Are Retro Camera Designs Stupid?

[@BradyBessette]

I love hearing you guys talk man. And these talking heads look so so nice guys

[@cammackey]

I had a joke but I’ll keep that one private 😂

[@BradyBessette]

@@cammackey say it

[@JuiceJonesCreates.]

1-THE WAY THIS SIT DOWN WAS SHOT AND RECORDED JUST DAMN. ESPECIALLY THE AUDIO PIECE. the audio on this was clean and full of body 2 the sony fx30. I don't think i'm big on cameras yet but i am big on hearinh you guys educate us and learn your point of view and insight. One show #mentalhealthmonday we shoot mental health discussions of 4 topics. It's shot from the point of view of those who treat, those who experience and those who coach the community. An we do a separate show that is faceless that closely touches on the story and experience of the person as they clean shoes and man working and learning these cameras get me super excited especially as a one man band.

[@PyroPenaloza]

My wish camera would be a Nikon Z rangefinder, similar to what they did with the Zfc and Zf, but using the Nikon S, S2 or SP as the basis. That would be a great competition for all Fujis out there. I'm loving my Zfc right now, but if they release a rangefinder Z...OH BOEEEE

[@gavinlagrange6322]

Yeah I have a Zf, but put me down for a Zs rangefinder. And lenses with aperture rings please.

[@vha42]

It sounds like a good idea until you think of the Z mount, size of the current nikon lenses etc, before you know it’s similar to the fuji 50R in size. Then it’s not SP like, or S2. What you want is sounds like a evf Leica M or thereabout? Give me a up to date fullframe Epson Rd-1 🤩, i will not complain if 24 mpx .

[@TyeMorrisVlog]

My first camera was a Pentax K1000 back in the 90s, and like you, I look back on that work with a great deal of fondness. I still love that work. These days, like many, I shoot Sony professionally because its rock solid reliability assures me of a perfect shot for my clients almost 99% of the time. But when I shoot for myself, when it’s shooting for the pleasure of creation, I’m using my Fuji XPro-2, my Polaroid i2, my Minolta Hi-Matic 7s rangefinder, or my Canon FTb that’s been in the family since it was new. My dad bought the FTb new in 1971, and it was the first real camera I ever shot with. It was because my dad taught me how to shoot with that camera that I’m a photographer today. It’s still my most treasured camera because of both its history and how it affects how I shoot. If Canon or another modern company decided to make a fixed lens digital rangefinder, as long as it was properly manual focus, I would absolutely be interested

[@charliejg]

Hey Lee!!! Some of my favorite shoots you've done were with Fuji cameras. The shoot in the camper van(VW I think?), the one with your old car and the one with the cowboy boots, denim dress/skirt in the middle of the road stand out to me. I've only shot with my Ricoh X-RP, my Pixel 2XL and now my Fuji X-T3. I still love that T3. Cool discussion. Love that you shared some of those old cameras with us Cam.

[@rickbiessman6084]

8:06 Man, I’d be all over that! That or a modernized reissue of the Epson RD-1, or a Sony RX1R III.

[@mrfishinthehat]

Quickly becoming my favorite creator

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I think there's a lot of retro stuff in the world now and people like to live in the past and reminisce so I think that part of the design process with cameras going retro is it at Kids that feeling that they are back younger again it's kind of a dopamine thing in the brain that if you feel like you're living in the past then you feel those times were better than your current life it's a psychological thing actually and it's quite deep in the thought process when you think about it. It's why we like retro cars even though they are very expensive to fix run and very impractical. Thankfully the new retro style cameras are pretty good. the Nikon ZF and Fuji XT5 and many of the Leica cameras are very good.... I still have my XT5 and love it

[@DMProductions]

Love the raw rambler talks 😂

[@The_Essential_Light]

Just like you, the Sony A7RV is the camera I use for paid work. If I’m going out to shoot for me, I use the Fuji X100V or Ricoh GR3.

