Let’s talk film photography—because honestly, that’s where the magic of my Richmond trip lives. My Olympus OM10, loaded with Fuji Superia Xtra 400, was the perfect companion to capture a city bursting with color and texture. From hair dye escapades to museum marvels and tattoo artistry, every frame tells a story.
The Olympus OM10
Introduced in 1979 as part of Olympus’s legendary OM series, the OM10 was designed as a budget-friendly SLR for amateur photographers. Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, it quickly became a popular choice for those diving into the world of 35mm photography. When it first hit the market, the OM10 was priced at around $200—a steal for its time, given its quality and versatility. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $800 in today’s money, making it a mid-range camera by modern standards.
The OM10 came with an optional manual adapter that allowed users to control shutter speed directly, giving it a level of flexibility usually reserved for higher-end models. Its Zuiko lenses, known for their sharpness and clarity, made it a standout choice for capturing everything from portraits to landscapes. Paired with Fuji Superia Xtra 400, the OM10’s performance truly shines, delivering rich colors and beautifully rendered grain.
Why Fuji Superia Xtra 400?
Here’s the honest truth: Fuji Superia Xtra 400 wasn’t my first choice. I actually planned to shoot with Fomapan 400, but in a classic “left it on the kitchen counter” moment, I forgot it at home. Enter Fuji Superia Xtra 400, which I grabbed from CVS in a pinch. Sometimes, the best results come from happy accidents, and this film did not disappoint.
The first thing you notice about Fuji Superia Xtra 400 is how it handles color. It’s bold but not overwhelming, vibrant without losing a sense of realism. The saturation is just enough to make blues, greens, and reds pop—perfect for capturing vivid moments like my friend Ray’s electric hair dye job or the intricate details of a Navi tattoo. Plus, the film’s ISO 400 rating gave me the flexibility to shoot in various lighting conditions without breaking a sweat.
The Aesthetic Edge
What sets this film apart is its grain—fine enough to retain detail, but present enough to remind you this is analog, not digital. It’s that grain that gives each photo a tangible, almost tactile quality. For example, the texture in the shadows of a museum’s abstract art piece or the subtle depth in a portrait taken under fluorescent tattoo shop lights. The Superia Xtra 400 strikes a balance that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
Hand-Developing at Home
Here’s where the story gets personal: developing the film in my own bathroom. There’s a certain alchemy to it—measuring chemicals, timing each step perfectly, and watching the negatives emerge from the reel. It’s a hands-on process that makes every photo feel like a collaboration between me, the camera, and the film itself.
Despite the DIY setup, the results were stunning. The Superia Xtra 400 rewarded me with images that had warmth, character, and a sense of life. The highlights retained their glow, the shadows held their mystery, and the colors—oh, the colors—looked like they were plucked straight from memory.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about capturing moments on film. It’s not just about the image itself but the entire process—choosing the film, setting up the shot, and then waiting (and hoping) for the results. Fuji Superia Xtra 400 delivered everything I wanted and more, even if it wasn’t the film I’d originally planned to use. It’s a film that’s as versatile as it is vibrant, and Richmond provided the perfect canvas to let it shine.
So, whether you’re a seasoned film photographer or someone curious about trying it for the first time, I can’t recommend this combo enough. Grab a roll, find your scene, and let the magic unfold.