Where to buy camera gear or get film processed in Canada? There is a list.
Taking pictures requires some equipment. At minimum a camera, and if it is not digital, some film. Equipment and gear is just a tool. Some are better than other for some purpose and according to the taste of the photographer. There is very little evidence that a camera make you suddenly a better photographer, but as tool, it can facilitate or constrain the process. Some people feel the quirks of the camera challenge them and do better work. It’s all a matter one how one uses it. Photography is an art form.
The camera gear encompass everything that directly impact shooting and the image quality like the camera, the lens, flashes, etc. This exclude film.
- Camera renouveau, ramblings about the latest visible innovations in digital cameras. The Fuji X series represent what innovation in digital cameras have been in 2011. Starting with the Fujifilm X-100, the compact X-10 and then the “mirrorless” X-Pro1 “rangefinder style”, with X-Mount interchangeable lenses, followed by the EVF only X-T1. As of today (2024), the X100 is at its sixth iteration, the Fuji X-100VI, and the X-Mount lineup has grown quite well, with camera body update, the X-Pro2 and the X-T2.
- Olympus E-P1, a dive into Micro Four-Third, my introduction to the m4/3 camera system. See also a quick hands-on presentation of the Olympus OM-D E-M5.
- (2017) I also acquired an iPhone SE as a communication device and fell in love with its photographic capabilities. But since (2024), my stance has shifted. It’s not the capabilities, it’s the ergonomics, and the workflow.
- (2018) The future is mirrorless, where I predict the demise of DSLR.
- (2019) More Fujifilm X with the X-T3. This is my newer setup that supplement the X-Pro1. The main motivation was to get video capabilities and a higher pixel count.
Film photography.
Film photography sometime called “analogue photography”, on a decline since the early 2000 is still very common amongst art photographers. In recent years, film as seen a resurgence. More like vinyl records have, ie growing from the bottom of the pit, but far from the heydays. But all of that is tied to secondary market of used cameras that become hardware to keep in working order.
2024 saw two serious 35mm camera releases:
- The Pentax 17, a half-frame camera, meant to be easy to use. It’s an unusual format brought back from the late 60s early 70s. The main advantage is that you shoot twice as many picture on a roll of 35mm film, but each picture is smaller, and by default vertical.
- The Rollei 35AF, an autofocus version of the legendary Rollei 35 from yesteryear. A very pocketable camera that brings autofocus to the family, and designed by MINT.
And in 2025 we might even see the Widelux X, the complete redesign of the Widelux, a panoramic camera.
Film is the second important part defining the image quality with film camera. But the variety as shrunk, with Fujifilm withdrawing completely of the film business except for Instax. In 2024 we have also seen Harmann (e.g Ilford) released a new colour film emulsion, the Phoenix, in both 135 and 120. Considered experimental, with a colour rendition that doesn’t please anyone, it definitely gives a new breath to the industry.
- Goodbye Kodachrome the end of the film the revolutionized color photography with a still unique process and an unbeatable longevity. December 30th 2010 was the last day of Kodachrome.
We’ll never see Kodachrome making a come back.
Instant photography.
Instax itself is its own thing. It’s Fujifilm take on Polaroid and in recent year it has become a popular product. So popular that I can easily find Instax Mini (the most popular format) at the pharmacy, like we used to have 1 hour photo and film. Third-party Instax cameras are available to fill the gap left by Fujifilm as Fujifilm Instax cameras offer very little control. For example NONS instant cameras and MINT’s. Also Instax offers a direct digital to print solution with Instax Link.
Polaroid, on the other hand, rose from the ashes and is now back being a brand reasonably available, producing new cameras and improved films.
Surrounding your gear, there are accessories.
- Bags are important to carry your gear. It is not only about the look but about the practical use and the protection. I like the Thinktank Retrospective a lot in various sizes for both travel and casual.
History:
- 35 years of digital camera: a retrospective of the history of digital cameras in 2010.
(Updated 1 December 2024)