Update on the Pentax ME Super Dilemma

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If you have been reading my blog for some time now, you know that I had issues with my Pentax ME Super. I bought this camera last year from the US and my first film roll from the camera was just disheartening.

Most of my photos were underexposed. I relied on the light meter and also used Auto. I figured that the light meter was probably off so I decided to give the camera another try and use manual, instead. 

I thought the camera would never work and I just wasted my money. But, I was surprised that the camera worked pretty well on manual. Therefore, it's the light meter that's not working properly.

rose (used Kodak Pro Image 100) *

samurai (Kodak Pro Image 100)*

on top of Cebu (Kodak Pro Image Pro)*

I just use the Sunny 16 rule or just adjust my shutter speed depending on the subject and the location. So far, I haven't had any problems with this. It also takes sharp photos, which I didn't expect at all. I also used it to shoot some snippets from a fashion shoot we had at work and it was good.

I don't regret purchasing the Pentax ME Super even if it is not in a complete working order. Although the light meter is off, I'm quite comfortable shooting manual so it's not really a problem. There are times though when I get distracted by the light meter inside the viewfinder. I just have to remind myself that it's not working.

What I like about the ME Super is that it is light compared to the usual SLRs. I'm a very small girl and the average SLRs look too big on me and are also pretty heavy. The ME Super is light enough to be carried on a day-to-day shooting. Though I hated it at first, the camera grew on me and it has become my favorite. (Don't tell my other cameras!)

I shoot you (Centuria DNP 400)

sleeping right meow! (Centuria DNP 400)

Although some film photographers might not like it because it is electronic, I don't see an issue with this except that it can be fragile. My ME Super fell from a chair last month and suddenly, the shutter speed (which is electronically controlled) got messed up. It didn't work and was stuck at 1/125. I gave up. We're planning to send it to a camera repair guy soon to get it sorted out. 

Note * - The lab, unfortunately, scratched all the frames in this roll. Thus, there's a line in the middle in all of my photos. My search for a better lab is on. I'm thinking of sending my rolls to Manila. This is pricey but ensures the film negatives are all in good condition.

Review: Underwater Toy Film Camera

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We have this underwater toy film camera for sale in our little online shop online shop for quite some time now. Since I'm selling it to people, I figured I also need to test it to know if it's really good enough for a camera.

This film camera is like your usual toy camera that's made of plastic. However, it has a tough casing that can be submerged underwater for up to six feet. You can also choose to take out the camera itself and use it on its own without the hard casing. If you will be using this underwater, it is suggested that use films with an ISO speed of at least 400. I used the Kodak Ultramax 400 for this camera.

I took the camera out for a whirl during my work trip to Oslob. We went swimming with the whale sharks for Cebu Yearbook 2014's fashion shoot. I blogged about my Oslob trip here.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a lot of underwater photos because I don't know how to swim (yet!). But it works perfectly fine underwater. At first, I was worried that the water got in the camera. I checked the camera right away and found that the case was definitely effective in keeping the water out. I guess, I should trust this camera a little bit more.

I love that this camera can also be used not underwater, get it? (Sorry, don't hate me!) It is colorful which makes it a cute camera to lug around while walking along the street. 

It takes decent photos, for its price. I'm not saying it because I'm selling it. But, it definitely is good. I could see myself using this on hiking trips or other tough adventures. It's just a great camera to stash in the bag and not be worried about. I brought my boyfriend's Canonet QL on a recent two-day trekking trip and it was just causing me problems. All throughout the trip, I was just worried about not hitting the camera on a rock. The trip was fun, but the Canonet just made me a worrywart.

If you're looking for an analog camera that works underwater, this toy camera is definitely a good choice. It's also perfect for those who want to test the analog waters but have a limited budget. Although this is no Nikonos, it takes pretty good photos for a toy camera.

*Please forgive the "darkness" of the photos. The lab I went to did a pretty bad job of developing my films. I'm still searching for a good lab, though.*

Down South: Three Towns, One Day

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I know. We are crazy. A few months ago, I thought of going to three towns in the south of Cebu all in one day. Of course, I had to include my boyfriend and our best friend to this scheme. It was definitely a one-of-kind but tiring experience. It was fun to jump from one bus to another and hop to another town. The commuting also made the entire experience interesting.

First Stop in Boljoon

The Ili Rock in Boljoon (which is now vanishing)

Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church

Boljoon is probably my favorite town to pass by when going to Negros Oriental. The town is just picturesque and historic. The lush front yard of the church makes me want to jump around and have a picnic.

The Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church is definitely a lovely sight to behold. I've always enjoyed looking at this church and it was amazing to see it up close. It's a National Historical Landmark and is made of coral stones. It still has its original terracotta roof tiles, which are reminiscent of the Filipino Baroque architecture.

El Gran Baluarte in Boljoon

The church has its own little museum where visitors can see the artifacts and the wardrobe of the former priests. You can also see some gold jewelries worn by the old Cebuanos including jars and other dishes of the time. You can get into the museum for free, but giving a donation is highly appreciated.

There are also other historical sites in Boljoon. Apparently, you can go on a little "walk" and see the different historical places. There's a map that you can follow to visit these sites. Because we didn't have enough time, we just hopped on to a bus going to Alcoy.

Quick Dip in Alcoy

boats in Alcoy

If you want to swim for free in a really good beach, then Tingko in Alcoy is the place to be. It's a public beach with no entrance fee (if you pass the right way). We only paid for a table that we used while we were taking turns in swimming. This is one of our go-to beaches in the south that's great and free. It's perfect if you just want to spend a day at the beach.

We spent an hour or two basking in the sun and just enjoying the sound of the waves. Weird thing was we drank coffee while in the beach. I know it's an odd combination, but it definitely works especially if you still have another town to go. 

Eating Fest in Argao

I don't know about you, but I think Argao has one of the best food in the south aside from Carcar. It is home to the best torta in Cebu. I love Chitang's Torta in Argao. It's my go-to place for pasalubong to the family.

Alex Kafe in Argao is also the place for home-cooked meals that comforts your soul. It has a vintage-y feel to the restaurant. I've eaten here twice and I can tell you I love their utan bisaya (Visayan vegetable soup). It definitely reminds me of my mom's cooking.

What I love about Argao, aside from the food, is the rich history and architecture. I love the church, the plaza, and their municipal hall. Everything still has that touch of Spanish influence, which is beautiful.

Our little crazy trip was definitely a fun one. I hope we'll do it again somewhere north or maybe still south, wherever the winds take us.

*all photos taken by Smena 8m with Centuria DNP 400*