Cameras Used To Be Cool

[@snappiness]

Curious to hear your thoughts on this. If you haven't already, check out my thoughts on the resurgence of old digital cameras: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZizl4Vvm85nm5Y

[@GODSPEEDseven]

I think it's a very very small niche that will WANT to go out and shoot with a funky-looking camera, or a camera with many moving parts. They are a product of the era; and the same applies to the millions of funky computer parts, accessories and gizmos that boomed in the 90's. Sure, it might be nice to explore in retrospect.. They make great KZbin content.

[@GODSPEEDseven]

@@bbasleigh6149 No, I don't think I missed the point. I've NEVER seen a person on a shoot with a funky design. I think all those cameras with flippy parts and multicoloured options were meant to TRY to attract people, but it never worked, simply because no one in our westerner culture wants to look out of place. These funky-looking things, are most often used by such an extremely niche market, that it's simply bad business. And aren't "looks" a subjective thing? I'm mainly a Pentax shooter, yet I prefer Canon for looks out of every maker. I think the 90D is the perfect-looking camera. It has the most snag-proof body with a "compact" design. Also really like the 5D-7D bodies very much. But, last thing I would ever do is buy a camera for it's looks. It's a tool, I just want it to perform properly and to my needs... It would be like going out to buy a ladder, a nailer, a drill or a hammer based on looks instead of need.

[@Shibes770]

I believe I am the 1,000th like.

[@snappiness]

@@Shibes770 Thank you!! :)

[@cmanmaxwell]

@@GODSPEEDseven 9/11 kept us working together for a decade. Covid kept us working together for a couple years. Dropping the sun kept japan working together for a century.

[@d3xmeister]

Up until a few years ago, there was always some camera I really wanted to buy. There was always something interesting. Nowadays, I haven’t bought a new camera since 2018. The ones I have work great and the newer ones gives me nothing I really need. More resolution, smarter autofocus etc, basically better spec sheets that I don’t actually need or want. And like you I start to get more and more interested in older cameras

[@snappiness]

Yep, same thing happened with me! But that just means we live in a great era for photography. Lots of good options!

[@TheVFXbyArt]

I agree to some extent: my 2018 fuji xt3 is still unbeatable compared to what you trade off for. The 2021 canon R3 brought speed plus manageable resolution. The 2022 leica m11 brought a practical and welcomed redesign, but lackluster performance, favoring spec over speed.

[@neilgrover1585]

I remember back in my film days when I used Canon gear (A-1, AE-1 etc) and the industry at the time felt like it does now. There wasn't anything compelling enough to warrant a major upgrade or switching brands. Then auto-focus shook thinks up for a bit. Digital came along and for a time everyone was reluctant to switch. Now digital has come to a point where things are stagnating and it's really just about shooting whatever makes you happy. I wonder though... will something else come along and shake up the industry? Some new technological advancement that we will all start to consider a "must have"? Something that really makes a difference in the way you take photos or your results as a photographer? I can't possibly think of what that could be, but I also couldn't for see the success of auto-focus or digital. I think I'll just enjoy the current state of things for now. I don't have quite the GAS that I've had in the past. But... something, at some point, will come that will shake up the market there will probably be that killer "thing" that will make all cameras to-date seem that much older.

[@joshjacobson9846]

That’s why I’ve gotten into instant film and started dipping my toes into film

[@ZekeGraal]

@@joshjacobson9846 Welcome to the rabbit hole! I went from a point and shoot Sureshot Telemax for about two years to an AE-1 Program and four lenses that I carry with me basically all the time now haha!

[@GarrettLucasWV]

Everyone was trying to figure out what a digital camera could/should be since we were just moving from film. But with the rise of the smartphone camera and the precipitous decline of the compact camera market, all the companies are just playing it safe right now. Shit, never mind not making creative/crazy/wonky compact cameras, most companies aren't even making compact cameras at all-- safe/boring or not. I don't think this is going to change anytime soon. People are too hooked on their phones and okay with "good enough" images.

[@dasme8210]

If the current trend of using ccd or instant film cameras is anything to go by, there is a space for weird digital cameras in the hobby / casual photography scene. Just give it time for 2000s nostalgia to get stronger and im sure we'll begin to see some more weird or at the least iconic compact cameras again.

