A Compact Camera in 1980

In 1980 I bought my first compact camera. It was an Olympus XA2. I bought it because I thought it would be a useful tool for street photography. Small, discreet and with an excellent lens it was ideal for unobtrusive photography. Before then I used a SLR (single lens reflex camera) which was much larger. Today I fluctuate between using a Digital SLR and a compact camera depending on what I am shooting. Mostly for street photography I use a high end digital compact. This gives incredible results, is flexible and can be set manually. In 1980 the Olympus compact produced excellent results. Below are some of the photographs taken with the first roll of HP5 film I wound into the camera.

Bootle, Liverpool 1980

Bootle, Liverpool 1980

Bootle, Liverpool 1980

Bootle, Liverpool 1980

Bootle, Liverpool 1980

The following Photographs were taken using HP5 film and a SLR camera.

Liverpool Cathedral c.1978

Distant view of the Anglican Cathedral. Liverpool late 1970’s

Distant view of the Anglican Cathedral. Liverpool late 1970’s

Boy riding his bicycle off Princess Avenue. Liverpool 1980

An empty Toxteth street, Liverpool 1981