My Top 10 Cameras of 2023!
I carry a camera everywhere, whether I am walking to the shops or on a day trip out to some new location, I generally have some kind of camera on me. After I posted my favourite cameras of 2022, I received lots of emails asking details about some of the cameras I listed and it was apparent that plenty of the readers were intrigued by what did and didn’t make the list, so I thought I would give you an insight into some of my favourite cameras that I have used in 2023.
my favourite cameras in 2023
I carry a camera everywhere, whether I am walking to the shops or on a day trip out to some new location, I generally have some kind of camera on me. After I posted my favourite cameras of 2022, I received lots of emails asking details about some of the cameras I listed and it was apparent that plenty of the readers were intrigued by what did and didn’t make the list, so I thought I would give you an insight into some of my favourite cameras that I have used in 2023.
It’s fair to say that I am very fortunate to get to use a lot of different cameras and I appreciate how lucky I am to do so. The vast majority of these cameras are purchased with my own money (I will have a post coming up in the New Year about my process for buying and selling cameras!) but some are loaned to me from camera manufacturers. However, this does not cloud my judgement, I will always give an honest opinion and never feel pressured into saying something I don’t believe to be true.
The only other thing worth keeping in mind as we run down the list is that some of these cameras are there to do a job and some purely for pleasure - that’s not to say that one is better than the other and you should run out and buy it! This list is purely from my own perspective and I will be explicit over whether it is a practical choice or simply something that puts a smile on my face!
PLEASE NOTE: I PURCHASED MOST OF THESE ITEMS WITH MY OWN MOMEY AND NO PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW
10 - Fuji X10
I picked this camera up in 2022 as a viable alternative to the X100V and as I mentioned in my review, I feel like it gets most of the way there. The small form factor is everything the X100V should be but I’m not going to sugar coat it, the image quality is never going to be as good as its more modern relative.
With patience, you can really get the most out of the X10
That said, it’s still more than possible to get a great image out of this camera and with a bit of patience and understanding, the files can be wrangled into something more than usable. I didn’t find myself using this camera as much as I hoped this year but every time I see it, it puts a smile on my face and I sincerely hope Fuji makes a return to this pocket friendly form factor when they release the latest iteration in their X-series line-up.
9 - Sony A7RV
OK, before anybody calls me a troll or accuses me of losing my mind, let me explain why Sony is so far down the list! It is a stellar camera, arguably the best camera on the list from a technical point of view. It has the best autofocus, a seriously impressive sensor, decent handling and video functions that wouldn’t be out of place on a Hollywood movie set.
It doesn’t take much to get the most out of the A7RV files :)
Therein lies the problem though, it's a technical masterpiece and for me at least, it feels a little too clinical. The image quality is sharp and precise, the autofocus is snappy and fast - but it lacks that ‘something’ that makes me want to pick the camera up. I know how ridiculous it sounds to prefer a ‘worse’ camera, but the camera is not just a tool, it needs to inspire you and that’s where I find this camera lacking! That’s jus me though, it really is a camera of the highest quality.
Video Source - DP Review TV via YouTube
8 - Canon EOS-R
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I think the original EOS-R is one of the best bargains in modern cameras. It got hammered when first released and in some parts, with good reason. However, the autofocus is good enough for most normal scenarios, the build quality is good and personally, I find the handling a treat.
The Canon Eos R once again proving why its one of my secret favourites!
Put that together with decent image quality, respectable dynamic range and video quality that, in 1080p at least, is plenty good enough and you have quite a package. Sure, there are much better options out there but for the price and the lens availability, I can’t think of many cameras that I would recommend over it. To coin a phrase from the youngsters, I think way too many people are ‘sleeping on’ the EOS-R!
7 - Yashica Mat 124G
What can I say about this camera, I absolutely adore it. It certainly doesn’t have the grace of a Rolleiflex and not as reliable as a Hasselblad - but it is cheap, easy to use and creates wonderful images. There really isn’t much negative to say about this camera and even if it goes wrong and let’s face it, most old cameras will go wrong! They are still affordable and abundant enough to pick up another one.
