 |
| Ice remained in the trees several days after last weekend's ice storm. Just don't walk under the branches! (Ricoh GRIIIx) (click to enlarge) |
From the comments and emails I’ve received over the years, I know that many of you who read this blog are within a decade or less of either work retirement, photographic retirement (not that you would give it up totally, but you might want to reduce your photographic efforts and pare down to one camera) or, perish the thought, retirement from life itself. Yikes! You just never know. But let’s not get premature. Let's talk only about retiring from prolific photography—i.e., actively photographing with one or more camera systems, lots of lenses and accessories almost on a daily basis or at least as often as you can.
Some of you may already be at that stage in your photographic journey. You are essentially done buying gear or have bought or held on to a camera and lens that you feel will last and serve your photography needs for the rest of your days. Your ‘forever’ camera, so to speak.
I have given this some thought. I’m now 74 years old, started passionately photographing in the spring of 1971 and, I believe, have not yet lost one iota of my passion. I still feel as though I ‘need’ to photograph regularly or I get, shall I say, grumpy! Lol. But one day, I’ll most likely decide that, I’ll want to buy my ‘forever’ camera and just photograph casually.
As I mentioned, on occasion I’ve thought about this and but I think I need to think about it more before I would decide what I would do if, indeed, I decided to hang up active photography. But even if I decide today as to what I would do, I certainly could change my mind when the time comes. New cameras with new features, both traditional and computational, will be available. Personal circumstances could change as well as physical abilities.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post asking what camera system would you buy if, all of a sudden for whatever reason, all your gear was gone. You can read that post here. This is not that. This is about what camera and lens or lenses you would decide to own when you no longer actively photograph with any frequency. In other words, when you essentially ‘retire’ from photography. Your answer may be that you wouldn’t keep a camera at all? Hmmm.
I would imagine each of us would answer this question differently depending upon the results of a little self-examination. Questions you may want to ask yourself, among others could be: How much interest do I still have in photography? Am I still physically able to get out and get around? Do I intend to travel? How much do I think I will want to photograph? What do I think I will want to photograph? What would I want to do with my photographs? Am I physically able to carry a camera and a few lenses? Your answers to those and other like questions would dictate your decision.
As for me, the first thought that came to my mind was to use what many use today — my mobile phone. But I’ll fight that thought (for now, anyway) as I don’t like the user experience of utilizing my mobile phone for my photography. I do use it mainly for ‘record’ shots but almost never for anything creative or artistic. I find no pleasure in using my phone for photography. Your opinion may differ and mine may change as phones will surely change in the future.
 |
| As much as I admire the beauty of nature, this kind of beauty easily can be deadly! (Ricoh GRIIIx) (click to enlarge) |
My second thought would be to get a camera that is extremely well built, having excellent image quality, potentially with a sensor and lens that would be future proof and having a bright, large electronic viewfinder. Something such as a Leica Q3 or Q3 43 came to mind. Maybe a successor to my Fujifilm X100VI? But would I choose a camera with a single focal length non-interchangeable lens? I don’t know.
My third thought was to use one of my old Nikon manual film cameras or my even older (1958) Leica M3 with the 50mm f/2 Dual Range Summicron that sit on my display case shelf. No batteries. Extremely well built. Will last forever, it seems. But will film and processing be affordable when I’m older than I now am? Right now I have no desire whatsoever to go back to film.
My fourth thought was to use a small, interchangeable lens camera with one or two lenses, just to have a bit more versatility without being overwhelmed by too many decisions. Two lenses, maximum. One would be ideal. That could be something like an OM-3 with a 12-40mm f/2.8 lens, a Fujifilm X-E5 with the 16-55mm f/2.8 II lens or even a Nikon Zf with the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 lens. If I wanted to go smaller, I could substitute the zoom lens for a couple of small primes—maybe the equivalent of 35mm & 85mm lenses.
Another option would be a small fixed zoom lens camera such as one of the versions of the highly rated Sony RX100. It is small, has a decent sized sensor, a sharp zoom lens, a viewfinder, etc. it is certainly worth considering in my old age.
My last thought would be just keep something I already have. But I don’t know what I will have and be using what that day of decision finally arrives, if it ever arrives. Just keeping something I already own and use is a viable possibility.
Nope. I just don’t know as of today. I tend to lean toward something like a single focal length Leica, Fujifilm or Ricoh for just casual photography but I just don’t know.
