I Do Not Need a New Camera

I’ve been toying with the idea of experimenting with a new camera for the past 6-10 months. This idea did not arise from a dissatisfaction with Fujifilm or a mistaken belief that a “better” camera will make me a better photographer. The interest in a new camera grew from a desire to understand how other brands create a photography experience and challenge myself to learn and grow.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve challenged myself in to make photographs in different ways. I restricted myself to only use one lens each week, I did a 365 photo project (for 2 years) and recently, started adding videos to accompany my photos. However, I’m a geek at heart. I love new gear and if anything is going to encourage me to make photos, it is a new camera.

My criteria for a new camera is, not Fujifilm, portable and not APS-C. This meant I was looking at Full Frame or Medium Format cameras and fixed lens units to help fulfil the portability criteria. Upon reflection, my camera research was surprisingly limited. I only research fixed lens Leica cameras (Q43 and Q) and Fuji’s new fixed lens medium format camera (GFX100RF). I watched multiple YouTube videos, did my sums and tried to convince myself that a new camera will be a make a difference.

As January came to a close, I had pretty much decided I will not be buying a new camera. Unfortunately, social media Gods had another plan for me. They harnessed the power of modern marketing , algorithms and photography influencers to introduce me to the Nikon ZF. Multiple YouTube videos later and a very public announcement that I’m not buying a new camera, I now own a Nikon ZF.

Here are some photos from my first week with the camera.