The Yashica Mat 1244G is the perfect street companion…
I didn’t get as much opportunity to use it as I may have liked but that is not to say that it isn’t a wonderful camera. In fact, I seriously considered taking this as my ‘only’ film camera to Japan, such is the reliability of it and the simple pleasure of use. However, with rising film prices and developing costs, I’m a little concerned about how much use it will get in the coming year…
6 - Leica M8
Ah the Leica M8, I love this camera. The shooting experience with this camera is incredible and can make even bang average photographers like me feel like Cartier-Bresson! The 10 megapixel CCD sensor is a thing of beauty as long as you feed it lot’s of light! In anything other than bright sunny days, the image can fall apart and in low light it’s almost unusable.
The Leica M8 has some serious nostalgic vibes!
When used in fair conditions though, this little lump of Leica can produce beautifully rich images that almost feel like you are shooting with Kodachrome! The body feels rugged and premium and knowing that it will ‘brass’ over the years, it just makes you want to hold it and use it as often as possible! The only problem being is that as a resident of the uL, sunny days are too few and far between! Hopefully it will get more use in 2024!
5 - Fuji X100V
What can I say about the Fuji X100V that hasn’t already been said a thousand times before. This camera is a marvel of the modern camera world. It’s fantastic to use in almost any scenario and deserves the praise that gets regularly heaped on it. It creates beautiful images and is so simple and enjoyable to use that it’s really difficult to recommend any other cameras over it.
The Fuji X100V is just a great Everyday Carry, for those with big and deep pockets…
However, as I said in my long term review, there is one issue that I struggle to look past from time to time. It’s just a touch too big to call pocket size! If this camera was about 20% smaller, it would be the perfect camera, hands down. You simply can’t easily fit it into a pocket and that means that you have to make a choice - if you need to carry a camera bag, well there are plenty of better cameras to carry. Yes, I understand it’s unfair to pitch it against interchangeable lens cameras or Medium Format! However, if I’m taking a bag out, I’m probably reaching for a different camera.
Video Source - Benj Haisch via YouTube
The 645Z dwarfs the already large Fuji GFX 50S II
4 - Pentax 645Z
OK, so I will be honest. This camera was bought on somewhat of a whim! It’s an outrageously expensive camera to buy without doing some proper research but having sold a few of last year's favourites, I had made up my mind that I wanted to delve into the world of digital Medium Format and this seemed like the most budget friendly way of doing so.
Even with a pro-mist filter in low light, the 645Z produces wonderful images
I will cut to the chase though, this is an incredible camera and I pretty much instantly fell in love with it. So it’s an easy recommendation then? Absolutely not. The camera is huge. I don’t just mean ‘it won’t fit in a pocket’ huge, I mean it won’t fit in some of my camera bags! It has one of the loudest (but also most satisfying!) shutter sounds that not only draw attention to you, but I’m sure would make people duck if you use it in public, it’s comical!
So why have I kept it? It’s an absolute joy to use. Once you get over the size, the layout of the camera is amazing and the images it produced are simply some of the best I have ever seen. The dynamic range is fantastic and when combined with the stunning DA645 28-45mm lens - which in itself is probably the best lens I have ever used, well it’s almost the perfect package. Unfortunately, that package is simply too big for everyday use!
3 - Bronica GS-1
Well, this is slightly awkward. Last year's number one camera has been dethroned, surely that means I’ve fallen out of love with it? Not in the slightest, in fact, I am still on the search for a second GS-1, just in case this one goes wrong! Everything I said last year remains true and it is still and incredible medium format offering that I think is too often overlooked in favour of the Pentax and Mamiya offerings.
I’ve created some of my favourite images with the Bronica GS-1
So why hasn’t it retained it’s crown? Well quite simply it’s just becoming more and more difficult to shoot regularly with it. Film and developing costs make shooting in 6x7 a luxury and one that I struggle to justify. It is a fantastic camera and one I would highly recommend. However, if it’s not a specific project or a once in a lifetime trip, I would have to reach for the Mamiya 645 Pro or the Yashica, purely based on economics if nothing else.
