The Soul Camera
Photography
Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight. The Camera
Centre. That’s where it happened.
We were walking past. And I heard:
“Oi mate! Me and you? We could do some great work together.”
I looked around. Uncertain who spoke
“‘Ere fella, in the window!”
I turned. I saw it. A Nikon FE2 SLR camera. In mint condition.
I stared. And stared. It was a reasonable price, too.
The Nikon winked. Showed me the Nikkor 50mm standard lens it came with.
“What do you reckon?”
“Bloody fantastic!”
The Nikon smiled.
“Like that one, do you? You don’t need another camera, though, do you?
Mary, as pragmatic as ever.
The Nikon shuffled. Winked at me again.
“Ah yes love, but in this case, it’s not about need. Look at it, it’s a thing of beauty!”
I could already “see” the photos I would take. I stared wistfully at it.
Then, I heard a sigh. Mary, walked in through the door of the shop.
“C’mon then, let’s see what deal he’ll do us.”
I tried not to fall over my own feet going in through the door.
The next bit was a blur. Mostly involving Mary asking about the price. Demanding a strap and body caps. The store owner being more than happy to provide.
I remember buying a roll of film, too. And I remember the store owner passing me the FE2.
That feeling.
I still get it now. When I pick it up. No nonsense, slap some film in and get on with it.
What a camera. My soul camera.
The store owner packaged it up, added a set of spare batteries and Mary paid.
“Happy Anniversary,” she smiled at me.
What a feeling.
I proposed a mug of coffee. Mary knew why.
She disappeared up to the counter to order.
I loaded my roll of Ilford FP4+ into the Nikon.
It was going to be a good day.
“Told ya, mate didn’t I?”
“You did, you certainly did.”
The Nikon smiled.
After coffee, photos happened. Lots of photos.