Are you wondering what to do with old cameras? If you’ve found your dad’s vintage camera from the 70s or your first compact camera, don’t hurry up to put it in the dresser drawer again.
You can donate an old camera to a school, sell it, give it as a present or use this vintage device as an element of your apartment decor.
Start by identifying the specific type of camera you own. The purpose and potential of a decade-old digital camera will differ significantly from older models working with 8mm or 35mm film.
Furthermore, owning something special like an old-school Polaroid, a vintage Olympus model, or a currently trendy Canon EOS may affect your next move.
They can boast valuable DSLR lenses, historical importance, or be a dream for photography enthusiasts and collectors.
So, once you've figured out your preference on whether to hold onto it or let it go, you can efficiently streamline your choices.
It doesn't matter whether you inherited a collection of old cameras, or it's just time to replace your gear with new models, there are ways to make old cameras useful again.
You will probably find shooting with an old film camera exciting. It helps develop a creative eye carefully focusing on the composition since you can take a limited number of shots.
Moreover, you don't have to worry about histograms and batteries, check the LCD after every shot, or spend hours in front of your computer uploading and editing images.
However, if your old camera doesn’t work, you have to fix it first. Find a good technician and send your camera for repair.
Electronic and mechanical devices aren’t perfect, and your robust new camera may fail to work properly one day. With a backup camera at hand, you can save the situation, whether you are going to shoot commercials or capture travel moments.
Besides, you may organize a shooting when your gear will endure certain risks.
It is better to use your old gear for extreme shooting instead of running the risk of damaging your new expensive DSLR.
Among the things you can do with old camera equipment is to donate them to a school, university, college, or a photography school that runs workshop programs. Old cameras will come in handy for classes on film development or photography.
Do research to find out whether your local schools have photography classes or special programs. They would like to give or lend your old camera to a student, who can’t afford to purchase his/her own device.
Since charitable contributions are tax-deductible in the USA, donating provides some financial reward beyond the feeling that you are doing something really good.
In fact, they can be a great resource for tutorials on things like getting the hang of a vintage lens, understanding the ins and outs of a camera, loading film, and more. You can also leverage them to explain the workings of a darkroom or delve into the history of film in your photography classes.
Even if you've got a newer digital video camera, it can still be a valuable asset for younger students who may be more accustomed to snapping photos with their smartphones.
Up for some camera fun? How about spicing your shooting up by teaming your action camera under $100 with a large vintage lens? Get creative, play around with unique combinations, and who knows, you may just uncover a completely fresh way to capture incredible moments!
Why not dive into some experimentation or make a few modifications? For instance, you can take a 40-year-old 3D camera and try your hand at turning it into a digital marvel. It's all about being open to possibilities, getting your hands dirty, and discovering where your tinkering skills may take you with these retro gadgets.
You can donate old cameras to a photography charity to help people in need or contribute to social projects.
If you happen to own a vintage camera with historical value, it's a good idea to reach out to local museums and historical societies. They may be keen on arranging a photography exhibition or incorporating the camera into a designated area for children within the museum.
Even if you've recently upgraded your camera or have no use for one, it's worth considering whether a friend could find value in your old camera. We often miss out on straightforward solutions when deciding what to do with old camera.
Remember to reach out to your loved ones and check if they may be interested in taking your camera or camera gear off your hands.
If you are a blogger and don’t know what to do with old digital cameras, why not run a giveaway, where your followers can win your old camera or vintage lenses? Running a social media giveaway is an excellent way to increase your brand recognition. This way you will not only get rid of your old camera but also attract a new audience to your blog.
Besides, you can repurpose your old camera, essentially using either the whole body or its parts for a completely different purpose. The possibilities are diverse, ranging from crafting artwork to transforming camera components into a lamp, clock, and various other creative knick-knacks.
To turn an old camera into a desk lamp you need to empty out the inside, place a small lamp fixture within, and direct the light through the lens. In the end, you will receive a desk lamp with a vintage vibe that emanates a cozy, nostalgic glow, bringing a bit of character to any working environment.
To make an LED torch out of a vintage camera, you need to take out the camera's guts, fit a robust LED light source inside, and repurpose the original controls as an intuitive switch.
By doing so, you can transform a camera into a portable and distinctive torch, which will combine a vintage charm with cutting-edge functionality. The best thing about such a creation is that it will perfectly blend into various settings.
If you don’t mind going the extra mile, you can give your old camera a modern twist by swapping its lens with an infrared one and adding infrared LED lights for a DIY night vision upgrade.
Thus, your vintage gear will be able to “see” in low-light conditions, keeping an eye on darker areas or infusing a bit of spy-tech nostalgia into your security setup.
Another tip on what to do with old camcorders and cameras is to transform their parts into mini flower pots to complement your interior.
If you are heavily into photography and want to always have a reminder about your passion at hand, you can transform an old DSLR lens into a coffee mug.
Thus, you can enjoy both your favorite activities every time you have a coffee break.
Such a pretty thing will create a special atmosphere in your room. Moreover, you can decorate the vase with old photographs.
It is possible to use some camera elements to design an exclusive smartphone charger. Such an accessory will help turn an ordinary charging device into a creative decor element.