The bottom line is that I like these thought experiments. I find them fun and a good exercise in anticipating the future. I try to conduct these with different subjects.
How about you older guys and ladies out there? Have you had any thoughts like this? What would you choose as your ‘retirement’ camera and when (or if) do you think that day will come. Leave a comment and let the rest of us know. I think we will find your thoughts interesting.
NOTE: That little Ricoh makes a great looking image. Each time I use it, I think its image quality impresses me more and more.
Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
All content on this blog is © 2013-2026 Dennis A. Mook. All Rights Reserved. Feel free to point to this blog from your website with full attribution. Permission may be granted for commercial use. Please contact Mr. Mook to discuss permission to reproduce the blog posts and/or images.
I'm now 81 years old and have been retired for over a decade. I don't see myself giving up my kit (mainly micro 4/3) as I still have the strength to take it on long trips and the experience to choose which single camera-lens configuration to take on my (almost) daily photo walks.
ReplyDeleteWhat I see as most important for a retiree who wants to keep a sharp mind as well as an active body is choosing a new niche in his hobby (profession) and learning it. Trying out macro or abstract photography, printing my own photos and trying out new editing techniques worked for me.
And specifically to your question: If I had to choose one camera it would have to be a challenging one for me to use. I'd probably opt for the new Ricoh GR4 monochrome. I haven't shot in monochrome for over 50 years and see this camera as a technical and artistic challenge. Just the thing to keep me interested in photography and keep my mind active.
Thank you for your thoughts. Congratulations on getting into your 9th decade. I hope I make it as well. The Ricoh GRIV Monochrome is an interesting choice. I’ll ponder that for a while. I just wonder if the 28mm field of view is a little too wide for me. Finding out would take a bit of research on my part. Again, thanks for your comment. ~Dennis
DeleteA viable alternative would be the Pentax monochrome with the 20-40mm lens if you find the 28mm field of view too wide. The main downside is that image in the viewfinder still in color. For me, if I really had to choose only one camera, the additional weight and higher price of the Pentax would rule it out. For now I'll stick to what I have.
DeleteAt 83 my enthusiasm for photography remains as strong as when I was 13. My PhD was one of the first in the field of remote sensing (mine used satellite imagery for water resource management). I was fortunate to retire at 63 and have enjoyed good health despite a couple of scares that modern medicine has taken care of. For the last 10 years I shot mostly with Fuji’s starting with the X-t1. In the last few years I got interested in wildlife photography and have been chasing Puffin and Polar bear pictures. I got frustrated by the auto focus of the fuji cameras and bought a micro 4/3rds system which served well for travel and my new interests. I found i wanted a few more pixels for some of my family, travel and large mammal photography. I dumped my Fuji’s for 2 sony a7cr’s and 3 lenses, one a 50-400 telephoto. Being able to go from 61 mp to 28 mp at the push of a button and make the 400 into 600 was quite nice when I needed it. I now have the Sony’s and 2 Om e3’s and that will serve me well until I shuffle off. Given modern software I could probably get by with the OM system cameras when my weight carrying ability gets more limited. I have really enjoyed your blog and your approach to photography. Thanks for much valuable information. John
ReplyDeleteJohn, first congratulations on reaching 83! You have nine years on me but I’m determined to get where you are and beyond! Also, thank you for your kind words. It ry to provide interesting and helpful information. It sounds as though your photographic journey has been well thought out. I, too, think you made some good choices for what you plan to photograph. I agree. The OM system, coupled with a couple of plug-ins, can really provide excellent images. ~Dennis
DeleteI'm mid-80s and would call myself "semi-retired". I find myself with a combination of the OM-1 Mk 1 and Panasonic S5 Mk2 systems, depending on what/how I am going to be photographing. At some point, in a few years hopefully, I will part ways with the full frame system (I use light primes) in favor of the micro 43 system for a while. Some small primes with that, or perhaps sell all and get something like the Sony A7CR and a single small prime in the 35-40mm range. With the large sensor of the CR, I can have room to significantly crop if needed. While the Leica Q43s are always calling their Siren song, I don't see that in my future. And I am looking forward to that future!