2 - Fuji GFX 50S II
I reviewed the 50S II earlier in the year and even though I really enjoyed using the camera, I didn’t think I would come to own one. The Medium Format bug had definitely bit me and the camera is just a well thought out, well built camera that is simple enough to use. However, the slower autofocus and higher price tag than a decent 35mm camera meant that it probably wasn’t well suited for my needs.
The perfect camera for a once in a lifetime trip…
However, as the year went on and plans of visiting Japan, probably the thing at the top of my bucket list - I found myself pondering what camera to take. No doubt pretty much any camera I owned would do a good job but I wanted to use something that I knew would do the trip justice. After hitting the credit card hard I was now the proud owner of a 50S II and let’s just say, I was extremely happy with my choice, this thing makes amazing images!
1 - Canon R5C
This camera sat at number 2 in last year's list so why has it taken the top spot in 2023? Well, put simply, I’ve started to understand this camera more and it’s an absolute beast! Taking brand preference out of the equation, I would struggle to think of a more fully featured ‘hybrid’ camera out there - maybe the new Sony A9 III but as I doubt I will be getting my hands on one of those any time soon, I really can;t compare.
Perfect for corporate work and general shooting pleasure…
What makes the R5C so special is its ability to transform from a fully specced Can R5, which is a fantastic stills camera, to an all out cine style camera that even gives it’s big brother, the Canon C70 a run for its money. The best part, it’s barely any bigger than an R5 and if you had to purchase an R5 and a C70, you’d been forking out at least a few thousand pounds extra! The R5C has come to represent excellent value to me considering its spec.
R5C fully rigged and ready for business…
However, the thing that really pushed it over the edge and into the top spot for me is simply how reliable it’s been - it literally hasn’t missed a beat. As a professional photographer and videographer, I have to be able to rely on my gear and apart from a few idiosyncrasies, such as the boot time when switching from photo to video or the Micro HDMI port (Canon!!) Once you get used to its little quirks, it’s a fantastic camera to use.
There you have it, that’s my round up for this year and I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings in terms of cameras. Hopefully I will get to try a few more flagship models and as always, I will share my honest thoughts with you guys! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
Bronica GS-1 - The Most Underrated Medium Format Camera Ever?
I've been searching, yearning for a medium-format film camera like this for a long time. It wasn't easy to get my hands on it, and for some reason, its mere mention is but a hushed whisper floating from one forum post to another. Not a lot of people know about it, and one might argue that it's criminally underrated. In that sense, it's a good time to now introduce you to a new piece in my collection, the Bronica GS-1.
I've been searching, yearning for a medium-format film camera like this for a long time. It wasn't easy to get my hands on it, and for some reason, its mere mention is but a hushed whisper floating from one forum post to another. Not a lot of people know about it, and one might argue that it's criminally underrated. In that sense, it's a good time to now introduce you to a new piece in my collection, the Bronica GS-1.
Now, if you know anything about 6x7 format cameras, you may've heard of the Mamiya RZ67 and RB67, as well as the Pentax 67. So, why not the Bronica GS-1? Why was it side-lined in the pages of history? On top of that, why did I get the GS-1 instead of its more popular rivals? For starters, the GS-1 perfectly matched a set of criteria that I set out when I was on the prowl for a medium-format film camera.
PLEASE NOTE: I PURCHASED THIS WITH MY OWN MOMEY AND NO PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW
This being... a 6x7 aspect ratio, (relatively) compact sizing, good ergonomics, great image quality, good lenses and it could be had for a bargain price. The 6x7 format was, in particular, very desirable among other formats that I planned on shooting. Moreover, Bronica's GS-1 is smaller than either the Mamiya or Pentax cameras. The latter two are quite hefty and cumbersome to operate, which would be quite a hassle for day-to-day use.
Having previously experienced both the Mamiya and Pentax offerings before and now handling the GS-1 - I found the latter to suit my needs the best. For a camera that's no longer in production, and one that's been left under-appreciated and under-mentioned amongst photographer and mainstream circles, was choosing Bronica and its GS-1 a mistake? Not at all. In fact, it's time that the GS-1 gets its own, silent revolution.
