Sometimes, the best photography experiences come from leaving behind the latest gadgets and embracing the basics. With a lightweight film camera and the open countryside ahead, you can focus on what truly matters: the journey, the light, and the stories you capture along the way.
Coming to you from Steve O'Nions, this reflective video takes you on a journey through the hills with a Nikon F55, a budget-friendly film camera loaded with Ilford Delta 3200. O'Nions discusses his love for “stuff that works”—reliable, straightforward gear that does its job without fuss. This sentiment extends to his camera, a lightweight and inexpensive piece of kit that consistently delivers. He values function over features, preferring equipment that lets him focus on the experience rather than getting bogged down by technical complications.
O'Nions also touches on the philosophy of “good enough.” He recalls how the basic gear of his youth enabled him to explore the world, and how, even with better equipment today, the essence of those early adventures remains unmatched. No matter how advanced the gear becomes, the first steps in the craft are often the most memorable. It’s a reminder that the joy of photography lies not in having the best equipment but in the act of creating and exploring.
The video further explores the emotional impact of photography. O'Nions emphasizes that a photograph should evoke a feeling, whether it’s awe, peace, or nostalgia. He finds that high-definition, noise-free images often lack the raw, textured quality that moves him. This is why he gravitates towards film, particularly the gritty aesthetic of Delta 3200. For him, photography is less about technical perfection and more about creating images that resonate on a deeper, emotional level. Check out the video above for the full rundown from O'Nions.
