Lee's beloved Kyoceras is one such victim of the ravages of time. “I had 15 copies. About 11 of them died as soon as they arrived, and three died within a year. That means I only have one left. It was originally meant to be used only for special occasions.” The camera is there, because I never know when it's going to die.”
These photographers have learned that sometimes it is better to get ahead of a potential time bomb, especially if the device is still in demand. O'Keefe points to the Epson R-D1 as an example. it digital rangefinder From printer-maker Epson, with gauges on top made by Seiko, the watch-making branch of Epson, it was originally sold as a Leica alternative, but now fetches premium prices like the Leica. She says, “I actually sold my stuff a year and a half ago. I loved it so much, it was beautiful. But there's a point for me where I can see that this thing is definitely going to end, Maybe in the next five years. That's why I sold it, but it's such an amazing experience to shoot. Because other digital cameras have a lever that actually moves the shutter?”
#NoBadCameras
For a group of people with a recent influx of newcomers, the camera community seems to be adjusting well. Sophia Lee says the growing popularity of the camera is an opportunity to meet new colleagues in a field where it used to be difficult to connect with like-minded people. “I love that more people are interested in it, because when I first got into it I was thought to be completely crazy,” she says.
Regardless of the definition of camera morphing to include a wide range of cameras, Lee is accepting of all comers. “I'm liberal in allowing people to figure out what they feel is right,” Lee says. While not every camera is “right” for every photographer, many of them agree on one thing: repurposing used equipment is a win for the planet, and the constant upgrades of consumer technology are a way to resist churn. .
“It’s interesting to see what is considered obsolete,” Lee says. “From a carbon perspective, the largest footprint is at the time of manufacturing, meaning every piece of technology has this unfulfilled potential.” O'Keefe agrees: “From an environmental point of view I like it. Do we really need to control waste.” [by releasing] A new camera every few months?”
For James Warner, part of the appeal is using low-cost devices that more people can buy. And with low costs of entry, access to the large creator community becomes easier. “At some clubs you don't get invited if you don't have good stuff,” he says. “But they are welcome and can participate in low-budget photography.”
O'Keefe also created the hashtag #NoBadCameras. He believes that all cameras have unique features, and that if a curious photographer takes the time to learn the device, it can produce good results. “Don't be precious about it,” she says. “Just pick something, shoot it, and have fun.”