[@rickbiessman6084]

I’ve seen a couple of photographers of the same generation move to Fujifilm, even for their professional work, for the same reasons that you guys mentioned. They’ve been shooting full time for over a decade, and they got bored by their (in these cases) Sony cameras, because they’re _perfect_, but not exciting to them. They felt the need to switch things up, to find a camera that they liked handling, and that, frankly, made their work a little more difficult because Fujifilm’s autofocus isn’t as perfected as Sony’s. I’ve only been shooting professional work on the side for about a year, so I don’t have your guys’ perspective at all. My main camera is a Sony A7C II and for most of my needs, it really hits the nail on the head! It performs EXTREMELY well, but I like that it’s small, I like that it’s more stylish than typical pro cameras, I love the offset range finder like design (and I can tell it helps me connect more with the people I’m photographing). It’s not as epic as some Fujifilms or the Zf. But it strikes a pretty good balance for me. That said... I’ll be honest, sometimes when I pick up my Minolta XD-7, I literally tear up. Like I am right now. I’ve messed up so many shots with this camera by misfocusing, screwing up exposure, or getting light leaks recently. But MAN. Ooof. ...just a beautiful piece of technology.

[@arneheeringa96]

Because I continued shooting BW on film with manual cameras I don't have much problems focusing, but exposure is still a theme. I like the simplicity of old cameras.

[@rickbiessman6084]

@@arneheeringa96 Me too, definitely. Which is odd, because the way I set up my modern mirrorless, the process of shooting is really simple, too. But shooting my 70’s SLR is a different kind of simple, I guess.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

3:45 - That's me. Not Lazy but honestly just want it to look good straight out the camera and be done with it. I dont enjoy the process of editing photos like video so jpgs are huge.

[@Shunjut]

That Canon T2i was my first serious camera that I got as well. You can learn so much from a DSLR, something that is missed in the mirror less era. Sometimes the journey (using a nostalgic styled camera body or manual lens) is just as important as the destination as an artist. Inspiration from tactile feedback or reminiscing from when you first took photos. That’s why the Fuji XT30ii is my go to for family, it reminds me of the Olympus OM1N I shot with my dad.

[@caleblatreille8224]

I'm genuinely shocked more companies haven't used the box camera form factor (Hasselblad and Phase One being the exceptions). A cubic TLR or SLR design has tons of room for processor/cooling, allllll the retro appeal right now, and dramatically changes the way people shoot (which you showed in the 907x review) even when it keeps the same functionality. If one of the companies can bring the price down, they'll make a killing.

[@mystreetview_30seconds]

As a Street- and Travel Photographer I'm more on the "slow" site. Still love shooting with my beloved X100 and Nikon DF. Their Retro-Design ist just great! Shooting only on M-Mode, the DF with a Voigtländer manual Lens: slow-down-Photography with pure Fun. I love this Channel !!

[@nationalzero269]

My first camera was a Canon TX, and my first auto-focus camera was a Canon 630. Modern cameras, frame rates, autofocus, etc., are fantastic. A camera is a tool, and a contemporary camera improves the odds of getting the shot, especially for wildlife and sports. I prefer using my Leica Q and Fuji GFX 50R for fun shooting. I love the dials and mostly shoot these cameras in manual mode. The Leica Q leaf shutter is fun to use with a small flash. I love the choice.

[@cammackey]

Agreed, cameras are tools. The part we must also remember is photography is an art. There’s a way we can have fun with both. And bro I’m dying to try a Q!

[@LiamMarskog]

When it comes to something like an Xpan camera i think a brand could do what ARRI does with their LF cameras (and RED as well) which is to stitch sensors. You could probably stitch two sensors to emulate a Xpand sensor. It would probably be very very expensive but it's probably doable. Would be really really cool as well

[@CrispyFrenFry]

My takeaway is that the market place offers something for every type of photographer. Pros of the film era drove the move towards digital photography and the legitimate need to use more perfect lenses. Now we have a wider segment of the community made up of new pros and prosumers seeking a style of their own. I personally love my digital cameras because shooting with by my film cameras feels cost prohibitive. That being said, I still have my film cameras for those days where I can’t resist shooting with them.

[@testshoot]

Long story short: motivation can come from the vibe of the gear. I bought the F4s to replace my T90 and A1 in the late 80s when I was in HS. I went to the RZ and handheld it with ringlights for years, but I felt a little left behind in rising film costs. Then a couple years renting, then Pentax K1 because it had nostalgia for the P67, but it was poorly supported, sold, back to renting. XPro3 comes out, I shot the heck out of it and it made me happy to hold and shoot. Sold that recently, trying to get the next wave, grabbed an XT5 while I decide on X2D, 907 or maybe a used Phase One or older CCD Hassy with the larger sensor. Modular systems are interesting to me more than IBIS HDR Sononikoneica stat sheet chasers,

[@SterlingSanders]

Hasselblad strikes the most elegant balance between their beautiful retro camera bodies, user experience, and capabilities for modern technology. I'd shoot that if performance and capability weren't my primary focus.