The Ideal Ergonomics For A Comfy Experience
So, about my particular GS-1... I bought it with a pop-up waist-level viewfinder. I consider it a bonus find for me since it’s my preferred way of shooting! Otherwise, the Bronica GS-1 could be coupled with other finders. That includes a 90-degree rotary prism (more on that later), as well as a metered and non-metered prism. The customisability is thanks in no small part to the GS-1's incredibly modular body.
That is further improved thanks to the excellent ergonomics when handling the GS-1. Therefore, most of the controls that you need... Be it the flash sync, lens disconnect switch, shutter speed, and the film back release button... Are all positioned within easy reach. This litany of switches and knobs also includes the mirror lock-up (MLU) button and double-exposure settings. These two are crucial for night-time and experimental shots.
You'll usually have to fiddle around with the exposure and MLU switches when the sun goes down if you want the best low-light experience possible. It's not the most intuitive system in the world. But, once you get used to it, night photography with the Bronica GS-1 can yield great results (be sure to source the correct shutter release cable for it!). Meanwhile, there's the other key talking point of the GS-1 over its period contemporaries - the build quality and packaging.
The body of the GS-1 itself feels solid, robust, and well-built. Granted, while it's slightly smaller than the Mamiya or Pentax that we mentioned earlier, Bronica's entry into the field is still rather large and heavy. As such, you'd better be prepared to lug about that excess mass with you wherever you go. On the plus side, you do have an interchangeable film back system, and Bronica even sold a Polaroid film back for it.
Video Source - Worldwide Camera Exchange via YouTube
“Has the heart and soul of a film camera, but paired with the conveniences and aspirations that bring it up to par with modern digital cameras”
Modular And Customisable To Your Heart's Content
Speaking of, the modularity of the GS-1 means that exchanging an accessory for another is a breeze. One great example would be the lenses. Personally, the lens that I gravitate to the most with it, and given my use case, is a 100mm lens. From time to time, I will vary between it and a 50mm or 65mm lens. This does bring us to the first significant point of consideration (and downside), if you're thinking of getting one.
Bronica themselves only made 9 different lenses for the GS-1... A 50mm, 65mm, 80mm, 100mm, 110mm micro, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, and a 500mm super-telephoto lens. Given limited aftermarket support, this does limit your usability quite a bit, seeing that there are only so "many" lenses to choose from. It's not something that I need to worry about with how I intend to use my GS-1, but you may feel otherwise.
Video Source - Brae Hunziker via YouTube
Still, the native lenses are pretty good. So good, in fact, that Bronica later re-used the lens formula and coatings from the GS-1 lenses, and adapted them to the rest of their camera line-up. Elsewhere, it has a healthy mixture of both mechanical and electronic elements. For instance, the GS-1's shutter speeds are electronically-controlled. Hence, allowing you to vary from 16 seconds to 1/500 seconds (and Bulb mode).
Additionally, you get a flash sync across all available shutter speeds - another huge plus point! Moreover, the GS-1 can be had with two teleconverters, a 1.4x and a 2.0x. And, two extension tubes, an 18mm and its 36mm counterpart. Some may say that the Bronica GS-1 has the heart and soul of a film camera but paired with the conveniences and aspirations that bring it up to par with modern digital cameras.
Some Good, Some Bad, And Some Ugly
Although, those very same electronics which distinguish the GS-1 are also a double-edged sword. It's worth mentioning, as well, that the GS-1 is battery-powered. In other words, you'll have to rely on its battery for everything from the shutter and even the cable release. With that in mind, if that singular PX28 battery is on the verge of dying, or if the electronics go kaput, you'll be deprived of using your GS-1 entirely.
When put side-by-side with other comparable older cameras, they at least have a few mechanical tricks and functions that could still work without electrical support. Meaning that even if their electronics give way, you can technically still use them, unlike the GS-1. To be fair though, many owners of the GS-1 can agree that thus far (given its old age), the electric circuitry is somewhat comparatively reliable.
