Getting the best gear doesn’t make you the best, it’ll just make you broke!
I know, I know… that title might sting a little. And sure, some folks might accuse me of being a gear acquisitioner (is that even an accurate word?). But hear me out.
I fell into that trap early in my career—we all do, right? I wanted the best camera, the sharpest lens, the fanciest light. I thought better gear would make me a better photographer. But something shifted. As I started creating with what I did have, I realized people were hiring me not because of the gear I used but because of the work I produced. Go figure!
Now, I won’t pretend I’ve entirely escaped the allure of shiny new toys. But these days, when I get new gear, it’s usually “new to me.” Honestly, I’ve only recently been in a place where I could afford to buy anything brand-new. For most of my 30+ year career, my gear came to me secondhand, as gifts, trades, or sometimes as payment for a job. And you know what? It got the job done.
This mindset isn’t unique to photography. My family ran a bakery when I was a kid, and I remember how excited my parents would get over a new (well, new to us) piece of equipment. It was often refurbished or gently used; what do they call it with cars again? “Previously loved”? Yeah, that.
There’s nothing wrong with used gear, especially in the film days. Sure, with digital cameras, you’ve got to watch out for shutter actuations and such, but tech has come a long way. Even that’s less of a deal-breaker than it used to be.
Fast-forward to 2025, I still have many of my old film cameras—and I still use them! I’ve got a Pentax 645N from 1996 that I used to shoot a wedding just a few years ago. The camera worked beautifully, and the clients were thrilled with the results.
So here’s the thing: don’t turn your nose up at older gear. These days, younger creatives, Millennials, Gen Z, and maybe even Gen Alpha, are rediscovering the magic of vintage film cameras. According to The Guardian, a new wave of enthusiasts eschew digital photography in favor of older, slower, ‘magical’ technology. This resurgence is driven by a desire for film photography’s unique aesthetics and tactile experience.
Moreover, the appeal of vintage cameras isn’t just about nostalgia. The Times reports that analog cameras are experiencing a resurgence akin to vinyl records, driven by a renewed appreciation for the tangible aspects of photography. This trend highlights a broader cultural longing for authenticity and the timeless appeal of capturing moments in a classic, unfiltered way.
If you ever get the chance to pick up something old, something previously loved, give it a go. You might discover a new side of your creativity or even a niche you didn’t know your community needed.
Good luck out there. And as always, happy shooting!