[@donjagoe]

Love these discussions. Did Canon for 20 years, ending at the soul-less R6Mk2. Now happily using a Leica M10-R, for all the reasons you mentioned. Funnily, I also have a QL17 (chrome) loaded with TriX and always at the ready. And a Nikon F2 Photomic loaded with the same. All soul, no plastic.

[@tfresh99]

With film rangefinders, if you love the Canonet QL17 then the Olympus 35 SP is worth trying out. If you’re not yet familiar with it, that lens is amazing! I own both rangefinders, each are just different enough to justify owning both.

[@lucapasturini4229]

it is like fashion , design , architectural , cars , art , buildings even music ...today it looks shit all the same ...that is why we like those from the past because they speaks to you they have a soul and communicate their individuality .

[@jaycoronado3441]

Great topic. I love my Canon 7S, Rangefinder. The LTM gives you great lens options.

[@SterlingSanders]

@cammackey It's the photographer, not the camera. My inspiration comes from making my imagination reality. It's not the technology that inspires, it's the removal of limitations and facilitation to idea that amplifies inspiration through ease of execution. Much like knowledge is not a replacement for experience; technology is a means to make inspiration palpable but not it's replacement. RAW, high resolution, high dynamic range, etc, give me the ability to craft whatever I desire in the quickest simplest way possible, rather than struggling or missing the shot. Frankly, I don't care about old technology. At one point, that technology was cutting edge too, it's just worse. Why not also process and scan your own negatives, instead of sending it to a shop? Why not dodge and burn, instead of scanning and using a digital editing tool? I can craft any look from any modern camera (take a picture with lens cap on (film/sensor), use it as an overlay in photoshop) then apply picture profile to taste. The only thing those old bodies have over new ones is subjective "classic" aesthetic and a more simple capability and focus. I prefer to know a camera like the back of my hand, so I don't have to think about the technology at all, and just get to focus on bringing the ideas to life.

[@gavinlagrange6322]

Process is additive. The ritual IS the magic. Limitation facilitates play. Or to reverse your 'why not' questions, why not just use AI to realise your vision? Then you would be truly free of creative limitation.

[@SterlingSanders]

@@gavinlagrange6322 Because with AI I’m not the one creating it, and its images were never reality. No matter how good my “words” are they are up to the interpretation of the AI. Even if the AI is a perfect replica of my brain, body, knowledge, experiences, preferences, I’m not the one that created it, and the images were never crafted from reality. There will always be a delta between the two. I may be ok with using AI for art, because of a lack of my own capability in not being able to execute an art style I’m not capable of, but I’m not asking the technology to make my own creative decisions, creative choices, nor curate or manifest my vision. I use the tool as a means to craft the work that is a representation of reality. No different than a paint brush to a painter, except photography it’s a facsimile of reality in a moment in time. It’s one of the primary differences between photography and traditional creative art, it’s something a human saw or experienced in its creation. Other art is free of those constraints, but *reality* is the constraint I prefer, not technology.

[@ryanleethomas]

Canon came close with the M6 retro look, just needs a proper viewfinder and sensor size, but they crippled their EF-M mount for the RF mount - which was a huge bummer overall. New mount is too big to have that perfect rangefinder body.

[@davidventura1424]

Fuji always made cameras we didn’t know we needed!!! I’ve had few Fuji cameras now I only have the GX680iii.. that camera is 🤟

[@JochenBreuer]

What watch is Lee wearing there? Looks awesome!

[@aliboty]

Fantastic video Cam 👊🏽

[@rdog77]

Lee’s talking about the Canon P. Rangefinder. They should make the mark II 🙌📸

[@BrandonLovesCameras]

Love the channel Cam. I saw you at NAB at the Zhiyun booth and decided to check out the channel. Definitely in a league of your own dude.

[@cammackey]

Damn that’s cool to hear!!!! The Zhiyun booth was super fun!!!

[@BrandonLovesCameras]

@@cammackey Definitely enjoyed it!

