5 of the Most Iconic Cameras of All Time

There are hundreds of cameras in existence, some more successful than others. However, some cameras have become icons that managed to define the industry and technology for years. Despite technology evolving rapidly in the past 20 years and cameras becoming too good to be true, some pieces of gear were so perfect that professionals used them despite newer versions coming out. In this article, I will look at five of the most iconic cameras ever made.

Kodak Brownie

Widely regarded as the camera that made photography accessible, the Kodak Brownie is as easy to find in 2023 as it was back in the day. First introduced in 1900 by George Eastman, who went on to create the Eastman Kodak Company, this compact camera set the scene for the industry for many generations. It gave the camera to simple users who wanted to capture their precious moments in photographic quality without being professional photographers. The Kodak Brownie was perfect. It was lightweight and easy to use, an ancestor of the point-and-shoot, and later the smartphone camera.

I consider this camera significant because of its ability to give photography to the masses. This was the first camera to prioritize getting the shot above image quality. The lens was primitive, the process was simplified, and the image was just good enough to be a reflection of the events that took place. Personal photography emerged as a direct outcome of the launch of the Kodak Brownie.

Leica I

One of the first 35mm cameras to enter the market, this camera was a portable and lightweight device that allowed professional photographers to take their gear anywhere. Just like now, companies race to make the most portable gear for photographers to take with them. It was introduced in 1925 by Oskar Barnack, a German engineer. Capturing candid moments became easy, and street photography jumped in popularity as a result.

In my opinion, this camera put the start to many of the iconic photographers who are widely regarded as the founding fathers of the craft. Photojournalism and press photography became much more accessible, and giants such as Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson used Leica cameras to take some of the most important photographs in the history of the period. They were able to easily blend in with the crowd, take shots while going unnoticed, and capture authentic and real moments happening at the time.

Polaroid Land Camera

Edwin Land was not happy with the fact that images took a while to process, and seeing the immediate outcome was impossible for the user. As early as 1948, he introduced the Polaroid Land Camera, which reinvented the way photography was seen. It used a self-developing film to create instant prints.

For me, this camera holds a dear place in my heart as some of my childhood memories exist as Polaroids (albeit from a much later period). Growing up in the post-Soviet climate in Ukraine and seeing images pop out from the camera instantly fascinated me at the time, as much as it does now.

The Polaroid Land Camera was loved both by amateurs and professional photographers. It was very common for families to grab a Polaroid on their holiday and capture their memories, just as it was common for photographers such as Helmut Newton to put a Polaroid back on their professional camera and make sure the image was exposed properly. In a way, this was the first-ever method of setting up a shot without a light meter and simply by feel. As someone who rarely if ever uses a light meter, I could absolutely see myself using Polaroids back in the day. Nowadays, when looking to purchase an old medium-format film camera, I will certainly go for buying a Polaroid back just for this function.

Nikon F

Nikon F This was the first ever SLR camera introduced in 1959. The SLR technology still dominates the professional landscape, even in the era of mirrorless photography. The Nikon F was more compact than medium format cameras, but also retained some of the modularity found on medium format bodies. While you couldn't swap out backs for different films, you could change lenses, add accessories, and carry them around. It also saw the introduction of the Nikon F mount, which became a standard for all Nikon SLRs and DSLRs. Some pros stayed with Nikon simply because it allowed them to put their older lenses on new bodies and vice-versa. The electronic contacts were added to the existing mount, making upgrading cheaper and easier for photographers.

Canon 5D

Canon 5D This camera was the first ever true full-frame DSLR, giving photographers capabilities previously unseen in the digital world. Introduced in 2005, it featured a mere 12MP full-frame sensor, but it still meant better dynamic range, enhanced low-light performance, and a sea of other benefits. The Canon 5D set the scene for what a professional DSLR is and the 5D series has become the go-to for pro photographers from all walks of life. Some still keep it in their gear drawer for backup. In fact, I would not have a problem shooting a studio shoot with such a camera. I personally use the 5D Mark IV and the 5Ds. In the past, I used the 5D Mark II. These days, I would still recommend the 5D Mark II to anyone who wants to become a professional photographer doing studio work or landscape.

Your First Camera

Your first camera I want to put this on the list as a photographer's first camera is always the most precious one. It may be a smartphone or it may be a Canon EOS300 (in my case). This primitive Canon camera helped me become the photographer that I am. It taught me the basics of photography, and it holds a dear place in my heart. No other camera feels as special as this one. It is safe to say that I would not be a photographer if that camera did not come into my life. Funny enough, I broke my very first Canon EOS300 by sticking my finger in the shutter. I then bought an identical body and used the old one for spares. The hot shoe on the Canon 5D Mark IV I have came from the original EOS300. I still take the old EOS300 out for a spin when feeling nostalgic.

What are your top 5 iconic cameras? Let us know in the comments!