Celebrating Two Icons of Photography – Olympus OM-2N & Polaroid Supercolor 635CL.
Some cameras are more than just tools, they're milestones in photographic history. Recently, I had the pleasure of putting together a photoshoot dedicated to two classics that continue to inspire photographers decades after their release: the Olympus OM-2N and the Polaroid Supercolor 635CL.
There was something genuinely special about placing these legendary cameras into the hands of a beautiful model and watching them become part of the story rather than simply the equipment behind it. These cameras were once objects of desire, admired in camera shop windows and carried proudly by enthusiasts and professionals alike. Seeing them brought back to life in front of the lens was a thrill in itself.
Looking through the finished images, I couldn't help but smile. Back in their heyday, photographs like these probably would have sold quite a few cameras. They capture not only the elegance of the equipment but also the timeless appeal of photography itself—where craftsmanship, design and creativity come together.
The Olympus OM-2N
Released in the late 1970s, the Olympus OM-2N remains one of the finest 35mm SLR cameras ever produced. Designed by Yoshihisa Maitani, it combined compact dimensions with professional-level performance, proving that serious cameras didn't have to be large and heavy.
Its electronically controlled shutter and revolutionary Through-The-Lens (TTL) Off-The-Film metering system were well ahead of their time, delivering remarkably accurate exposures even in challenging lighting conditions. The bright viewfinder, smooth controls and beautifully engineered construction make it just as enjoyable to use today as it was nearly fifty years ago.
The Polaroid Supercolor 635CL
Standing alongside the Olympus was another icon, the Polaroid Supercolor 635CL. Introduced during the golden era of instant photography, it represented everything people loved about Polaroid: simplicity, spontaneity and the magic of holding a finished photograph only moments after pressing the shutter.
With its distinctive rainbow striped design and integrated electronic flash, the Supercolor 635CL became one of the most recognisable instant cameras ever made. Long before smartphones and social media, it offered something genuinely magical capturing a moment and sharing a physical print almost immediately.
Even today, that experience remains incredibly satisfying. The imperfections, unique colour rendition and one of a kind prints remind us why instant photography has enjoyed such a remarkable resurgence.
Photography Beyond Technology
Modern cameras are astonishingly capable, but there is something deeply rewarding about working with classic equipment. Vintage cameras encourage a slower, more deliberate approach, where composition, timing and light matter just as much as technology.
This photoshoot wasn't simply about showcasing two beautiful cameras, it was about celebrating the era they represent. An era when every frame mattered, every click of the shutter carried anticipation, and photography felt as much about the journey as the final image.
The Olympus OM-2N and Polaroid Supercolor 635CL continue to remind us that great photography has never been defined by megapixels or autofocus speeds. It has always been about vision, creativity and the stories we choose to tell. Bringing these classics back into the spotlight was a fitting tribute to two cameras that helped shape photographic history—and a reminder that true design never goes out of style.