[@emreyilmaz1360]

I would love to see raws shot with a Nikon ZF & a Thypoch

[@shawn.hickman]

I want to share a slightly different perspective. I'm NOT a professional photographer at all. I'm an enthusiast/hobbyist/etc. I personally find my Sony A7RV VERY fun to shoot with, especially with small primes. I also love my Ricoh GRs. I didn't grow up with older cameras so I don't feel any kind of nostalgia for the current crop of vintage inspired cameras. They are cool for sure, but they don't grab me in any emotional way. I totally understand why professional photographers like Cam and Lee find Sony/Canon/Nikon mirrorless cameras boring or uninspiring. They are literally work tools for them. I feel the same about my MacBook Pro sometimes because I use it 99% for work (I'm a software developer/designer). I'm sharing this comment for other enthusiast/hobbyist so they don't feel bad/confused for loving their mirrorless Sony/Canon/Nikon cameras 😜. Buying camera gear is very intimidating for newbies and it can be hard to put a professional photographers advice into the perspective of a enthusiast/hobbyist. Thanks for making great stuff Cam, I'm a big fan! (And a big fan of Lee too!)

[@cammackey]

Damn see this is why I was excited to read the comments on this video. I never thought about the generation of art. Like when I started in photography a lot of those film cameras were apart of a lot of conversation even amongst photographers. So after reading this comment I’m like.. wow I’m old and becoming out of touch 😂

[@shawn.hickman]

@@cammackey na man, you’re not old and out of touch. You’re just an amalgamation of your life experiences…just like all of us! I’m 38, so those older camera were def around during my lifetime, but I just never experienced them (likely why I don’t feel the nostalgia for them). My family exclusively used the disposable Kodak cameras growing up so the bar is very low for me lol

[@FabienMathey]

I own an X-T3 and an X-H2. Both great cameras but for professional work, the x-h2 eliminates the x-t3. But I get inspired to shoot more on the x-t3 with manual ttartisan 7artisans Samyang or Laowa lenses then I do with the amazing Fuji Primes. It is just the look that comes out of it. Now I would not say the « film » look. The photograph seems more interesting if it captures something rarely seen. And that is why I believe the « special » ingredient is the imperfections as it is different to what the eyes see.

[@timgimbert3073]

Nikon have a great range finder history with the S series. Sign me up for one if if they do a digital version.

[@dstefanek1988]

I’m still waiting for the Canon making a range finder camera body and I thought years ago G7X would be that camera.

[@SJBRDLL91]

The Wrong Ones is a tune. Voice for it Cam.

[@cammackey]

🥲

[@tekufu]

I came for the dope camera talk, stayed for the pants. Can I get an ID on the prison pants?

[@realniteart]

I shoot for my own happiness with gfx100s2, and I shoot gfx because it gives me no nonsense control of exposure, with all three settings on dials and wheels. Is this the last camera that can do it without some kind of limitation? My "work" camera is nikon z8 at the moment and I chose it for technology advances but use it mostly with mf lens :) I don't like the fact that you cannot assign iso to the front wheel, the only fault of the camera. And when I feel nostalgic and want to do something completely different I shoot with Mamiya C330. I also dream of digital Canon QL17 and square format digital camera. I tried film Leica, it did nothing to me. Most people use retro controls to set camera to auto and never touch them again, except of for all three loud screamers on forums saying they use those controls for something.

[@KO_YTB]

I don't know how Lee didn't know about TX-1. We need XPAN back... I've been looking for digital alternatives to get XPAN look but only couple of cameras do that , fuji GFX and Lumix S5 series, and kinda lookalike Sigma Quattro. I just need something different like XPAN or Widelux. Prints and that "cinematic" feeling is something else. Would love a video on ultra wide angle cameras too. I've been watching everything you put since i found your channel, incredibly inspiring!

[@arneheeringa96]

Silvergrain and Jeff Bridges are recreating the Widelux camera. Jeff's a big fan of Widelux.

[@BrianCatalano]

Agreed on all fronts here, I'd be surprised if Canon doesn't do something like this... Also, personally I would love a more budget friendly apsc, travel EDC, like the guts of the Sony a6700 in the Nikon Zfc body for something like $1100. Canon could deliver in this space too (the Fuji xs20 is the only one). Between my A7CII and Zf, i find the Sony superior in every way except for fun to use and that does matter... So heres hoping we get future releases that take design more seriously, as a a way to delineate their place in the market, since they are all generally good nowadays but also generally boring.

[@-_ch40s_]

I need a very compact camera with zoom. Something like Leica D-Lux...even the sensor size doesnt bother me. DoF doesnt matter, but I want to get something

[@Mamotreco]

Great discussion

[@The_Essential_Light]

I don’t think Sony will ever make a retro camera.

[@uptonfilms95]

I didn’t know Cam did time in prison. They even let him take his prison pants home!!

[@cammackey]

That’s why all the haters in the comments should be scared.