[@UNSCPILOT]

Have a second hand (but perfect condition) canon compact camera from 2008 that I keep with me at work for "pictures of oppertunity", even with just 8mp it's still a fun camera to keep around and with a 32gig SD it's got room for 10,000+ pictures which is just hilarious to see on it's little display, been meaning to try loading it with custom firmware to I can make it take RAWs instead of JPEGs. Also have a Canon M200 that I want to ship to Lifepixel for full spectrum modification since that's a trick no smartphones can reasonably pull off, really wanna try seeing the world threw IR, UV, and the full spread of light cameras can actually see when you get that pesky hot mirror out of the way, especially for Astrophotography

[@e_Dave]

People aren't even using their smartphones because they're okay with "good enough quality." Most people are always demanding that their smartphones be able to do 6k240 and be as cinematic looking as possible, forgetting that it's a SMARTPHONE. If you want a cinematic camera, BUY A CINEMA CAMERA. Don't buy something with a camera thrown in because it's kinda useful and then cry because it's not the best camera in the entire world, people. I'm 15 and wish that pocket cameras were still being made. As it is, a pocket camera is a great upgrade from a phone simply due to the optical zoom. On the plus side though, I've been wanting a pocket camera for a while, but could never find a good quality affordable one. Naturally, with camera companies stopping production on their pocket cams, eventually the existing ones will lower in price (hopefully 🤞). Still, quite a shame that people are delusional to think that phones will have the best quality ever. It just can't happen IMO. Like I said, it's thrown into an already complicated device. I feel that the best cameras will always be CAMERAS.

[@sabo55]

plus brain washed idiots that believe in Covid and Global warming aren't a very creative generation 😆😆😆😆

[@Jimmy_The_Goat]

@@e_Dave Obviously the best camera will always be cameras. However, the best camera is the one you have on hand, and here smartphones have a HUGE advantage. Caring a 2k dollar camera around with you all the time can be quite uncomfortable. I always wouldn't feel comfortable bringing it with me on vacation to record boat rides or hiking. One wrong step and it's goine. A phone, on the other hand, is always with you. In terms of quality, flagship smartphones offer insane levels at this point. I watch what I recorded on my iphone 12 on a 4k TV and it looks perfect. This was unimaginable like 6 years ago.

[@Gynra]

I still have the original Q and a couple of Q7s. It's amazing what Pentax managed to pack into those tiny cameras, especially when one realises how much of the body is taken up with the battery.

[@snappiness]

It really is amazing. A fully featured camera in a tiny package.

[@eltee5696]

I feel cheated I loved the Pentax auto 110 It was an SLR camera for 110 format film 3 lenses Motor drive Flash Before the q, I emailed Pentax asking them to please do a digital version of the 110 They wrote back with some flimsy crap excuse A bit later - the q

[@KILLROYCZOP]

I got an xpro1 a few years ago, and just adapt old Minolta lenses to it, and it’s the most fun I’ve had taking photos in a while. I recommend anybody who has grown complacent in their photography try something like this or similar.

[@Girvo747]

Yep. Fuji continues to target a segment of the market that no one else does

[@lsamoa]

Gosh that mini Pentax camera is adorable! It's not just cameras though, it's consumer electronics in general. Mobilephones, landlines, rice cookers, alarm clocks, watches... Remember how Nokias used to come in all kinds of fun and colourful shapes? Casios? Our landline at home was full on Memphis Milano style. My alarm clock would swear it'd never wake you up again, every morning after you'd hit it to snooze it. Even pocket calculators were super cute and could double-up as synthesizers. Manufacturers have forgotten how to be fun.

[@SMTahmid]

I read it as landmines at first and had a fit

[@lsamoa]

@@SMTahmid Haha. Remember when landmines used to look cute?

[@SMTahmid]

@@lsamoa like it was the 80$ haha

[@andyamos8594]

Pentax Q...my wife applauded me, literally, when I walked in with one 8 years ago saying it was the first gadget I had ever bought she desired! I had already ordered another one for her!!

[@fallyn2920]

i feel sigma and pentax/ricoh are the only brands really worth getting excited for. Even fuji has become kinda standard but i do love the early X days which boasted some beautiful cameras. i actually rebought the X10 again since i remember it being so epic. And... it still is! A fully mechanically operated digital camera with the X-Trans sensor in it. You could take the low pass filter of those cameras and they would still work. i did that to a bridge camera for IR photography with no issues. that era was fun.

[@mccheeseburger01]

At the end of the day consumers made a clear choice that they didn't want this goofy, gimmicky cameras, sure they seem cool and interesting now but at the time these cameras were expensive as hell and were going for style over substance. A camera is an expensive purchase that for the average person that should last atleast five years and needs to work well, many of these cameras also had reliability and usability issues to go along with the gimmicks.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I lived in japan and remember a small camcorder with a built-in projector... sadly it could only project a small image a few feet away. There were others with similar gimmicks, but most were so limited or specific that they had no real use but still managed to double or triple costs.

[@GasWorksISO]

Digital cameras in the 90’s and early 00’s went thru what would be the equivalent to what the automotive industry did in the 30’s and 40’s. Lots of experimenting with designs and configurations until what ultimately was decided on being the best. New technology brings about new innovation. It’s going to take some technological leap in the camera industry to get us cool weird designs again. Take a look at the action camera industry. DJI for example has built some weird things in the last few years, so., maybe you’re just not looking in the right places for weird new cameras?

