My trip to Barcelona started with the usual panic about what cameras to take. I'm getting more and more desperate to travel light, which means choices need to be made. I must have packed and unpacked my camera bag a million times. One thing was sure though, I was definitely going to be taking a Zero Image.

In this case, the Zero Image was a new 69MF, purchased to replace my old 69MF which I destroyed with a combination of sleepiness, a suitcase and a tripod (all in a hotel in Portland, Oregon). This time I sprang for a "Back to Nature" version, which I have to say looks lovely, I much prefer the finish to the varnished version. I got one with the filter attachment, as well as the bubble level and cable release. I also got the brass edge protector...I'm not convinced by the functionality or aesthetic of that but that's another story.

After shooting with, and enjoying, both my 3D printed camera (thanks to the ever masterful Schlem) and my Reality So Subtle 6x6 I wasn't sure I would still get the same joy as I did from my old Zero. I needn't have worried, the 69MF was like meeting up with an old friend, the passing years didn't matter a jot and we just carried on where we left off.

This is not to say that there is anything wrong with either of the other cameras (or indeed any of my cameras) but sometimes things just click. I suspect I'll still travel a lot with the RSS in particular given the small size, I'll just need to remember the crazy vignetting the focal length gives.

I also decided that my BCN trip was time to reacquaint myself with another love...Kodak Portra. I flirted dangerously with Fuji Pro film for a little while. However, I struggle to cope with judging the exposure just right, and the colours didn't quite do it for me...so welcome back Portra and all her loveliness.

I suppose a little spiel about whilst I was in Barcelona would be in order. Well, this was the third annual meet-up (GitTogether) for an ever expanding group of pinhole photographers from all over the world. First we went to Amsterdam, then Portland, and this time Barcelona. Next year is San Francisco and 2018...well 2018 should be good (I hope). Regardless of location, there is nothing like meeting up with friends old and new, particularly if you only get to do it so often. We laughed, we ate, we drank, we got up obscenely early (some of us) and we shot pinhole. It was alright!

That time Jana took a picture of my crotch; image made by Jana Obscura

Huge thanks should go to our gracious hosts in Barcelona, Jesus and Xavi. Wonderful people, wonderful photographers and great friends. I cannot explain how much I enjoyed this trip, the memories will stay with me for a long time. Oh...and I think my favourite photo of the trip involves Jesus.

What I haven't included here is the image I submitted to the pinhole day online exhibition. If you want to see that, you best take a look at the GitTogether group in the gallery. As a final word, if you happen to be in Barcelona in the next couple of weeks then do check out Revela-T, I have an image as part of Herschel's Next Best Thing Pinhole Project, and Markus Kaesler has a solo show.

All images on this post were processed by the ever wonderful UK Film Lab.