With all the recent retro style cameras released, and rumors of more to come, there has been a lot of talk about whether or not the look of the camera you shoot with matters. One could argue either side of the debate with passion, but at the end of the day it does not really matter. If the camera makers decide to make these cameras, it creates a choice. The reality is that there is a segment of the market that likes the style and feel of older cameras, just as much as there are those who like the modern equivlents.
I like the style of some of these retro cameras, because they remind me of a time when photography was more about taking photos, than how many gadgets the camera had. Not that I am opposed to modern features in cameras, but there are times when I would like to step back and have the feeling again. From time to time I pick up an old Nikon FE, and just wish it had a digital sensor in it, so it was not as expensive to use. Not that an individual roll of film costs an arm and a leg, but over time it adds up. For those who never shot film, think about how expensive it would be if you had to buy a new SD card each time you wanted to go shoot.
I think if we were all honest the way something, like a camera, looks effects our feelings towards it. Just look at reviews of the Pentax K-1 and you will understand what I mean. While a camera you find ugly will not effect the pictures you get from it, it might just effect the way you feel when you use it. Let's put it this way, if the tool of choice made you embarrassed, how long would you keep on using it? My guess is, not very long. On the other hand if the tool you used gave you a sense of confidence and pride, you would be more likely to keep using it. I am not talking about picking a tool as a fashion statement here, so keep that in mind.
Does the look of your camera affect how you feel when you use it? If so, how? If not, why not? Do you like retro camera designs or modern camera designs? The answer to those questions, answers whether or not a retro style camera is for you or not.
I like the style of some of these retro cameras, because they remind me of a time when photography was more about taking photos, than how many gadgets the camera had. Not that I am opposed to modern features in cameras, but there are times when I would like to step back and have the feeling again. From time to time I pick up an old Nikon FE, and just wish it had a digital sensor in it, so it was not as expensive to use. Not that an individual roll of film costs an arm and a leg, but over time it adds up. For those who never shot film, think about how expensive it would be if you had to buy a new SD card each time you wanted to go shoot.
I think if we were all honest the way something, like a camera, looks effects our feelings towards it. Just look at reviews of the Pentax K-1 and you will understand what I mean. While a camera you find ugly will not effect the pictures you get from it, it might just effect the way you feel when you use it. Let's put it this way, if the tool of choice made you embarrassed, how long would you keep on using it? My guess is, not very long. On the other hand if the tool you used gave you a sense of confidence and pride, you would be more likely to keep using it. I am not talking about picking a tool as a fashion statement here, so keep that in mind.
Does the look of your camera affect how you feel when you use it? If so, how? If not, why not? Do you like retro camera designs or modern camera designs? The answer to those questions, answers whether or not a retro style camera is for you or not.
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