It has been over 30 years since I was last in Sheffield, and as it was only a 20 minute train ride from where we were staying in the Peak District, it would be rude not to. When I do trips like this, I don’t tend to take a new camera that I haven’t tested before, but the Fuji looked to be working properly so gave it a go.

The Fuji Work Record was made between 1993-2006 and this is the non panoramic model. It has a 28mm wide angle lens, and was designed for the Japanese construction industry to use on site - hence the rugged toughness and weather proofing. The ‘bullbars’ on the front are reminiscent of the Fuji GS645S and add protection to the lens.

With the weather over the weekend being a typical British summer varying between bright sunshine, heavy dark clouds, rain, wind - basically everything except snow! Just your average August weekend then! I opted for Ilford HP5 for the predicted overcast morning.

With no idea what to expect from the camera I had one hour in Sheffield before my return train, so had to move quickly and not stray to far from the station. I had a few locations marked on a paper map to aim for, the first of which was this striking 1960’s design - I guess it was originally a church, but now a funeral home.

I couldn’t resist this Oasis poster with their current popularity - plus Sheffield is where I bought my ‘Definitely Maybe’ album back in 1994

I would never have found this next location if it wasn’t for Delay Tactics’ images on Flickr.

Located on a small side street, it is my favourite image of the day. Sheffield seems full of wonderful architectural gems. I love the fact that this could have been just an unassuming brick building, but the architect added this small corner that looks like the exterior is lifted to expose what is underneath.

I could have spent all day exploring, but with time running out I had to head back to the station - but obviously grabbing some more shots on the way.

There were not many people around being 8am on a Saturday, which was good as I wanted to focus on the place, rather than it’s inhabitants. Another Sixties design, that looks great on HP5, and a modern one - that also looks great on HP5!…

One thing that does strike me about this camera is the lens distortion - I know it is a 28mm lens, but being aimed at the construction industry to document buildings you would expect the images to be more true to life rather then the exaggerated verticals. It is great for the me though as I really like it.

I have to say the Fuji performed fantastically, it is quiet, easy to handle, weatherproof and creates great images - what more could you ask for?

HP5 - Sheffield - Fuji Work Record

The airport X-ray effect…

K.M.C Kino…