem to play as well: camera setting, composition (with bit of luck), lighting, shooting experience, and more importantly: good mood during shooting, at least that’s what I’ve experienced. Any thought?

Entrance Gate to Pasar Baru (New Market). This shopping paradise was constructed in 1820

Shops are on both sides along the street

Transporting goods by cart

Clothes are also sold on street!

Jakarta’s public transport for short distance, near the market
Thanks – rissukarma
5 Comments
Steven Cremer
September 21, 2019 at 10:22 amHi Rissukarma,
I love the pictures, the exposure is great. You are correct, your creativity is more important than the gear.
I wish you the best and keep having fun, it adds value to your world. You created a good story about your experience and neighbors in Indonesia.
rissukarma
September 22, 2019 at 2:42 amThanks for the comments, Steven.
Martin Cutrone
September 21, 2019 at 1:50 pmI agree with you. I’ve found that when I am calm, open, and relaxed, get the best images – whether I am carrying an Olympus Digital or a Nikon EM! Very nice images, the shopping bazaar looks fascinating. It looks like a great place to take photos.
rissukarma
September 22, 2019 at 2:43 amThank you.
Stephan Brandauer
September 22, 2019 at 7:31 amWhat an interesting place! Thank you for these photos 🙂