[@capitalv8062]

I still have my Pentax qs1 I got in maybe 2017. One of my favorite cameras

[@Borgedesigns]

I have a few of these featured but also a Powershot pro 1, a canon point and shoot with an in built L glass lens, the only point and shoot to ever get L glass

[@snappiness]

I shot with the Powershot pro 1 for a while! It is an excellent camera. Great lens and that 8mp sensor is really quite good.

[@saidfunnybunny]

I love love love my Canon Powershot N. Feels like a camera that was truly designed to be digital from the ground-up, with no conventions at all from film controls. One of the best shutter buttons ever designed for a camera

[@Chris-tf7gi]

Props for featuring the Pentax Q. My Q7 in generic black (over there) needs some use. The pictures coming out of its 12mp sensor would absolutely fooled people into thinking it was even a full frame DSLR at least once. Its just a pleasure to have with you instead of the Sony a99II a-mount camera (over there with wonderful Minolta lenses) that really wants to make you feel like you're lifting weights. Also nods to the Sony floppy disc camera. Cool stuff. I BELIEVE when I last checked the Pentax Q system is discontinued. That makes me very sad. Its so unique I wish Richo decided to just keep it around as a show piece. Umm no. Discontinued. (sniff)

[@jdsheleg8332]

Kodak VR35. All black, but with its flipping flash and awsome grip, it was very fun to use, with decent pictures.

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Couldn’t agree more! my love for cameras came with buying an old Panasonic Lumix from 2007 a couple of years ago, there is so much variety and cool things to discover with the old digital cameras! Also great video and channel 🤩📸

[@snappiness]

I'm going to have to check your channel out with a name like that ;)

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

@@snappiness Thanks appreciate that! 📸🤩

[@douglasstemke2444]

This summer I took my Q7 to Europe, mostly to save space on travel. Fantastic system. Pity I never was able to afford the ultra wide lens (price keeps going up). I even threw in a 135mm f3.5 M (with adapter) as an ULTRA telephoto lens for the system.

[@BasedStory]

I did not expect that British accent lmao

[@snappiness]

Sometimes my dad side comes out lol

[@Ariocarpus2000]

That's why, against all critics and advices and review, I own and use a Sigma fp, with the big back lcd viewfinder :-)

[@kabanning7741]

Honestly, it was this video that actually motivated me to pick up my own Pentax Q7. I love the little guy. It actually kind of looks like a toy!

[@shiroganesam]

Sigma is definitely making the quirkiest camera bodies at the moment like the DP compacts and the fairly modular FP bodies. Really looking forward to what kind of body they're planning on putting that full frame Foveon sensor in. On the topic of Q cameras I seem to recall Pentax making some Evangelion themed special editions of the Q10 back when I lived in Japan. I do also agree with the sentiment on Sony cameras. They might be the best tool for many jobs but whenever I don't need that super high end performance I'll reach for my Pentax kit. It's just more fun. For modern and somewhat weird cameras not mentioned in the video the Pixii rangefinder from France comes to mind. It's a really strange combination of really old and really new technology.

[@Ikgeloofhetniet]

My first camera was a 110 film camera. I was like 8 in the early 90s and it was my Mom's camera from the 1970s. I loved that thing. I used to take pictures of my action figures in sequences that told a story. When I got the pictures developed I'd glue them into notebooks and write dialogs. haha

[@deadlycreature3359]

I thought about buying a 110 camera used. Are they good for taking pictures of cats and other animals? maybe a beach pic or boardwalk picture also?

[@unpoulet6859]

@@deadlycreature3359 I’d buy just a 35mm then. 110 is a pretty crappy format.

[@ivarnordlkken8082]

It'f not easy to get film for it (it's still produced by Lomography I think) and have it developed. I just bought the Pentax 110 Super camera just for fun, it's the smallest SLR in the world, even smaller than the Q. By the way, my first camera used 120 film, an odd format for an amateur camera.

[@deadlycreature3359]

@@ivarnordlkken8082 That is so cool that you got the Pentax. I hear they are amazing cameras.

[@cunninghamster1954]

There were a lot of cool and unusual cameras: Sony DSC-F828, Minolta Dimage A-2 (I had one and it was the best handling), Agfa ePhoto 1680, Nikon V1 with it's tiny lenses and high speed shooting, the Sony point and shoots with the internal optical zoom lenses, Canon Powershot N (was the only camera that disabled people without use of their right arm/hand could use). I understand what smartphones did to the compact camera market was inevitable, but it's a crying shame to see all the innovation gone out of the camera market.

[@TheUrbandilema]

Love that blue Pentax u got.anytime I looking for one I will get one ..thanks again for showing me the new love for old cams...digi cams from yesterday are the bomb still..

