After spending some time getting re-acquainted with shooting film on my OG film camera, I decided to mix things up and start shooting with something different.

I have a small collection of vintage cameras and most of them are display only; they were either gifted to me by family or friends or I picked them up from “the free-pile” on random stoops (or in the lobby of apartments I have lived in). There are a few that I have yet to get assessed to see if they are still operational, and one in particular was calling my name – my Pentax LX.

For those who aren’t familiar, a Pentax LX is a 35mm single-lens reflex film camera manufactured in Japan. This camera was created in 1980 and was produced up until 2001. My Pentax LX also came with the Winder LX, which is a battery-powered automatic rewind attachment (and made it super easy to load and unload film).

I already had 35mm film on deck, so I copped 2 AA batteries for the winder and 2 cell batteries for the light meter in my Pentax, and I was ready to test it out.

I shot the first test roll with the Winder LX not attached to the camera body. The camera (with and without the winder) didn’t fit in my everyday bag, so it took a little longer to finish the roll but I got it done. It wasn’t until I got my negatives back (that were completely blank, btw) that I realized that there was a light leak in the camera body. After examining the camera myself, I tried taping where I thought the leak was and loaded the camera with the second test roll, only to find out the sad truth: the camera wasn’t operational. So back to the display shelf it went.

After doing some research, I decided to finally invest in new 35mm camera that would fit in my everyday bag and I got myself a Reto Ultra Wide & Slim from Photodom.

(Pictured above from top to bottom: Pentax LX, Reto Ultra Wide & Slim, and my OG Canon.)

I’ve mentioned this is previous posts, but I’ve struggled over the years with bringing my camera with me outside of when I have a session booked. With my Reto, I was able to keep it in my everyday bag and take a photo whenever I was out and about. It’s super light-weight and has an ultra-wide 22mm lens, so provides something a little different than your standard point and shoot. Below are some of my favorites photos that I have taken with my Reto so far.

(Pictured locations above: Charleston, South Carolina, Rome, Italy, Orvieto, Italy, and New Orleans, Louisiana.)

This point and shoot camera is best used in daylight. You can use film with low ISO in bright sun and get really beautiful, vibrant images. Moving forward, I’ll be better about recording which type of film I’ve used so I can also share that info alongside future camera review posts.

If you’re looking for a light-weight, affordable 35mm camera that fits in your pocket, AND takes great photos, I highly recommend the Reto.

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Light leaks & new cameras