The wires routed across the top of the old camera body can serve as excellent tools to showcase printed images or polaroids.
Give your camera a new lease on life as a birdhouse – just empty it out, attach a little perch, and make a bird-friendly entry point. Pop it in your garden for a touch of originality.
Clear out the inside and toss in some wooden shelves or dividers to make a beautiful and functional wine rack. Lens openings are perfect for keeping your wine glasses within arm's reach.
Give your camera a makeover into a tiny green terrarium by filling it up with small plants, moss, or succulents. Use the lens opening as a lid or attach a hinge for convenient access.
If none of the mentioned ideas of what to do with old cameras tickle your fancy, consider passing the creative torch to a friend or family member. Gift-wrap your old cameras with a personal touch – fashion a camera lens necklace or bracelet, jazz up the camera body with a bit of paint and decoration, or explore any of our other suggestions.
If you're into a retro vibe and want some one-of-a-kind décor, consider showcasing old film cameras or even some of the earlier digital models. Vintage cameras not only add a unique touch to your space, but they can also spark interesting conversations or bring extra perks when cleverly displayed.
Consider using a shadow box to show off your camera gear. It not only protects it from moisture, dust, and potential damage but also lets you exhibit your vintage camera alongside old photos, memories, artwork, and more.
What's great is that shadow boxes come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and styles, so you can create something that matches your existing décor while injecting a touch of personal nostalgia.
Another way to show off your cameras is by attaching them to the wall. Thus, you will receive a cleaner, more minimalistic decoration, still having enough space for other items.
There are a couple of ways to go about it – either hang it by the camera strap, or if the camera isn't too expensive, you can affix it to the wall using screws, glue, or some other means.
If you've got a bunch of photography stuff you want to show off, this is a great choice. It's not just for showcasing your equipment. It works well if you have an old camera you want to display alongside other cool stuff like decorations, keepsakes, photo albums, and whatever.
Display cases, kind of like shadow boxes, also help keep your vintage gear safe from things like moisture, dust, random debris, pets, and curious kids.
Tossing a camera on your bookshelf not only adds a nice touch but also pulls double duty as a practical bookend. It's the simplest way to display your vintage lenses, camera bits, and bodies.
This means you can skip the whole landfill routine for your cameras and, at the same time, avoid burning through time or cash on some other display setup.
Not every camera is a goldmine, but some can be pretty valuable. Even if your camera falls on the less pricey side, there's still a chance to score something for it.
Photography fanatics or people into collecting film cameras may be interested. Now, you're probably wondering, how do you go about selling those old cameras? Well, keep reading.
If you are wondering what to do with old camera, selling your device may be the first option to consider. You can bring it to a local consignment shop and wait till a collector or hoarder chooses your camera for purchase.
Some people are still afraid to purchase goods online from strangers. That is why you can offer a potential buyer to meet in person and look at the camera before making a deal.
If you have a camera that's worth some bucks, especially the one with an antique charm, it's a good move to reach out to a camera appraiser. They can clue you in on the real deal value, so you know what you're looking at when it comes time to sell.
On top of that, a camera appraiser may inform you about an auction or connect you with a collector who's on the hunt for vintage cameras.
Finding a buyer for your camera may take a bit of digging, especially if you're leaning toward a local sale. Consider checking out social media, Amazon markets, eBay, Craigslist, and other online spaces to see if anyone is in the market for a camera or has had success selling one. It can also help you gauge the potential value of your specific camera model.
Here are some online platforms where you can sell your camera:
Explore forums and websites for camera aficionados – you may just find some eager buyers. These platforms link you up with individuals who have an interest in film photography and others who can share valuable information about the camera you own.
Check out these platforms:
If neither of the above-mentioned ideas works for you, you can recycle old cameras for cash. However, think twice before doing it because cameras are made of valuable materials such as copper, platinum, and aluminum that can be reused.
Also, cameras include some components like batteries that can be harmful to our environment if they aren't properly discarded. In case you decide to recycle your camera gear, it is advisable to address a specialized service.
Suggestions include:
Things to Consider Before Recycling:
Plenty of organizations, schools, or community centers would welcome camera donations for educational or artistic projects.
Think about recycling it through electronic waste programs to make sure it gets disposed of properly. Alternatively, you can use it in creative DIY projects.
You can transform them into stylish desk lamps, quirky planters for your home decor, craft some DIY gadgets, or incorporate them into artistic displays on shelves or even as wall art.
Old cameras can range from being practically worthless to fetching thousands of dollars, depending on factors like the brand, condition, type, and overall popularity. Even though they may not be as sought after as some alternative investments, vintage cameras have gained popularity as a stylish collectible, appealing to both investors and photography enthusiasts.
This is the 1923 0-Series Leica by Oskar Barnack. In June 2022, this camera shattered previous auction records by selling in Wetzlar for an eye-popping €12,000,000.
Nostalgia is a big player here. If you once owned one of these cameras, grabbing it again can unleash a wave of sentimental memories. Older cameras often grapple with low-light situations, sometimes have issues with focus, and come with significantly lower dynamic range, giving some photos that vintage film photography vibe.