[@snappiness]

They are! I'm really happy to have stumbled upon this special colored Pentax Q7. I wanted to pick up a Pentax Q camera again at some point anyway, so now this makes it extra fun :)

[@Crushonius]

I kinda feel that way but just last year i did buy a new camera and i absolutely love it a white sony ZV-E10 to truly have fun with it buy 1 or 2 small fast manual lenses which can be often had for less than a 100 bucks it is so much fun add a lens from the sigma trio or the 18-50 for when you need autofocus and the sel55210 zoom for reach the whole kit is tiny , cheap and light but can put many big bulky setups to shame , the best camera is the one you always have at hand and this kit lives in my car so its always with me and when the moment presents itself it can create an amazing picture what more could you ask for . It takes amazing videos too and the built in mic is probably one of the best out there obviously not a replacement for a proper mic but actually good when you need to act fast . Lets not even mention the unbelievable autofocus that literally has no match , it is just a perfect package . man the amount of fun and great interactions i had because of that camera people can not believe how that tiny little thing can take such stunning photos and the imperfections and limitations of the fast manual lenses force you to be creative for me that truly brings the joy back to photography

[@sandman6088]

I've got a Pentax Q10 and it's amazing. I don't use any of the Q-mount lenses though. The smaller sensor that's on the Q10 and original Q make them the most compatible with vintage D-mount lenses and C-mount CCTV lenses, which are what I exclusively use. It's such a unique little thing and I love it.

[@VanDanmark]

i used a D mount Wollensak Cine Raptar 13mm f1.9 on my Q cameras. Nothing else could make images like that combo!

[@novabella4422]

How and where did you get that pentax? Are they still available? I would love a custom mini camera like that.

[@haramlee83]

Pentax q7 or qs1 with #8 wide lens zoom -> love I take photos with olympus, pentax and pentax q and ppl always pick photos with pentax q for the best looking results ( thanks to many different fun lens)

[@jaybain4337]

I had a Nikon Coolpix 990 - it was great for its time and took adapter lenses, like a huge fisheye lens that pulled in low light pretty well :)

[@triggrhaapi]

I think as far as weird wild cameras go, it's hard to top the Epson R-D1/R-D1s/R-D1x. The front half is a Voightlander Bessa film body, the back half is a custom Seiko Epson CCD digital camera, and it keeps the manual shutter cocking mechanism with the film advance lever. And they got it to market faster than Leica could build the M8.

[@davidthefat]

I use the Sony RX0 a lot due to the tiny size and still has the image quality as the bigger RX100 series cameras. It’s literally about the size of the batteries for my Leica and Panasonic cameras and can be carried almost everywhere

[@unbroken1010]

The small cube one? I doubt it the same image.quality. I saw a bunch of tests and for some reason it just does not compare. Video from it seems to be fun

[@davidthefat]

@@unbroken1010 probably the fixed F4 aperture.

[@YuasBirds]

It's pretty standard, but the crazy zoom lens on the Nikon Coolpix p1000 is so much fun to mess around with and see what kind of things you can see from ridiculous distances, like Saturn for instance (yes, you can see Saturn with a point and shoot camera)

[@patrickhanni4568]

This video made me get a Pentax Q and honestly it’s the first time I’ve used a digital camera (I only use film mainly) but it’s honestly the perfect camera to learn on! Great video and great showcase

[@snappiness]

Great Patrick! And thanks!

[@trevorbrooks813]

I almost picked up a Koday Easyshare V610, the pocket camera with twin lenses. I thought it would be cool to have a twin lens cam rather than a twin lens phone, but the high rate of malfunction stopped me buying. Also, I'd love a Pentax Optio X with its swivel cam action, but it's hard to find a half decent one at a half decent price. I'll keep looking. Thanks for posting, always enjoy your videos.

[@michaelkammeyer]

I picked up a Q-S1 at the beginning of this year and have gotten some real gems out of it. It can really go everywhere with you given how small it is. I'd love to try adapting 8mm film lenses to it, looks like a blast.

[@zedw8a168]

I've literally seen your reel and reposted it like 1-2 days ago on instagram and now I'm here cause it came up in my YT recommenden. Gret content and a deserved sub!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

That twisty Nikon digital was a really great design, it was so easy to take photos holding the camera over my head in a crowd, or even surreptitiously round a bend!

[@blifx]

I think having a dedicated device sort of makes it more of a mini ritual than just having a cellphone camera. Hard to make something that's always attached to us and always on into a ritual

[@tomasperpetuo9036]

my god I've been searching for photography channels and all i stumble upon when it comes to cameras are boring guys talking about the same but different camera that comes out a new look a like every week. i feel very happy to find someone like you

[@snappiness]

Well thank you! I can be boring too, though :) xD

[@joelmulder]

How can you forget Fuji! They’re one of the few modern camera manufacturers which is still trying new and different things. They have cameras with incredible tactile controls, beautiful film simulation, rangefinders, and the X-pro3 has that hidden screen which makes it feel so much like shooting film

[@deadlycreature3359]

Fuji is cool, I just wish that they weren't so expensive to afford. I do have a Fuji square instant camera. I also have the Polaroid go instant camera. I was going to use my old Kodak 35mm star camera, and noticed that the battery got corodded inside, so I threw it away. I have been checking antique stores latelly for a chea enough reliable 35mm cam. I notice that a lot of the new 35mm cameras out now seem to not work after a few uses. flash quits working etc.

