This Christmas, I gave myself a special gift—a second-hand Praktica Super TL film camera! Even though it’s old, it’s already a treasure. I’m excited to share my first experience with it.
Discovering Vintage Photography
I found the Praktica Super TL at Foto Škoda, a popular camera shop in Prague. Since second-hand cameras come with a two-week guarantee, I had to test it fast. To save money and check if it worked, I picked a black-and-white film roll. I even shared a photo in my last gardening post!
A Walk Through Václavské Náměstí
Last Friday, while shopping for my husband’s Christmas gift, I took the camera to Václavské Náměstí—one of Prague’s most famous squares.
The festive lights, crowds, and grand buildings made the perfect setting. Every click of the shutter felt different from digital photography. No instant preview, no automatic settings—just me, the camera, and the moment.
The results? Beautiful! Black-and-white photography gave the Christmas market a classic feel. The bright lights stood out against the wintery scene. Here are some of my favorite shots:
The Praktica Experience
The Praktica Super TL is fully manual. You must focus, set the aperture, and adjust the shutter speed for every shot. It’s not like modern cameras, but that’s what makes it fun. Each photo feels like an achievement.
Why Black and White?
At first, I chose black-and-white film because it’s cheaper for testing. But I quickly fell in love with it. Without color, the focus shifts to light, shadow, and texture. In a lively place like Václavské Náměstí, monochrome creates a special contrast with the holiday cheer.
Looking Ahead
This journey reminded me why I love photography. The Praktica Super TL isn’t just a camera—it’s a way to slow down, observe, and capture moments with care.
If you’re thinking about trying film photography, I highly recommend it. Start with a reliable second-hand camera and a roll of film. You might fall in love with the process—just like I did.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share more stories about vintage photography. Until then, happy shooting and happy holidays!
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