[@SamTFLOH]

What are your thoughts on S9? I have the x100vi and looking for a bigger brother for it for more serious works, debating between Zf, S9 and Xt5 but can't make my mind on one :(

[@larsingrain]

The S9 is very different from the X-T5 and the Zf I would say. The X-T5 and Zf I both owned, but I sold the X-T5 because the Zf just provides better image quality with the full frame sensor and it also has better build quality. But they are both great. My advise would be to buy the Zf because you also own the x100vi already, but i guess it just depends on what you are looking for!

[@cammackey]

If it’s just for stills work, the Nikon ZF. Tho I have heard great things about the video. If it’s hybrid work, the S9.

[@pauldipasquale281]

I like a more minalmist design like the X2D... like how many times are we really changing settings? I wish Fuji would make a GFX with like minimalist controls...

[@cammackey]

Same!!! Like for pro work and specially video, I love custom button. But for photography…. Different story

[@pauldipasquale281]

@@cammackey absolutely, love the content dude.

[@viewfindermedia3188]

That is so true

[@charliipresley]

Patrick Renna !!!

[@DroseMr]

Depends on if ya need another camera and didnt bring on🤪🔥💯Thank 🫵

[@ucevrim]

You made me buy zf you better not sell that one too ☺️

[@youfollow_]

Fujiflm cameras inspires me to think before i shoot , Sensor is amazing(Film). Fujifilm gives you that limitless of customization when creating videos and photos

[@LuigiL75]

Yes. 😊

[@trashbag8124]

Vintage bodies are cool but the ergonomics suck. There’s lots more issues with hand pain and wrist issues etc because of our internet dependence.

[@arneheeringa96]

I hold the old cams by the lens since at least 10 years. For newer ones it's good too, because you can't push any buttons by accident. Which happens quickly with my big hands.

[@CertifiedCryptoBoy]

The fanciest lighting and setup for talking heads 😅

[@andersistbesser]

Tastes differ but retro design cameras are not for me as ergonomics usually are worse and i dont need that. I would never ever buy a camera with a fixed lense.

[@kevincooper8666]

Hey dude that would be so sick I'd vomit

[@deccawatt5741]

What is retro? Is a 1986 Canon t90 retro? It certainly is old enough to be. Canon cameras today have the same design language, are they a retro design? Is a Contax RX from 1994 retro? if so, is a fuji XT4 or XT5 retro (similar design language) But they are inspired by a much more recent camera that the canons...

[@vha42]

The hipsters would love a digital T80 with same autofocus specs 😂

[@SimeonKolev]

The only plus of a fixed lens is the shutter. It will be a central shutter and you will be able to sync flash at any speed. Otherwise - a bayonet is better because you will be able to have options.

[@stkuj]

Hey Cam... what prison did you steal those pants from?

[@cammackey]

Folsom

[@stkuj]

@@cammackey thought so…

[@dccoletrain]

I still have my T3i… only crummy EF-lens though. I need to break it out again and shoot

[@trashbag8124]

EF lenses are super good

[@eugenheller4182]

I found the Video interesting, but Lee's lighting bothered me so much. The "window light" comes from right to left very harsh, but his main light goes left to right. It just threw me off the second his screen poped on. Nevertheless. Good Video Guys 😊

[@sk8erblock43]

Personally I love their lighting & coloring

[@eugenheller4182]

@@sk8erblock43 Do not get me wrong. They both do a great job. It just makes a difference if the light comes from the same direction instead of crossing left to right. If the sunlight hits the window the main light should be the same.

[@LeeZavitz]

you are also looking at a crop. but its coming from a window on my left / camera right. its behind me and not part of my key light that is coming from my right / camera left.. You cant see the full room in this crop.

[@cammackey]

I forgot there’s a science to art 🙄

[@eugenheller4182]

@@LeeZavitz As said. I like overall lighting. It just felt weird. Not that i am able to pull this off. So all good. 😊😊

[@BRIANSTORM-ks9jz]

Are Retro Camera Designs Stupid ? no, but the people that use them and think it effects the image might be...i'm a Nikon user, but the ZF is just a rehoused camera they released in 2020 !

[@cammackey]

Okay boomer

[@MatthewSeratti]

@brianstorm: It is 'affects', not 'effects'. You're welcome, boomer.

[@ghostgums]

It’s actually not a rehoused camera from 2020, it’s actually much more advanced technologically than the generation you’re referring to. I do get your other point though.