[@joelmulder]

@@deadlycreature3359 They're really not any more expensive for their performance than any other camera in the same category is. Well, except the X100V at the moment, but that's because it got too popular and Fuji wasn't able to keep up with production. Besides, shooting digital is so much cheaper than shooting film. You could buy a second hand X-Pro2 (which is an amazing camera!) for about $750, and a lens for as little as $100. Even less if you adapt a vintage lens. That's equivalent to only about 40 rolls of film.

[@deadlycreature3359]

@@joelmulder thanks for the advice. thanks for also sayiing the going used price.

[@oliverinmga]

The Nikon Zfc seems like a fun camera and depending what region you live in it's available in 14 different color combinations. Unfortunately the US didn't get all of the fun color options.

[@StephenStrangways]

Have you ever held one? It feels cheap and hollow, like a plastic toy. It's surprising the dials actually do anything because they feel so fake.

[@oliverinmga]

@@StephenStrangways I have not held one but this video isn't really about build quality. The Pentax Q7 also looks like a plastic toy.

[@StephenStrangways]

@@oliverinmga the Q7 may look like a plastic toy, but it feels really well-built and solid. The Z fc looks like metal, but feels like a plastic toy. The Q7 will pleasantly surprise you, the Z fc will disappoint you.

[@dj1NM3]

At least the Nikon Z mount seems to have stuck around, their first attempt at a mirrorless "Nikon 1" with a 1" sensor seemed to get dropped like a hot potato and consigned to the memory-hole. The publicity photos of the Nikon Zfc certainly make it look like it has the build of a FM or FE, but I'm not surprised that it is electroplated plastic and not brass or magnesium alloy.

[@StephenStrangways]

@@dj1NM3 the Nikon 1 system ran for 7 years, with 11 cameras and 13 lenses. Nikon Z has been around for 4 years, with 9 cameras and 31 lenses. Not only are there a ton more Z lenses, they seem to be far more reliable than the 1 lenses, which were so bad they had to start a free out-of-warranty repair service for one of them, and it really should have extended to others that also had similar design flaws.

[@buda3d2007]

I still own the q7, apart from not having an optical viewfinder it’s a fun camera to use, it seems to fetch a high price still not wanting to sell, I have the kill bill yellow and black variant.

[@adrianharrison5208]

I have a pentax Q myself and only today I had it out and about with me.. One camera that I will never sell on

[@AllTheBestVideos]

1:20 not me thinking it was actually making Bop-It sounds…

[@snappiness]

I wonder how many people thought the same xD

[@davegball]

I owned that square Digital Mavica with the 3 1/2 floppy disk. Must have been one of the first digital cameras. It was fun to use and very novel for ppl who only knew film processing.

[@gatblau1]

I remember having a lot of fun with the 1.3 megapixel Aiptek Mini Pencam many years ago. It was literally about 3 inches high and 1 inch wide and about 3/4 inch thick. I can’t explain why I enjoyed using it so much, but I think it’s tiny size had a lot to do with it.

[@andrestapia6255]

i love to see the inprovment you have made on your videos from when i first saw one, i wish the best for you and your family

[@snappiness]

Thanks, Andres! And I hope they continue to get better! That's the goal, at least :)

[@yurikz9]

trans pentax! that is truly such a great neat little camera :)

[@infadeldog13]

I had a Canon Epoca in the 90’s. It was tube shaped and you held it like a camcorder. It has a flip out lenses cap with a built in flash. The flash lens itself was attached to the zoom though, so, as the inside tube of the Cody extended, the lease would move with it. It attracted lots of comments. At the same time, my dad had a Yashika Samurai Series - also oriented in a camcorder style; also attracted lots of comments.

[@johnnyc.5979]

Wow, look at you! 8300 views in only 22 hours. You're killing it! Great job, glad I was here when you just started, your content has increased and improved immeasurably since the beginning. Always look forward to your new videos. Take care.

[@yamatodamashii1179]

The measurement is 8300 views in 22 hours compared to X number of views in X number of hours to what you’ve previously noted you stalker you. It’s not immeasurable.

[@NorbiWhitney]

"What on earth possessed me to buy this little fella?" - because look at it! I don't even need a good reason, it looks rad AF. After binging your channel all morning, it's time to subscribe. Some fantastic videos you've got sir.

[@hipstercrab5886]

leica R9 existed a film/digital hybrid camera, one of a kind speaking as a happy owner of one 😉

[@TheOffertonhatter]

I once had both the Pentax K-01 (brick) and the Pentax Optio X. Both utterly mad looking and fun! I miss them both.

[@TheCinderDude]

find this the same with a lot of tech and gadgets in general- cars, phones, pc cases, laptops, etc. I grew up in the 2000s and I remember everything was trying to be quirkier than the others

[@DOSStorm]

This stuff is right up my alley! I hope you keep making videos.

