A Weekend with the Minolta CLE: Analog Escapism in the Austrian Alps
Escaping the Digital Noise with Film Photography
When everyday life is packed with deadlines, screens, and constant digital input, sometimes the best reset is to go fully analog. That’s exactly what I did in April, when my friend Stefan and I escaped to the Austrian Alps for a quiet weekend near Innsbruck.
Instead of bringing a digital camera or heavy gear, I made a conscious decision: just my Minolta CLE, the compact rangefinder I’ve grown to love, paired with the Voigtländer Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4. Two rolls of Kodak Ektar 100 went into the bag—nothing more.
Why I Chose Kodak Ektar 100 for the Mountains
It was still early in the year, and the mountains were beautifully snow-capped. The idea of shooting slide film crossed my mind, but I knew the high-contrast conditions and unpredictable light would be better handled by color negative film. Ektar 100—with its fine grain, punchy colors, and excellent latitude—felt like the perfect match.
Day 1: Into the Mühltal, Toward the Meissnerhaus
Our hike began south of the Patscherkofel, heading into the peaceful Mühltal. The trail led us through snowy patches and waking spring landscapes, aiming for the Meissnerhaus. Though we knew it was closed for seasonal break, we carried our own picnic and took in the mountain silence.
Surprisingly, the weather turned out better than expected. The sun pushed through textured clouds, casting dramatic light onto the landscape—a dream for any analog photographer.
Day 2: Innsbruck in the Spring Light
The second day was spent wandering the streets of Innsbruck. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and warmed by low spring sun, the city was alive with contrast and charm. From architectural details to wide mountain vistas, the CLE and Ektar handled every frame with elegance.
Developing, Scanning & Falling in Love (Again)
A few weeks later, I got the negatives back from the lab—and the excitement of seeing those colors was real. I scanned the film myself using a Sony A7CII and the Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro. For conversion, I used Negative Lab Pro, which did an excellent job bringing the Ektar palette to life.
The results? Better than I had hoped. Subtle tones, vibrant reds, crisp contrast. But more than that—it reminded me how relaxing and satisfying shooting film can be.
Final Thoughts: Analog Simplicity and Lasting Memories
This trip wasn’t about chasing perfect shots or testing gear—it was about slowing down. Two rolls, one lens, one weekend. And yet, the memories feel sharper than most digital trips I’ve taken. There’s something to be said for limiting yourself and trusting the process.
I hope you enjoy the gallery below as much as I enjoyed creating it.
