My equipment
When it comes to photography, having the right tools can make all the difference. My current setup is a mix of classic film cameras, modern digital bodies, and a selection of lenses that cater to a wide range of creative needs. Here’s a quick rundown of the gear I’m using and why it works so well for me.
Film Cameras
Canon New F-1
The Canon New F-1 is a legendary 35mm SLR from the 1980s, known for its rugged build and mechanical precision. It’s a workhorse that handles everything from street photography to studio work with ease. Paired with Canon FD lenses, it delivers stunning results with that timeless film look.
Bronica ETRSi
For medium format, the Bronica ETRSi is my go-to. This 6x4.5 camera offers exceptional image quality with its interchangeable backs and lenses. It’s perfect for portraits and landscapes, giving me that creamy bokeh and incredible detail only medium format can provide.
Digital Camera
Nikon Zf
On the digital side, the Nikon Zf is a game-changer. This retro-styled mirrorless camera combines modern tech with classic design. Its 24.5MP full-frame sensor, in-body stabilization, and excellent low-light performance make it a versatile tool. Plus, it’s a joy to use with its tactile dials and intuitive controls.
Lenses
Canon 35mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens (FD Mount)
This lens is a creative powerhouse. The tilt-shift functionality allows for perspective control and selective focus, making it ideal for architectural photography and dreamy, miniature-like effects. It’s a manual focus lens, but the results are worth the extra effort.
Canon 85mm f/1.8 (FD Mount)
A classic portrait lens, the Canon 85mm f/1.8 delivers beautiful bokeh and sharpness wide open. It’s perfect for isolating subjects and creating that creamy background separation that makes portraits pop.
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 Non-AI
No kit is complete without a nifty fifty, and the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 Non-AI is a gem from the past. This lens, with its all-metal construction and smooth manual focus ring, is a joy to use. The f/1.4 aperture allows for stunning low-light performance and creamy bokeh, making it perfect for portraits, street photography, or everyday shooting. It adapts beautifully to modern mirrorless systems like the Nikon Zf. The optical quality holds up surprisingly well, delivering a classic, slightly dreamy look wide open and sharpness when stopped down. It’s a reminder that great glass never goes out of style.
Other Canon FD Lenses
My collection also includes a variety of other Canon FD lenses, each with its own character. From wide-angle to telephoto, these lenses are incredibly versatile and work seamlessly with both the Canon New F-1 and adapted to the Nikon Zf for digital shooting.
Why This Kit Works
This combination of film and digital gear gives me the flexibility to shoot in almost any situation. The Canon New F-1 and Bronica ETRSi keep me connected to the tactile, deliberate process of film photography, while the Nikon Zf ensures I’m ready for fast-paced digital work. The lenses, especially the 35mm tilt-shift and 85mm f/1.8, add creative options that elevate my photography.
Whether I’m shooting landscapes, portraits, or experimenting with tilt-shift effects, this kit has me covered. It’s a testament to the idea that the best gear is the gear that inspires you to create.
What’s in your kit? Let me know!
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*Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, and this post is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.*
