The Olympus AZ-1 Zoom is a compact zoom from the late 80s. It’s not very pretty or particularly compact and it doesn’t enjoy cult status. The zoom range is not very impressive and the max aperture not particularly fast. The one vaguely interesting detail is that it was Olympus’ first compact camera with a built-in zoom lens.
I recently discovered this beautiful Ikonta 524/2 in a box at my parents’ house. At first I dismissed it, as I thought it would be too much hassle finding /re-spooling the right film. However, at a second glance, I was delighted to see that this 524/2 model takes 120 film, which is of course easily available. I decided to challenge myself to use the camera and find out if and how it worked. My expectations were not particularly high and I expected at least something to be broken or faulty. Turns out I was very wrong.
When traveling for work, it can be hard to find time and reasons to step outside the office and explore the new place you are in. Photography gives you that reason and the Pentax ME is the perfect companion when you only have a short time to walk around over lunch or in the evening.
