Hi, I’m Nathaniel. Outside the Shot is my attempt at saving you from hours of frustration.
The quality and features of modern cameras are mindblowing. Technology is always improving. Though, that still doesn’t mean older cameras can’t be enjoyable.
The Technology Divide
Using vintage digital and film cameras is an eye opening experience of using technology frozen in time. So many functions and features simply don’t exist.
Auto first meant automatic aperture stop down. Now the default is to assume that means auto focus.
Popular film cameras I’ve written about include:
Learning about photography is more fun when it isn’t a frustrating experience. Finding replacements for mercury batteries, making sure memory cards are compatible, and understanding lens changes can all be time consuming processes.
Great camera lenses that apply to other models with the same lense mounts:
- Canon AE-1 Lenses
- Pentax K1000 Lenses
- Nikon FM2 Lenses
- Nikon FE2 Lenses
- Canon A-1 Lenses
- Olympus OM-1 Lenses
- Minolta SR-T 101 Lenses
- Minolta X-700 Lenses
Finding information on vintange cameras and lenses can be difficult. Websites that used to contain that knowledge have been gone for years. Even finding memory cards and card readers can be a challenge.
Books can be out of print, expensive, and hard to find. Many publishers are no longer in business. Things are more difficult than they were.
The Best Camera Ever (Until a New Model is Released)
Cameras don’t stop being good because something new is released. In my opinion, they get better, because they get cheaper. In terms of specs and performance, higher-end older cameras are often better and cheaper than newly released entry level options.
That’s why I’ve taken the time to go through and list the best cameras that can be bought used at various price points.