When someone asks me what camera I recommend, it’s like choosing a favorite child. There is no simple answer. I ask, what format do you prefer? Manual or automatic? Interchangeable lenses or fixed lens? Built-in flash or flash mount? For personal trips or shooting weddings? $10 or $3500? You get the picture. It’s a valid question, and we all want to be told the answer. But what if I showed you.

Showed you the cameras I have hand picked over the last decade to claim a spot in my film bag. Cameras from all walks of life, and each with their own unique personalities. From a $10 garage sale point and shoot to a $3500 Leica, they all serve a purpose in my day to day, and there’s no quick answer to saying why.

So here is my answer. A full rundown of all the cameras in my essential kit for 35mm & medium format, and live shoots to follow, where you come along as my assistant to help me compare all these cameras to one another. Listen in on my thought process behind my gear & shooting, and discover what your own answers are to all the questions that come with “what camera should I invest in?”.