Hakusou Speaks | Any Beginning Is Fine | Minolta X300 | Knowledge #482

Creators who are passionate about photography share their stories of cameras and the narratives behind them. The notion of a “beloved camera” reflects each individual’s philosophy and values. In this series, we feature Hakusou, who is devoted to the Minolta X300.

Film cameras are once again capturing the attention of a new generation. The tactile sensation unique to analog, the mindful approach to every single frame—there’s a certain charm in the inconvenience itself. It was within this world that Hakusou began their journey as a “photographer.”

“Every feeling of beginning is just a superstition.”

With these words from a poem close to their heart, Hakusou reflects on their own origins. It was not a story of special talent or credentials, but a small tale that began with a simple, inexplicable attraction.

The Minolta X300 is a 35mm SLR film camera released by Minolta in the 1980s. This model skillfully balances mechanical operation with electronic control, and remains highly popular today as an entry-level film camera.

“Every feeling of beginning is just a superstition.”

This is a line from the poem “A Brief Thought on First Love” by the Korean poet Lee Hyunho (이현호). I would like to share a story about superstition, beginnings, and first love. It is also the story of “Freddie,” my very first camera, which guided me toward becoming a “photographer”—something I had never studied or pursued as a career.

To be honest, there was nothing dramatic that set it all in motion.
Like Nandatsu, I enjoyed capturing everyday moments on my smartphone, and one day, I simply wanted a little more. Rather than opting for a convenient point-and-shoot or digital camera, I deliberately chose a manual film camera because I wanted to learn the craft properly from the start.

The classic design and robust build of the Minolta series, beloved by beginners, matched exactly what I was looking for. That’s how I encountered my first camera.

The name “Freddie” comes from Freddie Ryan, a journalist in the British drama “THE HOUR,” whom I deeply admire. He’s a workaholic, highly competent, a bit prickly, and socially awkward—almost cat-like. At the time I picked up my camera, I was completely captivated by his character, and so I named my beloved Minolta X300 after him.

I knew nothing about cameras and approached my first shoot with Freddie expecting disappointment, but it turned out to be an unexpectedly rewarding experience. Just as Freddie in the drama never cuts corners with anyone, this camera, too, gifted me with beautiful scenery and meaningful experiences, even as a novice.

I became completely enchanted with life alongside “Freddie.” I worked during the week, and as soon as the weekend arrived, I would eagerly head out to shoot, finishing a 36-exposure roll of film in a single day. Each week, as I received the photographs I had created with Freddie, my love and passion for photography deepened. Those were simply joyful times.

Now, about five years later, I am working as a photojournalist in Korea. There was a time when I thought loving photography alone could never be enough to make a living, but now I find genuine joy in my work.

And now, I am able to share my photographs and talk about cameras with readers of cizucu Magazine in Japan and beyond. It’s something my past self could never have imagined.

Many people say it’s “too late” to take on something new, or that they’re “not ready.” But please remember: how you begin doesn’t matter at all.
That feeling—like a superstition—is more than enough. I hope this story gives you the encouragement you need, and I send you my heartfelt support.

Summer 2026. In Korea.
With sincerity, from Hakusou.