Video Source - Brae Hunziker via YouTube
Still, you ought to be cautious if you're buying an old GS-1. I'd recommend checking the electronics more diligently than you'd otherwise do. Regardless, with all this talk of the GS-1's build, how well does it take actual photos? Well, it turns out, really fantastically so! The images that come out of it are very crisp and clear. I personally have no issues with the image quality at all - it's a silver lining with all big cameras.
A larger frame means more image. The large 6x7 negative means I'm able to extract more detail out of a typical shot. Furthermore, it emphasises the shallow depth of field, and is similar in quality to many digital cameras of today (with the right technique), but inside the form factor of a film camera. Overall, this makes the Bronica GS-1 a very satisfying hardware to shoot with.
Some Of The Compromises To Look Out For
The experience is even better if you're willing to shop around a bit harder and find the optional AE (auto-exposure) prism viewfinder, mind. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as there is one aspect of operating the GS-1 that's less than ideal. More specifically, you'll need to use a bit of elbow grease when you're shooting in portrait. This is because Bronica made one small oversight compared to its rivals.
Mamiya, on the other hand, had rotating film backs (That’s the ‘RB’!) that let you switch from landscape to portrait in a pinch. Meanwhile, the GS-1 doesn't have this. So, you'll either have to manually rotate your camera 90 degrees anytime you're shooting in portrait, which is no doubt a pain if you've mounted it onto a tripod. Or, you could shell out a bit more to get one of Bronica's rotating tripod adapter accessories.
In short, it's probably better to keep the GS-1 as a handheld camera rather than one that you'd regularly pair with a tripod or fixed mount. Another huge downside with the GS-1, as with all older cameras, is the accessibility to spare parts. The older it gets, the tougher it'll be to source spares, should they break. And, it's just as challenging to find shops or people who know how to work on it, if you need repairs done.
It's something that you have to live with once you delve into the rabbit hole of owning and using any old, out-of-production photography gear. Then, going back to those electronics, the GS-1, remember, isn't an all-mechanical being. Having experienced how iffy electrics can be with these older cameras, if they ever go awry, it's likely a lot easier to simply replace the entire camera, rather than trying to fix it up.
Is The Bronica GS-1 Worth It?... Some Closing Thoughts
Not too long ago, the arrival and incredible growth of digital cameras brought and end to the dynasty of film. It meant having to say goodbye to the Bronica GS-1, as well as its compatriots. It's a shame too, since that bulky hunk of metal and plastic is one that I very much enjoy using. Every time I go out, I try to bring the Bronica GS-1 with me as often as I can. For a medium-format camera, it's a perfect package.
In summary, it's a great choice for either rookie photographers, or even experienced veterans like myself, who are looking to get the perfect medium-format camera. In terms of maximal ‘bang-for-buck’ it’s difficult to look beyond the GS-1. When compared to those Mamiya and Pentax 6x7 pickings, the GS-1 is relatively more ergonomic and compact for those busy shoot-and-scoot sort of days. If that's not convincing enough, the GS-1 is also a steal!
With a bit of searching, you could walk away with a good GS-1 for around £500 or so. I suppose that's the prime benefit of being so underrated for so long, yet delivering a great camera that'll capably ro capture amazing images. By contrast, you'd need to spend a couple hundred more at least (if not thousands!) on an equivalent Mamiya or Pentax. In which case, you might as well spend that on accessories.
Though, trying to source the GS-1 body, lenses, and the rest of the optional kits from used marketplaces can be a bit of a challenge. In some cases, you may even be able to walk away with 6x7 lenses for under £150 apiece. But, looking for intact and reliable ones is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Most GS-1 owners seem to have much better luck shopping for mint GS-1s and their accessories from Japan - which can have it’s own problems, as well as import taxes.
For me though, the GS-1 is as close to the perfect medium format camera as I’ve come so far. Considering, it doesn’t look like there will be any ‘new’ film cameras for a while (outside of toy cameras and technical offerings) it seems that the GS-1 will be my ‘go-to’ for quite some time, and I am perfectly fine with that…
Specs And Details
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
My Top 10 Cameras of 2022!
