Limiting yourself to a single fixed lens can transform how you see and capture your surroundings. It's a deliberate constraint that makes you rethink every shot and pushes you to become more creative in your photography.
Coming to you from Steve O'Nions, this fun video explores how using a compact film camera with a fixed 35mm lens, specifically the Olympus XA2, impacts the photography experience. O'Nions highlights how the camera's simplicity frees him from technical distractions, enabling a more intuitive and immediate approach to image-making. With just three basic focus settings—near, middle, and far—this camera simplifies the process, allowing you to focus purely on composition and subject matter. O'Nions points out the liberation found in not needing to fuss over shutter speeds and apertures, reinforcing that sometimes less control can lead to greater creativity.
The video emphasizes the unique character offered by using rare film stocks, such as Aurora 800, a film not frequently found today. O'Nions reveals that combining uncommon films with a minimalistic camera like the XA2 can yield distinctive, visually striking results, particularly in moody, misty environments like the old slate works above Ceri that he explores. He argues effectively that constraints don't limit creativity but instead encourage a more thoughtful, considered photographic approach.
Another intriguing aspect highlighted is how environments interact with film and equipment choices. His demonstration vividly illustrates the interplay between a camera's simplicity and atmospheric conditions. This exploration of how specific tools perform under certain conditions is beneficial if you're looking to push your photographic boundaries.
Using the Olympus XA2 in this context, O'Nions showcases its capability as a genuine creative tool rather than just a simplistic point-and-shoot camera. The results shared in the video reinforce that purposeful constraints can expand your photographic storytelling. Check out the video above for the full rundown from O'Nions.
