This week, I asked the staff quite possibily the most difficult question:

What is the best camera that you have ever shot with?

Here are the answers that I got!

From our film tech, Ark:

This reward goes to my CONTAX 645. It’s a 120 film camera on a 6×4.5 size frame.

The Contax 645, as the last generation 120 film SLR, stands out as a timeless icon. Firstly, it achieves autofocus and modular design on the 120 format: each module can be easily swapped, allowing the same body to support various film backs and even digital backs. Personally, I enjoy carrying both film and digital backs simultaneously, giving me a wide range of options. Secondly, the Contax 645 offers a rich and powerful selection of lenses, some of which (such as the 80mm F2 and 350mm F4) are unmatched in specifications and feature autofocus capability. Thirdly, its automatic functions are remarkably comprehensive, rivaling those of point-and-shoot cameras in the 35mm format, making it highly efficient to use.

However, the Contax 645‘s drawbacks are also evident. Its high degree of integration results in virtually no repairability. If any part is damaged, unfortunately, the only option is to purchase the corresponding module for replacement, with no possibility of repair.

Here are some of Ark’s photos, with the first being an image taken with the film back and the second being taken on the digital back of the Contax 645.

Next up, I asked manager Paul what his answer was! He couldn’t keep it to just one camera:

Come on, I have worked in a camera store for 25 years. sorry I can’t make it less than four.

Rollei 35, Ricoh GR, Nikon F90x and Minolta SRT 101

Love the simplicity, size, history and build quality of the Rollei.

The Ricoh GR is just a dam impressive small high quality digital cam. I have taken it on many overseas trips and it didn’t miss a beat. Plus stoked that a few images I have enlarged to large canvas prints on my wall and they look epic.

Nikon F90x really? Yes, just because it was my first camera I purchased to start a career as a freelance photographer when I was 16.

The Minolta SRT 101 because it was given to me as a gift from my parents when I was 8 years old and it is where I learnt how to use a manual camera. I love the old Japanese made Minolta.

Image attached was taken with my Rollei with Ilford XP2 film. My two loves. My car and my partner

Image was taken with the Ricoh GR. Sat the camera on a rock and kept trying to take a selfie. Luv the memories

And here’s camera expert Paddy’s answer!

Best camera I have shot extensively would be my Sony A7III.

Massive upgrade over my previous camera in terms of low light photography and dynamic range.

(I can agree with Paddy here, the Sony A7 series is very good with lowlight!)

Here are some images that Paddy shared to show the lowlight and dynamic range capabilities of this camera:

Finally, my answer:

I’ve realised how much of a difficult question this is to ask someone, but I have 2 cameras to mention:

The Fujifilm X-T4 and the Canon F-1.

The Fujifilm X-T4 was my first professional camera; it was my birthday/Christmas present from my mum for my 19th birthday. I still use it, but now my pro camera is the X-H2. The X-T4 is just so easy to use, and with such beautiful results. Its incredibly intuitive design made it so easy to gain confidence on (I knew how to shoot before, but shooting for a job is nerve-wracking when starting out!) and to be able to switch between settings so easily. I go between high shutter shots and longer exposures, and with the dials being on the top of the camera body, it made it super easy to switch. That’s the one thing I wish I had on my X-H2, but have been able to customise the dials to echo that ease of use that the X-T4 has. I’ve also shot 2 music videos on the X-T4, and it was a delight to use for those!

Both the photos below are of members from Adelaide band HUBRIS, and their energy is fantastic to shoot!

The Canon F-1 is my baby, it was my first professional level film camera (closely followed by the Mamiya RB67, which is beautiful as well but not as easy to carry around). Joined with the motor winder, it’s so easy to use and the clarity of the images is fantastic. It feels like the film camera that finally makes sense and creates the images that I have in my head, which is an awesome feeling. I shoot only fully mechanical film cameras (apart from using the motor winder), and this camera is a beautiful example of how fully mechanical cameras should be. I’ve taken it with me on tour to Melbourne and Perth, and it has created some wonderful images.

All of these images were shot on 800T film, and feature members of REND, Live Slug Reaction, and End It All. All wildly different lighting situations, but showing the flexibility of the 50mm f/1.8 as well.