I don’t normally read Popular Photography, but I was given a copy of the September 2016 issue, so I took a look. In it was a nice article entitled “Elegant Machines” by Theano Nikitas that discussed the resurgence of interest in rangefinder and SLR cameras, fueled in part by the younger generation. The story featured Bellamy Hunt, aka Japan Camera Hunter, who has a very nice business in Japan sourcing great camera equipment for buyers worldwide. I have communicated with Bellamy several times and can attest to his knowledge and the fact that he’s a good guy. Check Japan Camera Hunter out at http://www.japancamerahunter.com

It’s understandable that more people are going back to these wonderful cameras and film for the same reasons they are buying turntables and vinyl LPs. Both film and vinyl provide a much different, and to many, a more pleasurable experience vs. digital image making and CD/MP3 listening. It’s not about convenience, but rather the entire user experience and the end result – the image and the sound!

In the article Bellamy says “vintage cameras have stunning designs”. They “have a certain magic that makes you look inside yourself when you shoot. You feel connected to the creation of something permanent and tangible.”

I agree!

Nikitas goes on to say “whether you perceive the idea of unplugging as positive or negative, shooting with analog cameras truly does force you to slow down.

Again, I agree!

The article features some wonderful cameras – Leica M6, Mamiya 6 and 7, Nikon F3, Nikon FM2, Olympus OM-1, Leica Barnack cameras, Olympus 35SP, Pentax Spotmatic, Nikon S/S2/S3, and the Yashica 124G TLR – where to buy them, and pointers concerning what to look for when shopping for one of these beauties.

So it was a pleasant surprise to stumble across this entertaining and useful little piece. If you are thinking about giving film a try and are still on the fence, spend a few bucks and pick up one the low cost gems featured in this article … or go a little crazy and get a Nikon … or … maybe … a Leica! Either way, I think you will be glad you did!