Are cameras just a tool?

The camera is only a tool, but are they really?

Some people can probably remember where their influences for photography came from, be it a parent, or perhaps another photographer.

But, I cant remember myself.

I know my parents had lots of photos, but I cant remember the cameras at all.

I think mine was seeing the camera as another gadget, another hobby and something to try.

Starting with an early Canon EOS, I remember the feeling of just taking images for myself. Far before social media. The photos weren’t shared, hell I cant even remember if I still have them.

As with every other hobby and interest, we want to upgrade, to perhaps get a newer version, hoping it will improve things.

I remember the feeling of wanting to learn everything about it all. I read every book, every helpful manual. I learnt different techniques and then went out and put them into practice.

Standing on bridges over carriageways  at night to get the tail lights of cars, sunsets (I’m not a morning person), panning techniques and so on.

I picked up accessories that magazines told me are needed.

Bags, oh it just made things worse.

I’ve had so many, not just five or six, I mean were probably getting to the hundreds now.

Perhaps I should start doing a few little reviews on certain gear (Its only my opinion, but maybe it could be helpful)

As for the tool itself, the camera, Ive again had many.

I envy the people that can pick one up and thats it, no need to change.

Maybe when film cameras were the only option, people found a decent one and stuck with it. Unless it broke, there was no need to upgrade.

Its ourselves that see the image in front of us. We just need a tool to capture that vision.

I’m currently using Fujifilm, and have done for quite a while. One of my first ones was one back in 2001.

I’ve gone through the X-E rand and the X-T range. Trying to find one that maybe suited me.

Im at the moment using an X-T5 and yes, its absolutely fantastic. Does it make me a better photographer, no, of course not. But If I can pick up a tool that works well, is reliable and allows me to capture images without thinking, then its doing its job well.

Over the weekend, one of my other cameras, an X100F, decided to give up.

The focus motor seems jammed and its turned into an expensive brick.

I didnt expect to feel how I felt though.

If this was a mechanical camera, I could do it myself, or send it off to one of the many places.

We want keep the mechanical things going, dont waste them or replace them, fix them.

But as technology has moved along, we are reliant on electronic items lasting, to which they dont.

Unfortunately it seems the Fujifilm no longer support or repair these cameras. Yes I get that they cant maintain everything and have to draw a line somewhere, but its frustrating to see such a good tool instantly turn into a paperweight.

Especially something that when you pick up, reminds you of when you started. It excites, it fires the passion and desire to create.

They aren't just tools are they?

These are things that can inspire you to get out and explore the world, to look differently and see.