[@dchan316]

Great video! Coincidentally, my main camera for the past 5 years has been a Pentax qs1, mostly with the 04 lens (supplemented by the 03 & 05), upgraded from an APS-c dslr. I just love how simple it works. I also picked up a Ricoh GXR with the s10 module during lockdown, and though I need to shoot with it more, I’ve had quite a blast with it!

[@Gary_W]

Excellent video as usual, I'd love to see your Pentax Q in action and the pictures you take with it!😊

[@snappiness]

Many more videos in the future with it, I'm sure! Thanks!

[@borderlands6606]

My favourite camera is the Kiev 4, only because I'm not prepared to pay for the similar Contax II or Nikon S and M rangefinders (pun intended). They defy every ergonomic and operational convention, internal helical thread, manual focus by a small wheel, a shutter comprised of Venetian blinds, and a finger placement known only to classical guitarists, but they fine cameras and much cooler than the ubiquitous Leica rangefinders. Film, of course.

[@dj1NM3]

...although, Nikon did do the sensible iteration on the Contax II design and used a Leica-style cloth shutter, using the suddenly patent-free German designs for their Nikon 1 RF camera. That an intact Nikon 1 is now worth more than its weight in gold means that I will probably never, ever even handle one, let alone own and use one.

[@terrygoyan]

My first camera was a Kodak Brownie Super 27. It had a unique form factor unlike any I've seen since. I'm a firm believer in form following function. That is probably the main reason for so much similarity among cameras. I had one of those Nikon Coolpix 900 cameras. My first venture into digital! Based on that camera, I never thought that digital would take over!

[@Sam-Lino]

This is an insanely well-produced video. Great job! You earned a new sub!

[@snappiness]

You're too kind. I have a long way to go still. Thanks for joining me on the ride :)

[@thriftygamer8366]

I’ve got so many cameras from the Ansco Ready flash, to a PB-20 Agfa Tripar. It always feels like cameras settled into mundane after ground breaking affairs of throwing conventional attitudes out the window. I shoot with an old school mechanical Pentax K1000 and it’s clicking and popping is just so pleasing to hear.😊

[@lihtan]

As far as interesting older digital cameras go, I can think of a few from cellphone manufacturers. The Nokia N95 had compact point-and-shoot form factor, but the screencould slide out of the way to reveal a number pad. The LG G5 had a modular design, which allowed for the CAM Plus camera grip to slide into it, giving it better ergonomics, and a dedicated zoom wheel and shutter button. Motorola created a modular ecosystem called Moto Mods. One module was the Hasselblad True Zoom, which gave the phone a set of optics with a 10x optical zoom.

[@matt.coburn]

I recently went to visit my 78 year old dad and when I told him I had gotten back into photography he wouldn't let me leave without taking his spare Fuji Finepix S1000fd, which, I have to say, is a cool little digicam. Can't wait to give it a whirl

[@antonraumos6454]

There a link to be able to order an all blue Pentax Q7? Currently have a Metallic Blue K-30 Pentax which looks awesome and just happens to take awesome photos. Thank you for video on these wonderful unique cameras.

[@uniworkhorse]

Your video reminds me of Mr. Mobile's (aka Michael Fisher) series of yt videos on "When phones were fun" where he documents the crazy cool mobile phone designs from years past. Amazing experimentation happened in the Y2K-Frutiger Aero Era!

[@chanceproductionsfilms]

I’ve recently been picking up older digital compacts despite having a solid prosumer DSLR. The fun they inspire is unmatched. One of the modern weird cameras I love is the Canon Ivy Rec, such a fun thing to shoot on Great video!

[@4doorsupra153]

I just picked up an olympus sp-550uz and yes it may be a point and shoot but it looks and feels like a very high end camera. Can't wait to figure everything out and start taking awesome pictures 😁

[@ericplatt6884]

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1 from 2004 was a cool little camera I loved to throw in my pocket and take on morning walks or out to dinner, or anywhere. So tiny and neat looking. I dropped in a glass of water once accidently when out to dinner with friends. 😂 Managed to take it apart and dry it out, and all was well.

[@ztl2505]

The Q was my primary travel camera for quite some time and I still take it out occasionally. Great system, and I’m even more sad it’s dead given how much better tiny sensors are these days because of smartphone development.

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

One of my favorite well designed and innovated camera was the Pentax MX and the MX-4. I love the pistol grip ( Buck Roger's ray-gun look) Combined with a 10x optical zoom, that works with in the camera, A fully articulated screen ( including selfie mode) MX: 3.2 mega pixel, MX4: 4 mega pixel. Jpg only. 640 x 480 ( 30fps) video that is MOV format and you can shoot until the SD card is full or your battery runs out. I have owned 2 MX4. Just thought the ergonomics and they way you "shoot" with it was so interesting and steady! Have a Pentax Q and love it! Always great content on this channel Snaps! Thanks for sharing your passion!

