Cycling with an Advanced Compact Film Camera

I mentioned back in April that one life changing event that occurred to me in 2019 was weight loss surgery. In the time leading up to the surgery, I told myself that I was going to get back into cycling once I had lost some weight and was comfortable getting back on a bike. I am happy to say that I have done that, but now riding longer distances and taking steeper climbs than I did 30 years ago. I brought my Specialized Hotrock (2002) mountain bike out of retirement, and then purchased two new 2021 Trek Dual Sport 2 hybrids for me and my wife.

Over the 4th of July weekend, my wife and I spent two days riding through Yellowstone National Park. I cannot think of a more beautiful place to ride than Yellowstone. One day I rode from West Thumb to Old Faithful. It’s not a long ride, but it takes you up and over the Continental Divide, twice. It’s a steep climb, but again, beautiful.

Before the trip, I committed to take a film camera with me on my bike. The choice was easy, the Olympus XA. A simple advanced compact camera, lightweight, with some advance features. The challenge was where to store the camera. I purchased a Roswheel triangle frame pack to store the camera, my iPhone, and wallet while riding. Below are a few pictures I took along the ride. To see some additional photos from the roll, check my Instagram @shaunnelson.

Camera: Olympus XA (1979)
Film: Kodak Kodacolor 200 (expired)
Process: TheDarkroom.com