Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: New Toy (8 Million Won)
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The camera turned out to be a far more profound purchase than I'd imagined.
First off, you have to buy the body—the part that gives it the look of a camera we all know. You know, the part you hold in your hand.
They say there are all sorts of things to consider when picking a body.
Not just price, but shutter speed, burst rate, sensitivity, weight, and so on.
Honestly.
I'm not planning to go pro or anything; I just want to take it as a hobby. Do I really need to dive into all these specifics?
So, I just picked a reasonably pricey one from the beginner recommendations.
'From what I can tell, the lens matters more than the body anyway...'
Lenses.
A camera basically consists of the body and the lens.
And the reason everyone says camera hobby is expensive? It's all because of these lenses.
'Whoa... what are these prices?'
These small-looking lenses ranged from 800,000 won up to 4.3 million won, all over the map.
The long ones people call "cannon lenses" easily hit 13 million won.
The lenses compatible with the body I wanted weren't quite that pricey, but they still ran into the millions.
'Maybe just get one for now.'
The body was around 3 million won, but lenses were pricier at 3 to 5 million.
'No wonder they call it an expensive hobby.'
I added the one with the best reviews to my cart.
I thought about buying a whole set at once, but even aside from the cost, there were too many options. I wouldn't know how to use them all properly anyway.
'That'd just be a waste.'
No matter how much money you have, waste is waste.
Anyway, that took care of the big stuff.
Now just pick out the little things: memory card, tripod, lens cap, charger, battery, filters, etc.
'Why does it need so much stuff?'
I get that the descriptions say it's all necessary.
But the accessories might end up costing more than the body.
And with a bag to carry it all, the total came to about 8 million won.
'Entry-level is pricey, huh.'
They say any hobby costs a ton to start. Cameras are no exception.
'With lenses, won't it keep costing this much?'
Yeah. That's why they say don't even touch cameras unless you're serious.
It's hard to keep shelling out this kind of money otherwise.
Anyway, starting a new hobby and burning through cash like this in one day.
It's fun, but also makes me wonder if this is right.
Still, my heart's racing, so if it feels good, it is good.
'What should I shoot first when the camera arrives?'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The day after next.
The camera arrived.
I let out a short sigh at the sight of several large boxes and started unpacking them one by one.
Camera body, lens, accessories—all spread out across the living room.
'Ugh, when am I gonna sort all this?'
Unpacking, connecting, bagging—it took about an hour.
Once I was mostly done, a pretty camera body with its strap sat neatly in front of me.
"...Even just the body looks nice."
The model I bought was a full-frame mirrorless—compact, too.
At around 3 million won, it was pretty high-end compared to others.
I haven't tried other cameras, but it definitely seemed beginner-friendly, especially for women.
'Lightweight is the best.'
Excited, I fiddled with it, pulled out the tripod and Bluetooth grip, and assembled them.
'Ooh... feels kinda pro.'
I've only ever bought clothes, computers, bags—buying a camera feels so novel.
Is this how a kid feels finding a fun new toy?
I spent a while shooting stuff around the house.
Items from Japan.
The Japan-exclusive Prada bag that arrived by mail.
I flung open the window and snapped the little mountain and river out front.
"Hmm!"
Satisfying.
But the real reason I bought this camera wasn't just for messing around like this.
'Time to head out.'
I bought it to take on trips, to capture what I see along the way.
So, I need to go outside.
That's how I'll get more fun, prettier shots, right?
Plus, my neighborhood is a mid-sized city, not a big metropolis.
It's in the capital area but kinda meh—not huge.
So, nearby sights? Mountains, forests, little rivers, valleys. That's it.
The test shots from earlier were pretty much the full menu.
Back in the day, I'd have wandered around with this camera snapping nothing but landscape pics.
'No clue if they were good or lame, I'd have spammed them all over SNS.'
Of course, doing that now would get me a flood of DMs from Euna.
Sis buys a fancy camera just to shoot more weird landscapes—what's that about?
Thinking of Euna's cute whining made me chuckle softly.
Landscapes aren't bad, but since I bought the camera, I should go farther for cooler shots.
Not the everyday mountains and rivers around home—stuff you can't see without traveling.
'Euna's raised my standards.'
I owe this hobby entirely to her.
So, maybe share a few nice shots with her.
'Selfies with the tripod? She'd like that?'
I chuckled, then shook my head.