[@unbroken1010]

Mx4 Pentax? They only made one MX 1. . can't imagine the MX 4 for stills.

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

@@unbroken1010 Pentax Optio MX was the 3.2 mega pixel camera, the Pentax Optio MX4 was the 4 mega pixel camera, only difference is the badging as I can tell.

[@unbroken1010]

@@thissidetowardscreen4553 seems to be better af and some better quality but the stills don't seem good from what I saw except macro

[@tombskater3000]

The Pentax Optio MX4 is probably the digiest of the cams. Not only does the screen articulate, but the handle does as well. This morphs the Nikon Coolpix 995 design with the Sony DSC-R1 screen. This sounds like it would be a bit awkward but its actually quite steady and ergonomic. It has an internal camcorder type lens mechanism with a good focal range. When the handle is up, you can grip the camera like a normal camcorder. The pistol grip was probably trying to mimic Super8 film camera design. It has a big pop-up flash. There's a lens cap dangling off of it. The thing just looks like a mess of broken plastic in your hand when all the pieces are unfolded and popped out. The images have a nice 00s C R U N C H (bad but we like it). ISO 400. The battery life is horrible. All that jank and the unit still just took SD cards.

[@garyguest1999]

Pentax Q is quite an amazing camera. And in the right hands it can produce amazing results. One other amazing camera is the K-01. This camera had amazing results specially when used for landscapes and portraits. It had a few knockers. And the reviewers were allbsaming much the same thing which to my mind a lot of them never used the camera and copied others reviews. It was slow in AF but firmware upgrades fixed this. In my local photo club I won many honours for the results from this camera. I truly believe a lot of people are like sheep and go off people's heresay. Rather then do so basic investing to find the truth. Love your videos, Keep up the great work. PS the K-01 and the Q were two of the most fun cameras I have ever used.

[@janekeehn3842]

About five years ago I got a Nikon Keymission 80 (now discontinued) and it is an excellent back up travel camera. It takes video, stills and selfies and fits into the palm of your hand! Kind of like a GoPro, only flat and practical. Great for taking landscapes while my Olympus OMD E1 Mk2 has its zoom ready for bird photography and wildlife.

[@snappiness]

I remember the key mission when it came out! That's cool!

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

In the film days, cameras used to be WAY more diverse. You could pick your native aspect ratio of choice (2:3, 4:5, panoramic, square), portability vs image definition was a spectrum going from 24x24mm to ultra large format, you chose the configuration best suited for your style (TLR, SLR, rangefinder, point-and-shoot, ground glass) and even the kind of output (negative, positive, paper, simple instant, professional instant). This is without even getting into video, it was a complete world of its own. There was a specific camera for every job, while now every camera attempts to be a jack of all trades.

[@danl8638]

My first digital camera was a Pentax Optio MX4 It actually took pretty good pictures. The battery case would fold out and was used as a handle.

[@GB-ez6ge]

Good point. Why doesn't Sony make a new floppy disk camera?

[@hermask815]

During the introduction of a new technology there are often new concepts. It happened when ms-dos was introduced and also when Windows 3 came. After some time these inspiring programs disappeared because the consumers didn’t ‘get it’ , the program wasn’t compatible, or the developers didn’t realise when the consumers favoured another product. Dos: Lotus Agenda, Ashton Tate Framework , Lotus Magellan Windows: Lotus Improv, WordPerfect infocentral . Then the interesting stuff disappeared and the boring but productive programs took over. Ah, I think that also happened to the frames of mountain bikes when fully suspended frames were first developed.

[@bcostin]

For one, camera companies take half-formed opinions on the Internet much too seriously. Comments on many digital camera review sites are dominated by herds of scolds and naysayers who reflexively hate on anything different, and who seem to love drama more than photography. It takes a lot of fortitude for camera designers and manufacturers to ignore that noise and see the audience for something unique and fresh.

[@herus6672]

Bought myself a canon A510 camera and was surprised how good the picture quality was. I was taking many pictures with and i loved it

[@snerttt]

If you want a small camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, the Sony a5000 has a flippable display, a similar mechanism on the flash, swappable lenses, a bigger sensor, and functionally can be an amazing hdmi webcam. Also it does come in 2 different colours so that's there.

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

I have finally gotten my k5. Great fun camera for parties. Esp with a Vintage AF 50mm

[@snappiness]

Congrats! Love the K5!

[@JeffCreates]

I think part of it is also that 20 years ago there was no consensus about what the memory card type that was going to be successful was. Maybe all the different manufacturers, with their massively different form factors, were pushing R&D into different companies. It honestly used to be a nightmare when you had a job that interfaced with many different brands - so many hubs and readers to have to have.

[@Souzaphotos]

Just picked up batteries for my Canon S300 Powershoot I got in 2001 (It seems like it still works, need a card), it was my 2nd digital camera. I've got 2 games left to shoot this season, so I may bring it to an NFL game and weird people out on the sideline by snapping a few photos with it LOL

[@snappiness]

haha, that would be awesome!

