Vintage Cuba

Vacation in Cuba with the Zeiss Ikon Camera

Last summer, I fulfilled a long-held dream: a trip to Cuba. The Caribbean island had always fascinated me with its nostalgic cars, the pulsating rhythms of salsa, and the weathered facades of Havana. But this time, I wanted to experience the island not only with my eyes but also through the viewfinder of my beloved Zeiss Ikon camera. With its analog perfection and unmistakable retro look, it seemed like the perfect companion to capture Cuba's charm.

Havana – A Journey Back in Time

Immediately after arriving in Havana, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. The city felt like a time capsule from the 1950s. Everywhere, old American classic cars cruised by, gleaming in the sunlight with their bright colors and chrome details. With the camera in hand, I wandered through the narrow streets of the old town, "La Habana Vieja." The peeling paint of the facades, the laughter of children playing in the streets, and the elegance of the colonial buildings all provided perfect photo opportunities. With the Zeiss Ikon, I managed to capture the warmth and texture of these scenes authentically. Every photo seemed to tell stories of the past, and the play of light and shadow added a special depth to the images.

A highlight was the famous "Malecón," the long promenade that separates the city from the sea. In the evenings, people gathered here to admire the sunset or simply enjoy life. I captured the moment when the sun dipped into the sea with a golden glow, silhouetting the people against the warm light. The camera was able to preserve the subtle melancholy of that moment in all its beauty.

Viñales – The Green Soul of Cuba

After Havana, I continued to Viñales, a region known for its green tobacco fields and striking karst mountains. Here, I felt as if time moved even more slowly. Farmers worked the fields with oxen, while the scent of freshly rolled cigars filled the air.

With my Zeiss Ikon, I shot some of my favorite photos: An elderly man with worn hands rolling a cigar as the warm afternoon light gently touched his face. A rustic barn surrounded by the lush nature of the Cuban countryside. The camera's clarity and precision allowed me to capture every small detail – from the deep wrinkles of the farmer to the fine fibers of the tobacco.

Trinidad – Colonial Charm by the Sea

My last stop was the town of Trinidad, which immediately enchanted me with its pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets. Here, I felt like I had stepped into a painting. Every corner of the town offered a scene waiting to be captured. The Zeiss Ikon seemed made for preserving this scenery in timeless beauty.

Especially impressive were the colorful houses at sunrise, when the soft morning light bathed the town in a golden glow. One of my favorite photos shows a woman in a traditional dress standing in one of the small shops, her outfit perfectly harmonizing with the vibrant facades around her.

Conclusion – Cuba Through the Lens of the Zeiss Ikon

The trip to Cuba was not just an exploration of a fascinating country, but also a journey through time. With the Zeiss Ikon camera in hand, I felt like I was capturing not only the present but also the past. Each shot had a soul, and through analog photography, I was forced to focus on what really mattered – the moment, the light, and the emotions. Cuba provided the perfect stage for this. It was a journey filled with unforgettable moments, forever captured through the lens of my Zeiss Ikon.