As the year comes to an end, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of my favourite cameras that I have used in the last 12 months. I use a camera every day for work, but I also take a huge amount of pleasure from just picking up a camera and going for a walk.
my favourite cameras in 2022
As the year comes to an end, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of my favourite cameras that I have used in the last 12 months. I use a camera every day for work, but I also take a huge amount of pleasure from just picking up a camera and going for a walk. This means that cameras do different things for me, some are work horses for specific jobs, some are purely for the user experience!
As I shoot more and more film, I’ve learnt that I really enjoy the slower process. Taking time to compose images, check exposure and the mystery of how it will come out is thrilling. With this in mind, you can probably guess that if I could only use one camera, it would probably be film (and medium format at that!).
That said, I have had to upgrade my camera this year and the new ‘daily driver’ has been interesting to say the least! However, I have also found myself exploring digital cameras for everyday use and have been really enjoying the journey. Film prices have made it difficult to justify taking an analogue camera out every time so finding a digital camera with an analogue feel was essential! Let’s get into the list…
PLEASE NOTE: I PURCHASED ALL OF THESE ITEMS WITH MY OWN MOMEY AND NO PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW
10 - Koni Omega Rapid M
Coming in at ten but by no means a bad camera os the Koni Omega Rapid M. This was a bit of a random purchase for me and not really something I had spent a lot of time researching. The only thing that really stood out to me was the 6x7 aspect ratio. I knew that I was never going to afford a Mamya 7ii or the like so when I found out about the Koni, I was intrigued.
The Koni Omega Rapid M is capable of some really sharp images
However, when I saw the prices, I was immediately sold on the idea. Coming in at a fraction of the prices of the trendy Mamiya, it almost seemed silly not to at least give it a go. My major concern was finding a decent example. My eBay searches were mainly bringing up cameras located in Japan. I wasn’t concerned about importing one but as luck would have it, one popped up in the UK and I quickly snapped it up!
The camera is simple to use (with one of the coolest shutter advances I’ve ever seen - imagine cocking some kind of vintage gun!). The ergonomics of the camera are not great, it’s bulky, heavy and a bit of a pain to carry around. However, the results are fantastic and certainly make me wonder why anyone would spend more for the Mamiya (apart form maybe the weight and user experience!).
9 - Fuji X10
Next up is a very recent purchase and I’ve recently posted a review about this camera, so I won’t go into too much detail here. The more I use it though, the more I enjoy it. This little camera fits so well in a pocket and for me, the results are certainly good enough that it justifies living in my pocket.
Need I say more about the little Fuji X10?
Possibly my biggest wish for this camera would be the low light performance. Whereas it is perfectly capable of getting a good image in darker conditions, it takes work. Given the age of the camera though, I really am nitpicking and this is a great little camera to use in most other circumstances.
8 - Fuji X100V
For many, seeing the mighty X100V languishing down in eighth might seem completely foolish. However, I have really had to try to love this camera. It is probably the closest thing to the perfect pocket camera out there in 2022. However, my main gripe is it’s barely pocketable!
The Fuji X100V can produced super rich and vibrant images
I love the images that can be had from this camera and the looks, ergonomics and user experience are all fantastic. Trying to fit it in a pocket is not such a good experience. In the winter months, when big coats are a must, it’s a great camera to carry. In the summer though, if you’re going out in jeans and a T-shirt, you’re going to need to bring a bag!
7 - Canon Eos R
Many people may assume I’ve completely lost my mind to see the Eos R even on the list, let alone ahead of the X100V. However, this camera has been a complete workhorse for me and even though it may not be my ‘main’ camera anymore, it still makes for a fantastic second camera.
The Canon Eos R once again proving why I can’t let it go…
When it was released, the ‘R’ got a lukewarm reception to say the least. For me, the ergonomics are great, it’s reliable in most circumstances and my style of work, the results are more than acceptable. With decent video quality and a pretty snappy autofocus system, this camera has been rocksolid and still earns a place in my camera bag.
6 - Yashica Mat 124 G
The Yashica Mat 124 G is a pretty legendary camera. An affordable alternative to the Rollei counterparts, this is a common starting point for the entry to the world of TLR’s. I picked up a very clean example at auction and even at the time, I knew I was paying over the odds but I’m glad I did!
