Choosing an Older Camera on Purpose

I recently picked up an eight year old secondhand camera from MPB, and it felt worth sharing why.

As a full time photographer, I’m a Nikon user and already have the gear I rely on day in and day out for work. It does exactly what it needs to do. But for family days, moments between meetings, and everyday life, I realised I was leaning more and more on my phone. It was convenient, but it didn’t feel the same. I wanted a camera I could actually enjoy using for me, something a bit quirkier too, and not just another screen.

Photography isn’t just my job, it’s how I document my life. It’s how I remember the small things, the quiet moments, and everything that happens in between the bigger milestones. So I wanted something small, something I could always have with me. A camera that encourages me to shoot instinctively, without overthinking settings or outcomes.

That’s what led me to the Fujifilm X-T3. It’s old enough to be affordable, but still more than capable. It doesn’t feel precious or overcomplicated. The images feel honest, with room for character and the occasional imperfection, which feels far closer to real life than perfectly polished frames.

I spent a lot of time researching, working within a tight budget, and being realistic about what I actually needed rather than what was new or trending. This camera ticked every box. And so far, what it’s produced has been pretty special.

Sometimes choosing older gear isn’t about compromise. It’s about intention, and making space to enjoy photography in a quieter, more personal way.