[@evlli2342]

2:05 the sony a6xxx series still runs android and they can be rooted with some effort, pretty neat and allows you to unlock some more features

[@bradbrad247]

Great vid, but you should really add a high pass filter on your voiceover track at 100-200Hz. It will prevent plosives from being so noticable and grating

[@pandoranbias1622]

Any time a new technology comes on the scene you get crazy weird designs as engineers scramble to find the most efficient and ergonomic design. After a while they settle into the best design. People expected digital cameras to be crazy weird, but Barnack created pretty much the best camera design all the way back with the Ur-Leica, so eventually all still cameras settle into a shape reminiscent of that.

[@StephenTack]

Pentax Optio 555 - Great travel camera from 2005'ish. It had a built in alarm clock, and a full manual mode.

[@snappiness]

Haha, no way! Sounds cool!

[@StephenTack]

@@snappiness I just remembered it also had a stereoscopic assist mode (for taking well aligned 3D stereoscopic pictures), and came with a folding viewmaster lens thing..

[@140397kent]

I wonder where did you manage to get a Pentax Q in such gorgeous color?

[@doplinger1]

Did you ever try out a Canon Power Shot N? I wanted one so bad, finally got a used one; nice small form factor but there were two things that really separated it from others. 1. The shutter was a ring around the lens, so it wasn’t the best idea as that might likely lead to blurry photos, and 2. It had a system where you would snap a photo and it would take (or create) 5 “creative” images from that image, much like you might do on your own with something like snapseed. It certainly was fun to see what kind of random effects and crops it would make on the photos!

[@snappiness]

I haven't, but thanks for letting me know about that camera! It's weird and cool!

[@anecro]

I mean this all makes sense. Companies jump onto a new technology that blows up, start competing and experimenting in its infancy and later they all pretty much resemble one another because the perfect hardware shapes and functions for most use cases have been found. After that it becomes a spec and material flex into this standardized, tried and tested bottle. Everything I know of has been through this developmental history. "Fun" isn't really what people seek out of a system but it's always welcome, the purpose of devices besides toys is always clear and has a goal, fun is just there the most during the experimental phase.

[@rgarciamainou]

How about the DxO 1. Which you attached to an iphone only as a screen and interface, because it had a 24 MP sensor. That’s a recent crazy fail (got one lol)

[@slimphotog]

I had the one of the Pentax Q cameras, I forget which one. I hated that it only had about 90 shots on a battery charge. It seemed like every time I took it out of the bag, it was dead. I have the K-01 that I thought I would use as a backup camera and then I ended up using it a lot. It was intuitive to use and the colors were great. Look up the DXO One, which plugs into the smartphone to allow you to use the phone as a viewfinder. It was billed as a "connected camera," but they went bankrupt, stopped supporting it, and mine has never connected to my phone. It still takes great pictures with a 1-inch sensor.

[@eltee5696]

Minolta Dimage. Swivel and detachable zoom. You could link it to the body with a proprietary cable. Great for Point of View shots. Fuji's Porsche designed compact.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Love my Q-S1

[@shelliecarlson7015]

Ya ya, I like to blend in too. That's why I love shooting my Bronica S2A, and put a pink silicon body cover on my M10. Cause, that's more important than the best you can afford, video, and photographs. And speaking of Mavicas. I have a few, and the take pretty great photos, except you need a stack of 3.5" floppies to spend the day shooting. Really, I get some incredible shots out of 35mm and 120 film cameras. Great video. Now I want a pink on pink Q10. Do I need one? Oh hell no!

[@OldIronVideo]

0:02 I have that one! It is fun but the shots are so incredibly grainy

[@antoniodesiderio1984]

I see you finally have a sony R1. 😉😉😉 Do you like? Will you make a video about it?

[@snappiness]

Yes, and yes! Eventually :)

[@antoniodesiderio1984]

@@snappiness 😁😁

[@stevenclark2188]

That Q-series reminds me of an auto 110, only larger and with a smaller sensor depending on how you count film.

[@Finallybianca]

I am debating about ordering the Pentax q10 Evangellion edition. But need an upgrade for my DSLR

[@dukenukem5768]

When digital cameras were a new thing, the first adopters wanted everyone to notice, so wanted their cameras to look nothing like a film camera. Then as time went on those "new" looks got old, and digital camera design settled into a similarity with the late film cameras, because ergonomics. I'd only be interested in that Sony F717 if my neck was too stiff to look upwards, and that Pentax Q7 is just camp.

[@WRCzATL]

My first digital was the Agfa ePhoto 1280... a twisty lens thing, sorta like the Nikon you showed. It was just 1mp, and the screen was tiny, but I enjoyed shooting with that camera sooo much!

[@snappiness]

Yep, I am well aware of that camera! I have nearly bought it a few times just for the sake of such an old weird camera. Love the bumps made by the battery compartment :D