ReplyDeleteRick
Rick, I hope you have a very long and healthy future! I’ve seriously considered the Sony A7CR with the smallish 40mm f/2.5 lens as an alternative to my Fujifilm X100VI. But I haven’t yet had the gumption to pull the trigger on one as of yet. I, too, hear the siren song of the Q3 43. It seems to get louder and more seductive as the days pass. ~Dennis
Delete-My criteria for a retirement camera are small and light with a good assortment of lenses. At 79, I really value small and light. After a series of point-and-shoots, I moved to Nikon crop sensor cameras, starting with the D40. My forever camera is a Nikon Z50, usually sporting a Nikkor DX 18-140 mm. With a wrist strap, I can carry it all day dangling like a bit of jewelry. The resolution is more than enough for prints up to poster size.
ReplyDeleteBob, I certainly can’t find fault with any of your choices. I used to have that 18-140mm lens. Fine lens. I made many good images with it. Thanks for the comment. ~Dennis
DeleteI had a real life sort of retirement experience last year that imposed serious mobility limitations for a while. Still, I never went outside, or to cardio rehabilitation, without my iPhone 17. Even when resting after a short distance, I made a photo or two. The psychological benefit of making exposures was as beneficial as the exercise. Now, reasonably mobile again, I plan to continue on into the future with my OM with 2 zoom lenses. The iPhone 17 will continue to be an integral part of the kit. When used as a serious camera with the necessary adjustments in post processing, the resulting images are surprising.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear you are doing better and have regained some of your mobility. I hope you continue to improve. I agree the iPhone 17 can produce some remarkably good quality images. For me, however, it is about the user experience. I still like using a regular camera. Old habits, I guess. But, one day, I may only be using a phone. One never knows. Thanks for your comment. ~Dennis
DeleteSince I'm well into retirement at age 74, my cameras are the moderately sized Z7 II and Z50 II along with a collection of smallish DX and FX lenses. I've also enjoyed shooting M43 since 2012, so I've been reducing that gear down to a small and light kit in case size and weight become issues when I get old. I'm down to just an OM-1 with the diminutive 12-32mm, the f/2.8 12-35mm, and the versatile 14-140mm (I prefer Lumix lenses since they zoom in the same direction as my Nikon lenses). Eventually I plan to downsize from the OM-1 to the OM-5 II since it's about half the weight but is still a comfortable camera to use. –Jon in California
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Jon. If I remember correctly, the Z7 is very close to the size of the OM-1 series. The OM-5 is smaller, of course, as is the Z50II. In retrospect, I think any of the current brands of cameras offer small enough versions of camera bodies with lots of great features that it really isn’t burdensome to carry any of them. It is the lenses that make the difference and I tend to find a system that has the lenses that will allow me to carry the least number of them and still accomplish my photographic goals. ~Dennis
DeleteI'm 80 years old, now using FUJI X100VI and Sony RX100V. Bought a Nikon D90 with lots of lenses in 2010 (when I retired) and a Fuji X100 in 2012 (January). Within af couple of years the Fuji did replace the Nikon totally. This just for your statistics.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Those two cameras make a nice compact, but capable combination. I hope you are enjoying them. Also, congratulations for achieving 80 years of age! Way to go! ~Dennis
DeleteHello to all! I came across this blog while looking for 'retired people with cameras'. I am 78, and have lived lived in Belgrade, Serbia since 1976. (I am American; husband was Serbian). I picked up my first SLR, a Praktica, when I lived in Paris and have been clicking ever since. I've gone through a series of various DSLRs and an arsenal of lenses. Sold those; now shooting with a Nikon Z50II and several lenses. I mainly do street photography, so my favorite lens is the 18-50 for sneak shots.... I shoot often from the hip.
ReplyDeleteAt 80 years old, I've settled into a dual combination of the Leica Q2 and Q3 43 which are perfect for 80%+ of my photography. Obviously they don't work for a small amount of wildlife/bird photography I do. For that, a Fuji X-T5 and the 70-300mm lens with the 1.4 Teleconverter, but even this relatively lightweight kit is getting heavy for my busted rotator cuff.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making it to 80! Keep going as hard as you can! Also, thanks for your comment. I would love to have either Leica, but I’ve not convinced myself that I can’t do the same things with my X100VI coupled with the wide angle and telephoto lens attachments plus my X-T5 (or X-E5) and that wonderful 70-300mm lens you mentioned. I do have the 1.4x tele-converter but I use it sparingly. Maybe one day I can find a Leica Q3 or Q3 43 at a good price. If I do, I’ll jump on it! Enjoy your photography and take care of that shoulder. ~Dennis
Delete