The Yashica Mat 124 G is a much loved camera for a reason…
It’s a super simple camera to use and TLR’s by their very nature are just a joy to use! I’ve had so much fun using this camera and produced some of my favourite images from this year on it. If you’re in the market for a TLR and find a good example at the right prices, I wouldn’t think twice about grabbing one!
5 - Canon P Rangefinder
The Canon P was probably the 35mm camera that really got me interested in analogue photography, I think the camera is beautiful and is an absolute joy to use! I can’t really compare this to the Leica alternatives but considering you’ll be paying over ten times more for a Leica, I’m certainly happy with the P!
The Canon P Rangefinder is such a funny camera to carry…
The biggest downside of the P for me personally is that it’s not medium format. I simply prefer the image quality and detail from the larger negative and I would almost always pick up one of the bigger cameras over the P every time. It’s such a shame though as this is a beautiful camera and I would absolutely recommend it if you’re not interested in film size!
4 - Mamiya 645 Pro TL
Ok, so this camera being so high up on the list is quite a surprise to me! It’s a great camera and having owned the ‘Pro’ - I picked up a ‘Pro TL’ as it was such a good deal! However, the 645 negative size never really did it for me and I found myself leaning towards other cameras.
The Mamiya 645 Pro TL can produce images to rival almost any medium format camera…
That was until film prices went through the roof in 2022 and I have to admit, I’ve found myself using this camera more and more. It’s a fantastically versatile camera and produces great results. I always class it as more of an ‘entry level’ medium format camera but I admit, that’s complete rubbish - this is a very capable camera one that I will be shooting with more next year!
3 - Leica M8
OK, so I admit that this camera was a complete indulgence and you can find out more about it in my first impressions. That said, I absolutely love this camera and once you get past the price tag, it actually suits many of my wishes from a camera! The shooting experience is great, it feels solid in the hand and the results that you can get from it are incredible.
The Leica M8 has a truly ‘film’ camera feel with most of the benefits of digital…
Obviously, it’s completely perfect. It’s practically useless in anything other than good light and can feel a bit chunky at times (though that is the ‘classic’ Leica feel). More concerning though is the potential for weird artifacts in the image and knowing that the M9 had a bit of a sensor issue, it’s always nagging in the back of my mind that it could just die!
2 - Canon R5C
Right, so this is the big one! This is the camera that I upgraded too and I’m so glad that I did. I will be doing a review of it but needless to say, I love this camera. The results that you can achieve from this thing (both in photo and video) completely justify the hefty price tag!
The Canon R5C is a remarkable camera and I will do a full review soon…
However, this is a complete ‘tool’ and it is only used that way. In fact, I don’t think I’ve take it out once to shoot for pleasure. The main reason being that this camera is not one camera, it’s two! It has two separate operating systems for photo and video. The ergonomics for a photo camera are not the greatest and there are a few cameras I would rather pick up ahead of this.
With all that said though, this is a fantastic camera though and hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to commercial work. In an ideal world, I would probably have separate photo and video cameras but with all the features this camera packs in, I’d be spending a lot more money for that privilege!
1 - Bronica GS-1
Well, this is quite the turn up for the books… I spent a long time looking at the Mamiya RB67 and the Pentax 67 to fulfill my six by seven desires. The more research I did, I kept coming across the ‘underrated’ Bronica GS-1. According to all of the reviews, the size, weight and usability of the ‘Bronnie’ were all better than the aforementioned options!
The Bronica GS-1 is a special camera and I will do a full write up very soon!
However, having now used all three, I can honestly say I am happy with my choice and I absolutely love this camera! The waist level viewfinder is beautifully clear, the shooting experience is a pleasure and I can walk around with this camera all day and not feel too concerned about weight!
The thing that really got me though are the results that can be had with this camera! I have picked up a few lenses and keep finding myself gravitating back to the 100mm. Given the choice of all the cameras I own, this is the one that I would be picking up if I could only use one camera!
So there you have it, that’s pretty much my year in cameras and unless anything major happens, these are the ones I will be using the most in 2023 as well! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the list though and what would you pick? Happy shooting in 2023!
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