I'm no celebrity; she doesn't need photocard selfies.
Pushing aside silly thoughts, I packed the camera and gear into the bag.
Changed clothes in a hurry and slung it over my shoulder.
'Feels okay now... but adding more lenses might make it heavy.'
Good thing I got a small one.
With the somewhat hefty bag, I headed to the parking lot.
Carefully set it on the passenger seat, set the destination.
Today's spot: the East Coast, straight shot.
Why the East Coast?
It's a bit far, but the highway makes it quick.
If it gets too late for a day trip, I can crash overnight.
Most importantly...
'Clams when it's chilly.'
Clam BBQ looked so good on TV yesterday.
'Man, it's been ages since I've seen the sea.'
Never had reason to near where I used to live.
South Sea was too far.
West Sea? No trips there.
East Sea was closest, but the roads were rough—I barely went.
'The world's come a long way.'
East-West highways, trains too.
Latte is horse-drawn carriage.
Anyway.
First long drive in a while—I gripped the wheel, focused.
Used to need company to feel safe on trips, but now I know people are around me. Solo trips feel fine.
Glancing at the big camera bag filling the seat makes me feel secure, too.
'Hmm... did I get too big a bag?'
It's oversized compared to the camera and lens inside.
Maybe the security's just 'cause it fills my view.
Anyway, I buckled in the bag like a passenger and pulled out of the lot.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A small city in Gangwon Province: towering mountains, pristine sea, even a lake nearby.
"Phew... the air's definitely fresh."
I strolled around, breathing in the clean, crisp air.
Why walk when I have a car?
Tourist town—streets jammed with vehicles.
Friday crowds everywhere.
'Market's chaos.'
The famous central market was packed from the entrance.
Everyone emerging with sweet-and-sour chicken skewers, for some reason.
'Is the chicken that famous?'
Seaside city—why chicken over seafood? No idea.
Tried market browsing but ditched it for the crowds, headed straight to the beach.
Salt-laced wind hit me as I arrived.
But the wind was brutally cold.
Winter closing in—the sea breeze was no joke.
'Bad timing?'
Cold's not the issue. It's the crowds packing the beach despite the chill.
Traffic jams on the highway gave a hint, but not this bad.
I pondered, then opened the map app.
Searched for uncrowded spots nearby.
A lake a bit farther north caught my eye.
'Fewer people here?'
Remote large lake, no shops or anything.
Even tourists wouldn't linger long.
Perfect for photos.
Reviews mentioned birdwatchers for migratory birds, too.
'My pics... birds if I spot any...'
Way better than people-packed beach.
Hailed a cab to the lake.
Short ride later: quiet, as hoped.
A few couples walking, families touring.
Local guys jogging around the lake.
'Great scenery.'
Exotic compared to home's mountains and rivers.
Surrounding trees are cherry blossoms—spring would be stunning.
'Shots here... even Euna would approve.'
Still landscapes, but unique—not your everyday view.
So, I set the bag on a nearby bench, unpacked tripod, camera, lens, assembled smoothly.
"Hmm... good."
Practiced at home via videos—snapped together perfectly.
Grabbed the camera, aimed lens at the lake.
'Ooh...'
Afternoon sun high, no clouds—crisp natural light.
'Way different from phone camera.'
Didn't notice at home, but out here? Night and day.
Sharp, clear even zoomed hard.
Results had a satisfaction phone pics lack.
'This is it.'
I get why people make photography a hobby, drop big bucks on lenses.
Even plain landscapes are this fun.
'Wish I'd had this at Fukuoka Tower.'
A bit regretful.
But whatever—I can go anytime.
"Gonna fill this memory card today."
Set a modest goal, started snapping away.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Brought the selfie stick?"
"Hold on... huh? Where is it? Damn, think I left it at the lodge..."
A couple strolling by the lake.
The little selfie stick that should be in his pocket was missing.
The woman shrugged it off, but the guy looked embarrassed.
Could ask other people nearby, but just some jogging locals.
Can't just stop them mid-run for pics.
So, he switched phone to selfie mode, stretched his arm—
"Honey, how about asking that lady over there...?"
A bit away: tall woman with camera around neck, big bag, wandering nearby.
The guy stared for a sec.
She was strikingly beautiful, even from afar.
Caught his girlfriend's glance, cleared his throat lightly.
"I'll go ask."
Got her okay, approached cautiously.